Definition
骨气 (gǔqì) means unyielding moral character or backbone, especially when facing hardship or pressure. It's about staying true to one's principles even at a cost — unlike 志气 (zhìqì, ambition and drive) which focuses on lofty goals, or 正气 (zhèngqì, moral rectitude) which emphasizes a general righteous atmosphere. Often used in the phrase 有骨气 (yǒu gǔqì, 'have backbone').
noun
unyielding moral characterintegritybackbone (esp. in the face of adversity)
Easily confused
- 服气fú qìlook-aliketo be convinced; to accept (a viewpoint)
Examples
- ，骨气，。Tā suīrán qióng, dàn hěn yǒu gǔ qì, cóng bú xiàng biérén dītóu.Although he is poor, he has great moral integrity and never bows to others.
- 骨气，。Zài qiángquán miànqián bǎochí gǔ qì, cáinéng yíngdé zhēnzhèng de zūnzhòng.Only by maintaining your backbone in the face of power can you earn genuine respect.
- 骨气，。Tā shì yí wèi yǒu gǔ qì de nǚxìng, jué bú wèile lìyì chūmài péngyou.She is a woman of integrity who would never betray a friend for profit.
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