lik6 zang1 soeng6 jau4力爭上游力争上游

Jyutpinglik6 zang1 soeng6 jau4

Yalelihk jāng seuhng yàuh

動詞

Definition

To strive for the best; to aim high and make every effort to make progress.

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How it's used

This idiom carries a strong sense of upward mobility and competitive ambition, often used in professional or academic contexts. It implies a continuous, active effort to improve one's status or performance rather than just a one-time achievement. It is frequently used to encourage others to maintain high standards or to describe someone who is highly motivated.

Examples

keoi5佢hou2好kan4勤lik6力，jat1一zik6直dou1都lik6力zang1爭soeng6上jau4游。

He is very hardworking and has always been striving for the best.

nei5你dim2點joeng2樣sin1先ho2可ji5以喺hai2公gung1司si1力lik6爭zang1上soeng6游jau4呀？

How can you strive for advancement in the company?

Common phrases

lik6力zang1爭soeng6上jau4游ge3嘅sam1心taai3態

a mindset of striving for the best

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple synonym of 努力, but it specifically carries the nuance of climbing a social or professional ladder. It is not used for simple physical tasks like cleaning or cooking.