‘奋斗’ (fèn dòu) is a compound verb meaning 'to strive' or 'to struggle earnestly toward a goal.' The first character, 奋 (fèn), conveys energy, vigor, and determination — like flapping wings to take flight. The second, 斗 (dòu), originally means 'to fight' or 'to contend,' but in this context it emphasizes active, persistent effort rather than conflict with others. Together, they evoke the image of someone exerting themselves wholeheartedly against difficulty to achieve something meaningful — whether academic success, career advancement, or personal growth.

This word carries a strongly positive, aspirational tone in Chinese culture. It’s commonly used in motivational speeches, educational contexts, and media about perseverance. While it can describe physical effort, it more often refers to sustained mental, emotional, or moral effort over time. Unlike casual words like 'try,' 奋斗 implies deep commitment, sacrifice, and resilience — it’s the verb behind China’s 'Chinese Dream' rhetoric and everyday encouragement like '加油，继续奋斗！'