奋斗 (fèndòu) is one of the most important virtues in modern Chinese society. It is the engine of personal and national progress. For an individual, it's the pathway to a good education, a successful career, and the ability to provide a better life for one's parents and children. Nationally, it's the collective spirit that leaders evoke to encourage economic development and national rejuvenation (the “Chinese Dream” or 中国梦). A useful Western comparison is “hustle culture” or “the grind,” but there's a key difference. While “hustle” can be individualistic and focused on personal wealth or status, 奋斗 is often deeply connected to a sense of collective responsibility and long-term sacrifice. You 奋斗 not just for yourself, but for your family's honor and future. It's tied to the value of 吃苦 (chīkǔ), or “eating bitterness”—the ability to endure hardship now for a greater reward later. It is seen as a noble, admirable quality, not just a means to an end.
奋斗 is used everywhere, from company slogans to everyday conversations about life goals.
The connotation is overwhelmingly positive. To say someone is a 奋斗者 (fèndòu zhě), or “one who strives,” is a high compliment, praising their resilience and ambition.
The most common mistake for learners is confusing 奋斗 (fèndòu) with 努力 (nǔlì).