挣 (zhēng) - To struggle & to strive

挣Tone 1

zhēng ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical: 扌

丈志

挣 · zhēng

To struggle;

to strive;

to earn (money);

to free oneself from constraints.

To struggleto striveto earn (money)

Usage highlights

Earn moneyStruggle to free oneselfStrive hardEarn a livingHardCompete fiercely

Synonyms

  • 赚— To earn, to make profit
  • 争— To contend, to strive
  • 搏— To fight, to struggle

Antonyms

  • 花— To spend money
  • 失— To lose
  • 弃— To abandon, to give up

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He works hard to earn money (挣钱).
  • She struggled to free herself from the ropes (挣脱绳索).
  • They strive for a better life (为更好的生活而挣扎).
  • This job earns a good income (这份工作挣得不少).

Collocations

  • Earn money(挣钱)
  • Struggle to free oneself(挣脱)
  • Strive hard(挣扎)
  • Earn a living(挣生活)
  • Hard-earned money(挣来的钱)
  • Compete fiercely(挣抢)

Idioms

  • Struggle desperately(垂死挣扎)
  • Strive with all one's might(奋力挣扎)
  • Earn one's own living(自挣自吃)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Reflects the value of hard work and self-reliance in Chinese culture.
  • Often used in contexts of economic struggle and social mobility.
  • The character combines 'hand' (扌) with 'contend' (争), emphasizing active effort.

FAQ