上进心

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上进心 [2025/08/10 10:05] – created xiaoer上进心 [Unknown date] (current) – removed - external edit (Unknown date) 127.0.0.1
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-====== shàngjìnxīn: 上进心 - Ambition, Drive, Desire to Improve ====== +
-===== Quick Summary ===== +
-  * **Keywords:** shangjinxin, 上进心, Chinese ambition, what is shangjinxin, desire to improve in Chinese, self-improvement, drive, motivation, Chinese work ethic, Chinese culture, upwardly mobile +
-  * **Summary:** Discover the meaning of **上进心 (shàngjìnxīn)**, a core concept in Chinese culture that goes beyond simple "ambition." This page explains why having **shàngjìnxīn**, or a strong inner drive to constantly improve oneself, is a highly praised virtue in China. Learn how this term reflects cultural values in work, relationships, and personal development, and how to use it accurately as a Chinese learner. +
-===== Core Meaning ===== +
-  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** shàngjìnxīn +
-  * **Part of Speech:** Noun +
-  * **HSK Level:** HSK 5 +
-  * **Concise Definition:** The internal drive, motivation, or mindset to constantly make progress and improve oneself. +
-  * **In a Nutshell:** **上进心 (shàngjìnxīn)** is the quiet, persistent engine of self-improvement. It's not about a single goal, but a fundamental personality trait. Think of it as the opposite of complacency. A person with **上进心** is always looking for ways to learn more, do better, and move forward in their life, career, and personal character. It is an overwhelmingly positive quality to have in Chinese society. +
-===== Character Breakdown ===== +
-  * **上 (shàng):** Means "up," "upward," or "to ascend." It points towards a higher level or state. +
-  * **进 (jìn):** Means "to advance," "to enter," or "to make progress." It implies forward movement. +
-  * **心 (xīn):** Means "heart" or "mind." In Chinese, the heart is considered the seat of thought and emotion, so this character represents one's inner state, mindset, or core being. +
-When combined, **上 (up) + 进 (advance) + 心 (heart/mind)** literally translates to an "upward-advancing heart." This beautifully captures the essence of the word: a mindset that is inherently oriented towards progress and self-betterment. +
-===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== +
-**上进心 (shàngjìnxīn)** is more than just a personality trait; it's a cultural virtue deeply embedded in the Chinese psyche. It's connected to historical and philosophical ideas of self-cultivation (修身, xiūshēn) from Confucianism, where improving oneself is a moral duty. +
-In a society that has experienced rapid transformation and values education as the primary path to success, having **上进心** is seen as essential. It's the fuel for navigating a competitive environment, whether it's studying for the grueling //gaokao// (高考, college entrance exam) or climbing the career ladder. +
-**Comparison to Western "Ambition":** +
-While "ambition" is the closest English equivalent, it's an imperfect translation. "Ambition" in the West can carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting ruthlessness or a self-serving nature (e.g., a "ruthlessly ambitious" politician). +
-**上进心**, however, is almost universally positive. It's viewed as a responsible and admirable quality. It implies a desire not just for personal gain, but for improving one's ability to contribute to the family and society. A person with **上进心** is seen as reliable, hardworking, and future-oriented—a good employee, a good friend, and a good partner. Lacking it (**没有上进心**) is a serious criticism, implying laziness and a lack of potential. +
-===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== +
-You will encounter **上进心** in many aspects of modern life: +
-  * **In the Workplace:** Employers actively seek candidates with **上进心**. A common job interview question is, "你觉得自己是一个有上进心的人吗？" (Do you consider yourself a person with drive?). It signals that you are proactive, willing to learn, and committed to growth within the company. +
-  * **In Relationships and Dating:** It is a highly desirable trait in a potential partner. Parents often assess a potential son- or daughter-in-law based on whether they have **上进心**. It's a proxy for stability, responsibility, and the ability to provide a good future for the family. A common phrase of approval is, "这个年轻人很有上进心" (This young person has a great drive to succeed). +
-  * **In Education:** Teachers praise students who show **上进心**. It's not just about getting good grades, but about demonstrating a genuine desire to learn and overcome challenges. +
-===== Example Sentences ===== +
-  * **Example 1:** +
-    * 他是一个很**有上进心**的年轻人，一直在学习新技能。 +
-    * Pinyin: Tā shì yīgè hěn **yǒu shàngjìnxīn** de niánqīngrén, yīzhí zài xuéxí xīn jìnéng. +
-    * English: He is a young man with a strong drive to improve; he's always learning new skills. +
-    * Analysis: A common and positive description of someone's character. `有上进心` (yǒu shàngjìnxīn) means "to have drive." +
-  * **Example 2:** +
-    * 公司需要的是**有上进心**、有责任感的员工。 +
-    * Pinyin: Gōngsī xūyào de shì **yǒu shàngjìnxīn**, yǒu zérèngǎn de yuángōng. +
-    * English: What the company needs are employees who have drive and a sense of responsibility. +
-    * Analysis: This sentence is typical of what you might see in a job description. **上进心** is listed as a key requirement. +
