‘放弃’ (fàngqì) is a compound verb meaning ‘to give up’ or ‘to abandon’ something — whether a goal, a habit, a relationship, or even an object. The first character 放 (fàng) means ‘to release’ or ‘to let go’, and the second 弃 (qì) means ‘to discard’ or ‘to forsake’. Together, they convey a strong sense of deliberate relinquishment, often implying resignation, pragmatism, or acceptance of impossibility. It’s commonly used in contexts involving effort, commitment, or emotional investment — for example, stopping a long-held pursuit or ending a difficult endeavor.

This word carries a neutral-to-slightly-negative connotation; it’s not inherently shameful but suggests recognition that continuing is no longer feasible or worthwhile. Unlike casual phrases like ‘quit’ or ‘drop’, 放弃 implies seriousness and finality — you don’t ‘partially’ 放弃 something. It frequently appears after subjects like 我, 他, or the organization, and is followed by a noun (e.g., 梦想, 计划, 治疗) or a verb phrase marked with 了 or 过 to indicate completion.