"Fa Fen Tu Qiang" (to make a determined effort to become strong) means resolving to strive for strength or progress. Its core lies in "fa fen" (making a determined effort) — being spurred into action by dissatisfaction with the status quo — and "tu qiang" (striving for strength) — seeking to become strong. This idiom originates from The Analects, Shu Er, where Confucius described himself as "so intent on learning that he forgot his meals, and so joyful that he forgot his worries," embodying a spirit of positive striving. It is often used to describe individuals, groups, or nations rising up in adversity, emphasizing inner motivation and sustained effort. Culturally, it aligns with the Confucian values of unremitting self-improvement and vigorous action. It carries a commendatory tone, full of encouragement and affirmation. It is widely used, such as to describe students studying diligently, enterprises reforming and innovating, or a nation striving for rejuvenation. Its deeper meaning lies in this: true strength comes from sustained action after inner awakening, not from a momentary impulse. It encourages people to turn pressure into motivation, to change their destiny through unremitting effort, and to achieve a transformation from weakness to strength.
📝 Example
1. Faced with technological blockade, this company worked with a firm resolve to strengthen itself and finally developed a chip with independent intellectual property rights. (Refers to the company making up its mind to strive for technological breakthroughs and become stronger.)
2. He came from a poor background, but he worked with a firm resolve to strengthen himself, and within ten years grew from an ordinary worker into an industry expert. (Refers to his making up his mind to strive hard in order to change his fate and improve himself.)