zi3 hei3志氣志气
Jyutpingzi3 hei3
Yaleji hei
Definition
Ambition, resolve, or determination to achieve one's ideals.
neutralemotionpeople
How it's used
Describes a person's inner drive and moral strength to achieve goals despite obstacles. It is often used to praise someone who refuses to give up or settle for less, carrying a sense of pride and resilience. Unlike general ambition, it emphasizes the strength of character required to pursue one's path.
Examples
He has great aspiration and is determined to get into university.
With such aspiration, you will surely succeed in the future.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Avoid using it to describe simple career goals or material desires, as it specifically refers to the strength of spirit and character rather than just the target itself.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
