持续创新
Continuous innovation
Literally: Continuous (持续) Innovation (创新)
Use this to describe a commitment to long-term growth and creative evolution in professional or personal settings.
In 15 Seconds
- Always improving and never staying stagnant in your work or life.
- A buzzword in Chinese business culture for staying competitive.
- Combines 'continuous' and 'innovation' to describe a relentless creative drive.
Meaning
It describes the act of never standing still and always looking for better ways to do things. It is the mindset of staying fresh and creative rather than getting stuck in old habits.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a job interview
我是一个追求持续创新的人。
I am someone who pursues continuous innovation.
Praising a friend's new hobby
你的摄影风格一直在持续创新，太棒了！
Your photography style is continuously innovating, it's great!
A CEO's annual speech
只有持续创新，公司才能立于不败之地。
Only through continuous innovation can the company remain invincible.
Cultural Background
This phrase exploded in popularity alongside China's tech boom in the 2010s. It represents a shift from 'Made in China' to 'Created in China.' It is a core value in the '996' work culture of major cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
The 'Boss' Vibe
Using this phrase in a workplace setting instantly makes you sound like leadership material. It shows you care about the future, not just the task at hand.
Don't Overuse It
It is a bit of a buzzword. If you say it every five minutes, you might sound like a corporate robot. Save it for moments that actually matter.
In 15 Seconds
- Always improving and never staying stagnant in your work or life.
- A buzzword in Chinese business culture for staying competitive.
- Combines 'continuous' and 'innovation' to describe a relentless creative drive.
What It Means
持续创新 is about that relentless drive to improve. It is not a one-time spark of genius. It is a long-term commitment to change. Think of it like a software update for your life. You are always adding new features and fixing bugs. It is the opposite of saying 'this is how we have always done it.'
How To Use It
You can use it as a noun or a verb. It fits perfectly when talking about business growth. It also works for personal development or creative hobbies. You will often see it paired with words like 'spirit' or 'capability.' Just drop it into a sentence to show you value progress. It makes you sound forward-thinking and energetic.
When To Use It
Use it in a job interview to impress the boss. Use it when praising a friend's new startup idea. It is great for team meetings to boost morale. You can even use it when talking about your cooking. 'I am 持续创新 with this spicy ramen recipe!' It shows you are proactive and modern.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for things that should stay the same. You would not say it about a traditional family ritual. Do not use it if you are just making a tiny, lazy change. It implies effort and a vision for the future. Using it for something trivial might sound a bit sarcastic. Avoid it in very emotional, private heart-to-hearts.
Cultural Background
In modern China, this phrase is everywhere. It is the heartbeat of the 'Silicon Valley' of the East. From Shenzhen tech giants to street food vendors, everyone wants to innovate. It reflects China's rapid transition from a manufacturing hub to a tech leader. It carries a sense of national pride and modern ambition.
Common Variations
You might hear 不断创新 which means 'constantly innovating.' There is also 自主创新 which means 'independent innovation.' If you want to sound more poetic, try 推陈出新. That means weeding through the old to bring forth the new. But 持续创新 remains the gold standard for professional progress.
Usage Notes
This phrase leans toward a formal or professional register. It is highly effective in professional writing, speeches, and interviews, but can be used humorously in casual settings to sound intentionally 'grand.'
The 'Boss' Vibe
Using this phrase in a workplace setting instantly makes you sound like leadership material. It shows you care about the future, not just the task at hand.
Don't Overuse It
It is a bit of a buzzword. If you say it every five minutes, you might sound like a corporate robot. Save it for moments that actually matter.
The Shenzhen Connection
If you visit Shenzhen (China's tech hub), you'll see this phrase on banners everywhere. It's practically the city's unofficial motto!
Examples
6我是一个追求持续创新的人。
I am someone who pursues continuous innovation.
Shows the candidate is proactive and growth-oriented.
你的摄影风格一直在持续创新，太棒了！
Your photography style is continuously innovating, it's great!
A high-level compliment for a creative friend.
只有持续创新，公司才能立于不败之地。
Only through continuous innovation can the company remain invincible.
Standard corporate rhetoric for leadership.
我们要持续创新，不能老用旧方案。
We need to keep innovating; we can't keep using the old plans.
Encouraging a teammate to think outside the box.
这就是我厨房里的持续创新：黑椒炒西瓜。
This is the continuous innovation in my kitchen: black pepper stir-fried watermelon.
Using a big word for a silly situation creates humor.
学习也需要持续创新，找到最适合你的方法。
Learning also requires continuous innovation to find the method that suits you best.
Applying the concept to personal habits.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the sentence about a tech company.
这家公司成功的秘诀在于___。
Success in a company context is most logically attributed to 'continuous innovation' rather than sleeping or working slowly.
Which phrase fits a creative context?
艺术家需要___，才能保持作品的生命力。
Artists need to 'continuously innovate' to keep their work vibrant and alive.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 持续创新
Used jokingly with friends about small changes.
My new haircut is continuous innovation!
Discussing hobbies or personal projects.
I'm innovating my workout routine.
Business meetings, resumes, and speeches.
Our brand values continuous innovation.
Where to use 持续创新
Tech Startup
Pitching to investors.
Art Studio
Developing a new style.
Kitchen
Experimenting with recipes.
Office
Improving workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! While common in business, you can use it for personal growth, arts, or even cooking like 在厨艺上持续创新.
Yes, you can describe a person as having a 持续创新的精神 (spirit of continuous innovation).
It's a bit formal, but fine if you're talking about work or a serious project. For a joke, it's great too.
持续 emphasizes the duration and stability, while 不断 emphasizes the frequency of the action.
You can say 我想持续创新 (Wǒ xiǎng chíxù chuàngxīn).
Technically yes, but it sounds a bit 'heavy.' Using it for changing your socks would be funny/sarcastic.
Yes, it is very common in corporate slogans like 持续创新，追求卓越 (Innovate continuously, pursue excellence).
It's very modern. While the characters are old, the combination is a product of the modern industrial and tech eras.
Don't confuse 创新 (innovation) with 创造 (creation). Innovation is about improving things, creation is making from scratch.
Not exactly, but young people might use '迭代' (iteration) to mean something similar in a tech-savvy way.
Related Phrases
不断进步 (Continuous progress)
推陈出新 (Out with the old, in with the new)
开拓进取 (Pioneer and forge ahead)
与时俱进 (Keep pace with the times)
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