Meaning
骨气 refers to a person's inner strength, moral backbone, and unwillingness to compromise their principles even under pressure. It conveys the idea of having a strong spine and refusing to bow to injustice or bend to power. The term carries positive connotations of dignity, self-respect, and principled behavior.
Usage
This is a culturally important term in Chinese that describes a highly valued character trait. It's often used to praise someone who stands up for their beliefs or maintains dignity in difficult circumstances. Commonly appears in literary contexts, formal writing, and when discussing historical figures or moral character. Native speakers might say someone 'has 骨气' (有骨气) or 'lacks 骨气' (没骨气).
Examples
- 01他是个有骨气的人，宁愿挨饿也不向权贵低头。, .He is a person with backbone; he would rather go hungry than bow to the powerful and wealthy.
- 02作为中国人，我们要有民族骨气，不能忘记历史。, , .As Chinese people, we must have national dignity and cannot forget history.
Characters
Common collocations
- 有骨气to have backbone/integrity
- 没骨气to lack backbone/integrity
- 民族骨气national dignity/pride
- 硬骨气strong backbone/character
Antonyms
Origin
Literally 'bone spirit/energy,' the compound metaphorically links physical backbone (bones) with moral backbone (spirit/character). The image suggests that just as bones give the body structure and strength, 骨气 gives a person moral structure and strength of character.