众志成城
Unity is strength
Wörtlich: Multitude's will becomes a city wall
Use this to describe a group's unbreakable unity when facing a significant or heroic challenge.
In 15 Sekunden
- Unity creates an indestructible wall of collective willpower.
- Used for major challenges, crises, or heroic team efforts.
- Derived from ancient philosophy emphasizing people over physical defenses.
Bedeutung
Imagine a group of people sharing a single goal so intensely that their combined willpower becomes an indestructible fortress. It describes the incredible power of collective unity to overcome massive challenges.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Encouraging a team during a crisis
只要我们众志成城，就没有克服不了的困难。
As long as we are united as one, no difficulty is insurmountable.
Describing disaster relief efforts
面对灾难，全国人民众志成城，共渡难关。
Facing the disaster, the whole nation united to overcome the crisis.
Texting a group of friends before a big competition
明天的比赛，我们要众志成城，加油！
For tomorrow's game, let's be united and go for it!
Kultureller Hintergrund
Originating from the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC), this phrase reflects the ancient Chinese philosophy that 'people' (min) are the foundation of a state. It gained massive modern popularity during the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic as a slogan for national resilience. It remains a cornerstone of Chinese political and social rhetoric regarding collective action.
The 'Hero' Vibe
Using this phrase makes you sound very eloquent and supportive. It's a high-level 'Chengyu' that instantly raises the emotional stakes of your conversation.
Don't be a Loner
Never use this to describe yourself alone. The first character `众` (zhòng) means 'multitude' or 'crowd.' It requires at least a group of people to make sense.
In 15 Sekunden
- Unity creates an indestructible wall of collective willpower.
- Used for major challenges, crises, or heroic team efforts.
- Derived from ancient philosophy emphasizing people over physical defenses.
What It Means
Think of a massive stone wall protecting a city. Now, imagine that wall isn't made of bricks, but of people's shared determination. That is 众志成城. It is more than just 'teamwork.' It is about a spiritual and mental alignment. When a group faces a crisis, this phrase describes their unbreakable bond. It suggests that human unity is stronger than any physical defense.
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase as a standalone statement or a predicate. You can say a team or a nation is 众志成城. It often appears after describing a difficult situation. For example, 'The flood was scary, but the villagers were 众志成城.' It adds a heroic, epic tone to your description. Don't worry about complex grammar; it often acts like a powerful adjective.
When To Use It
Use this when the stakes are high. It is perfect for talking about disaster relief or major social movements. It works well in corporate speeches during a tough market pivot. You can use it in sports when a team wins against all odds. It is great for inspiring people in a group chat before a big exam. It carries a sense of pride and collective strength.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this for trivial, everyday tasks. If you and a friend finally agree on which movie to watch, it is overkill. Using it for small things can sound sarcastic or just plain weird. It is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Also, avoid using it for groups doing something negative. It is almost always used for noble or positive collective efforts.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the 'Guoyu,' an ancient historical text. It dates back over 2,000 years to the Spring and Autumn period. A counselor warned a king that people's hearts are more important than fortifications. He argued that a ruler with a united populace is invincible. This idea has shaped Chinese views on social harmony for centuries. It is why you see it so often during national holidays or crises.
Common Variations
You will often hear 万众一心 (ten thousand people, one heart). They are very similar and often used together. While 众志成城 emphasizes the strength of the 'wall,' 万众一心 focuses on the emotional unity. Another related one is 同舟共济, which means being in the same boat. Use 众志成城 when you want to sound particularly strong and resolute.
Nutzungshinweise
This is a high-register expression. While understandable in casual speech, it is most at home in written Chinese, speeches, or formal discussions about teamwork and resilience.
The 'Hero' Vibe
Using this phrase makes you sound very eloquent and supportive. It's a high-level 'Chengyu' that instantly raises the emotional stakes of your conversation.
Don't be a Loner
Never use this to describe yourself alone. The first character `众` (zhòng) means 'multitude' or 'crowd.' It requires at least a group of people to make sense.
Wall vs. Heart
While Westerners say 'Unity is strength,' Chinese culture specifically uses the metaphor of a 'City Wall' because, historically, the wall was the ultimate symbol of safety and survival.
Beispiele
6只要我们众志成城，就没有克服不了的困难。
As long as we are united as one, no difficulty is insurmountable.
A classic way to boost morale in a professional or high-stakes setting.
面对灾难，全国人民众志成城，共渡难关。
Facing the disaster, the whole nation united to overcome the crisis.
This is the most common way you'll see it in news reports.
明天的比赛，我们要众志成城，加油！
For tomorrow's game, let's be united and go for it!
Adds a sense of 'epic' importance to a friendly competition.
经过三小时的众志成城，我们终于把厨房洗干净了。
After three hours of 'united strength,' we finally cleaned the kitchen.
Using a grand phrase for a small task creates a funny, dramatic effect.
在这个关键时刻，我希望大家能众志成城。
At this critical moment, I hope everyone can stand together firmly.
Very formal and serious; emphasizes the need for total cooperation.
这次社区活动办得很成功，真是众志成城的结果。
This community event was a success; it was truly the result of everyone's unity.
Attributes success to the group rather than individuals.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best context to use the phrase '众志成城'.
在抗击疫情期间，全国医护人员___，坚守岗位。
The context of medical workers fighting a pandemic is a major crisis, making the heroic '众志成城' the perfect fit.
Which word completes the literal meaning of the phrase?
众志成___
The phrase literally means 'will becomes a city wall' (城).
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality and Scale of 众志成城
Used ironically for small chores.
Cleaning the garage.
Club activities or sports teams.
Winning a local tournament.
National crises or corporate shifts.
Pandemic response.
Historical texts or state speeches.
Presidential address.
When to Deploy '众志成城'
Natural Disasters
Flood relief efforts.
Competitive Sports
Final championship game.
Business Crisis
Avoiding bankruptcy.
Social Movements
Charity fundraising.
Group Exams
Finals week study group.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, but it will sound very dramatic. It's like saying 'We shall prevail!' in English. Use it with close friends for a bit of flair, like 大家加油，众志成城！
Yes. 团结就是力量 (Unity is strength) is a direct, common slogan. 众志成城 is more literary and emphasizes the 'will' or 'spirit' behind the unity.
There's no fixed number, but usually, it implies a significant group. You wouldn't use it for a couple, but you could use it for a small startup team of five people.
Frequently. CEOs use it in emails to employees during difficult quarters to encourage them to work together. It sounds very professional and inspiring.
志 refers to will, ambition, or purpose. It's the 'mental' part of the unity, meaning everyone is thinking the same way.
Technically possible, but culturally weird. It has a very positive, 'righteous' connotation. For a 'bad' group, you'd use 狼狈为奸 (acting in cahoots).
Extremely common. It is taught in elementary school and appears in news headlines almost every week in China.
Not exactly a direct opposite, but 一盘散沙 (a heap of loose sand) describes the opposite state: a group with no unity at all.
Yes, if the family is facing a big challenge together, like moving to a new country or dealing with an illness. It shows deep respect for the family's bond.
Not at all. You can just say 我们要众志成城 (We need to be united) or 这是众志成城的结果 (This is the result of unity).
Verwandte Redewendungen
万众一心
Millions of people with one heart; total unity.
同心协力
Work together with one heart.
同舟共济
To cross a river in the same boat; pull together in times of trouble.
患难与共
To share trials and tribulations.
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