势 (shì) - power & force

势Tone 4

shì ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 力

上姝

势 · shì

power;

force;

influence;

momentum;

situation;

circumstances;

tendency

powerforceinfluence

Usage highlights

power and influencesituation and tendencymomentumpotential energypostureadvantageous position

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 弱势— weak position, disadvantage
  • 无力— powerless, weak

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The political situation (政治形势) is stable.
  • He has great power and influence (权势很大).
  • The momentum of economic development (经济发展势头) is strong.
  • This creates a favorable situation (造成有利态势).

Collocations

  • power and influence(权势)
  • situation and tendency(形势)
  • momentum(势头)
  • potential energy(势能)
  • posture(姿势)
  • advantageous position(优势)

Idioms

  • To take advantage of the situation(因势利导)
  • Riding the momentum(势如破竹)
  • The situation is like a fire(势如燎原)
  • To bully others by relying on power(仗势欺人)
  • The momentum is overwhelming(势不可挡)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese philosophy, 'shi' (势) refers to the inherent tendency or momentum in a situation, important in military strategy and statecraft.
  • The concept appears in Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War' and other classical texts as a crucial element in achieving victory with minimal effort.
  • In traditional Chinese thought, understanding and utilizing 'shi' is considered a mark of wisdom and strategic thinking.

FAQ