-  * **Example 3:** +
-    * 我妈妈觉得我男朋友**没有上进心**，因为他满足于现在的工作，不想升职。 +
-    * Pinyin: Wǒ māmā juédé wǒ nánpéngyǒu **méiyǒu shàngjìnxīn**, yīnwèi tā mǎnzú yú xiànzài de gōngzuò, bùxiǎng shēngzhí. +
-    * English: My mom thinks my boyfriend lacks ambition because he's content with his current job and doesn't want a promotion. +
-    * Analysis: This shows the negative counterpart, `没有上进心` (méiyǒu shàngjìnxīn), which is a strong form of criticism in a family or relationship context. +
-  * **Example 4:** +
-    * 保持**上进心**是不断进步的关键。 +
-    * Pinyin: Bǎochí **shàngjìnxīn** shì bùduàn jìnbù de guānjiàn. +
-    * English: Maintaining a drive to improve is the key to continuous progress. +
-    * Analysis: This sentence treats **上进心** as an abstract concept or state to be maintained. +
-  * **Example 5:** +
-    * 只要你**有上进心**，就一定能找到好工作。 +
-    * Pinyin: Zhǐyào nǐ **yǒu shàngjìnxīn**, jiù yīdìng néng zhǎodào hǎo gōngzuò. +
-    * English: As long as you have the drive to succeed, you will definitely be able to find a good job. +
-    * Analysis: This is a common sentence of encouragement, linking the trait directly to a positive outcome. +
-  * **Example 6:** +
-    * 她的**上进心**很强，每天下班后还要去上课。 +
-    * Pinyin: Tā de **shàngjìnxīn** hěn qiáng, měitiān xiàbān hòu hái yào qù shàngkè. +
-    * English: Her drive is very strong; she even goes to classes after getting off work every day. +
-    * Analysis: Here, `强` (qiáng - strong) is used to quantify the level of her **上进心**. +
-  * **Example 7:** +
-    * 一个人如果失去了**上进心**，就很难再有成就了。 +
-    * Pinyin: Yīgè rén rúguǒ shīqùle **shàngjìnxīn**, jiù hěn nán zài yǒu chéngjiùle. +
-    * English: If a person loses their drive to improve, it will be very difficult for them to achieve anything more. +
-    * Analysis: `失去` (shīqù - to lose) is often paired with **上进心**, framing it as something precious that can be lost. +
-  * **Example 8:** +
-    * 我欣赏他，不是因为他多有钱，而是因为他那份可贵的**上进心**。 +
-    * Pinyin: Wǒ xīnshǎng tā, bùshì yīnwèi tā duō yǒu qián, ér shì yīnwèi tā nà fèn kěguì de **shàngjìnxīn**. +
-    * English: I admire him, not because of how much money he has, but because of his precious drive to improve. +
-    * Analysis: This highlights that **上进心** is considered an intrinsic, valuable quality, separate from material wealth. The measure word `份` (fèn) is used here. +
-  * **Example 9:** +
-    * 如何激发学生的**上进心**是每个老师都需要思考的问题。 +
-    * Pinyin: Rúhé jīfā xuéshēng de **shàngjìnxīn** shì měi gè lǎoshī dōu xūyào sīkǎo de wèntí. +
-    * English: How to motivate students (or "spark their drive") is a question every teacher needs to consider. +
-    * Analysis: The verb `激发` (jīfā - to stimulate, to arouse) is often used with **上进心**. +
-  * **Example 10:** +
-    * 和**有上进心**的人在一起，你自己也会变得更积极。 +
-    * Pinyin: Hé **yǒu shàngjìnxīn** de rén zài yīqǐ, nǐ zìjǐ yě huì biàn dé gèng jījí. +
-    * English: If you surround yourself with people who have drive, you will also become more proactive. +
-    * Analysis: This sentence reflects the belief that **上进心** is a contagious and positive influence. +
-===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== +
-  * **"Ambition" is a False Friend:** The biggest mistake is to think **上进心** is a perfect match for "ambition." Avoid using it in contexts where "ambition" might be negative. **上进心** is not about plotting to overthrow your boss; it's about taking a night class to improve your skills. A power-hungry villain has **野心 (yěxīn)**, not **上进心**. +
-  * **Trait, Not a Goal:** **上进心** is a continuous personality trait, not a specific, one-time objective. You use it to describe //why// you pursue a goal, not what the goal is. +
-    * **Incorrect:** 我的**上进心**是成为经理。(My "shangjinxin" is to become a manager.) +
-    * **Correct:** 我很**有上进心**，所以我的目标是成为经理。(I have a strong drive to improve, so my goal is to become a manager.) +
-  * **Not Used for Negative Progress:** It always implies positive, constructive progress. You cannot have **上进心** for something negative or trivial, like becoming the best video game player by skipping work. While that requires drive, it wouldn't be described with this virtuous term. +
-===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== +
-  * **[[努力]] (nǔlì)** - To work hard. This is the //action// a person with **上进心** takes. +
-  * **[[奋斗]] (fèndòu)** - To struggle; to strive. A more intense word than `努力`, often used for major life goals like building a career or a nation. It's `努力` over a long and difficult period. +
-  * **[[野心]] (yěxīn)** - Ambition (negative). Literally "wild heart." This is the word for unchecked, ruthless, or overly grand ambition. A warlord has `野心`, a good student has `上进心`. +
-  * **[[积极]] (jījí)** - Proactive; positive; enthusiastic. A personality trait that goes hand-in-hand with `上进心`. A person with `上进心` is naturally `积极`. +
-  * **[[上进]] (shàngjìn)** - To make progress; to be upwardly mobile. This is the adjective or verb form. You can say "他很上进" (He is very driven/He makes a lot of progress). `上进心` is the noun for the underlying mindset. +
-  * **[[追求]] (zhuīqiú)** - To pursue; to seek. This is the verb for chasing a specific dream or goal, often fueled by one's `上进心`. +
-  * **[[有为]] (yǒuwéi)** - Promising; accomplished. Often used in the phrase `年轻有为` (niánqīng yǒuwéi), meaning "young and promising," to describe someone who clearly has a lot of `上进心`.+