永不放弃
yǒng bù fàngqì
The English phrase "never give up" is translated into Chinese as 永不放弃 (yǒng bù fàngqì).
永不放弃 is an encouraging phrase used to tell someone to keep trying and not stop until they succeed. It is often used as a slogan, a motivational motto or a strong exhortation in both written and spoken Chinese.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 永不放弃 is composed of 永 meaning 'forever', 不 meaning 'not' and 放弃 meaning 'to give up'.
Which one should you use?
永不放弃 is a formal or poetic way to express the sentiment. In contrast, 不要放弃 is a more common, conversational way to tell someone "don't give up" in the moment. Additionally, 别放弃 serves as an informal way to say "don't give up", while 坚持不懈 means "persistently" or "perseveringly".
How do you pronounce it?
yǒng bù fàngqì
Did you know?
- While 永不放弃 is a powerful motto, in a high-pressure competition or a struggle, people are more likely to shout 加油 (jiāyóu), which literally means 'add oil'.
- In Chinese culture, the concept of not giving up is often tied to 吃苦, which literally means 'eating bitterness'.
- In traditional Chinese philosophy, the idea of 'never giving up' is balanced by the concept of 'wu wei', or 'non-action', which suggests knowing when to stop fighting the flow.
Examples in context
- 朋友，永不放弃！我们一起加油！Friend, never give up! Let's cheer each other on!
- 只要有梦想，就永不放弃。zhǐyào yǒu mèngxiǎng, jiù yǒng bù fàngqì.As long as you have a dream, never give up.
- 我们要永不放弃，直到成功为止。wǒmen yào yǒng bù fàngqì, zhídào chénggōng wéizhǐ.We must never give up until we succeed.
Example conversation
Xiaowen encourages Wei during a difficult sports practice.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen伟，坚持住，千万不要放弃！Wěi, jiānchí zhù, qiānwàn bùyào fàngqì!Wei, hold on, please don't give up!
- 伟 Wei但是我真的太累了。Dànshì wǒ zhēnde tài lèi le.But I am really too tired.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你要相信自己，永不放弃。Nǐ yào xiāngxìn zìjǐ, yǒngbù fàngqì.You have to believe in yourself and never give up.
- 伟 Wei好吧，我会继续努力的。Hǎo ba, wǒ huì jìxù nǔlì de.Alright, I will keep working hard.
