fan5 dau3奮鬥奋斗
Jyutpingfan5 dau3
Yalefáhn dau
Definition
To strive, fight for, or work hard for something with full dedication and effort.
neutralworkpeople
How it's used
Carries a sense of long term dedication or overcoming significant hardship to achieve a goal. It is often used in more serious or reflective contexts rather than describing daily routine tasks. While it can be used in casual speech, it retains a slightly formal or inspirational tone compared to more common phrases like 搏命.
Examples
He has been striving for his dream all along.
Related words
Common phrases
strive for one's ideals
goal to strive for
Common mistake
Learners often confuse it with 搏命, but 搏命 implies a more desperate or reckless level of effort, often at the risk of one's health or safety, whereas 奮鬥 focuses on the persistent pursuit of a long term objective.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.



