吃 (chī): To eat. This character depicts a mouth (口) next to a stylized person, representing the fundamental act of consuming or taking something in.
苦 (kǔ): Bitter, hardship, suffering. The top part (艹) is the “grass” radical, suggesting bitter-tasting plants or herbs. The bottom part (古) means “old” or “ancient.” Together, they evoke the idea of a long, difficult life, sustained by eating bitter plants—a powerful image of hardship.
When combined, 吃苦 (chī kǔ) creates the vivid metaphor of “eating bitterness.” You are not just experiencing hardship externally; you are internalizing it, processing it, and drawing strength and sustenance from it, just as you would with food.
吃苦 is more than just a phrase in China; it's a deeply ingrained cultural value and a celebrated virtue. It is closely tied to Confucian principles of diligence, perseverance, and filial piety. The ability to 吃苦 is seen as a measure of a person's character, maturity, and potential for success.
A common belief, passed down through generations, is that one must 吃苦 in their youth to secure a comfortable and stable life in their old age. This concept is encapsulated in the famous idiom `先苦后甜 (xiān kǔ hòu tián)`, which means “bitterness first, sweetness later.”
Comparison with Western Concepts:
While the West has concepts like “no pain, no gain” or “hustle culture,” 吃苦 is distinct.
“Hustle culture” often emphasizes aggressive self-promotion, short-term sprints, and immediate, visible results.
吃苦, in contrast, often implies quiet, long-term endurance without complaint. It's less about “disrupting” an industry and more about patiently building a foundation for one's family and future. The focus is on resilience and sacrifice, often for a collective (family) good rather than purely individualistic gain. Praising someone for their ability to 吃苦 is one of the highest compliments you can give to their character and work ethic.
The concept remains highly relevant in modern China, even as society changes.
In Parenting and Education: Parents frequently encourage their children to 吃苦 by studying relentlessly for exams like the gāokǎo (高考). They believe this academic hardship is a necessary sacrifice for a bright future and a good career.
In the Workplace: The phrase 能吃苦 (néng chīkǔ), meaning “able to endure hardship,” is a highly sought-after quality in employees. It frequently appears in job descriptions and is used as high praise for a colleague who is dedicated, resilient, and not afraid of difficult or unglamorous tasks.
In Self-Reflection: Individuals often speak of the hardships they endured in their past as a point of pride, viewing their ability to 吃苦 as the reason for their current success or stability.
The connotation of 吃苦 is overwhelmingly positive when viewed as a voluntary choice or a necessary life stage. It is seen as a noble and admirable quality.