争气 zhēngqì to work hard for something
to work hard for something; to resolve on improvement; determined not to fall short
How to remember 争气: 争 contend + 气 air = to work hard for something.
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How it is used
- To work hard so as to make one's group proud and not lose face - 你要争气，别让父母失望 (nǐ yào zhēngqì, bié ràng fùmǔ shīwàng) buck up and don't let your parents down.
- Also said of things that 'come through' for you: 我的胃不争气 (wǒ de wèi bù zhēngqì) my stomach let me down.
- About earning honor for yourself/your side (争 face), not about arguing.