Meaning
争取 means to actively strive for or fight to obtain something, whether it's a goal, right, opportunity, or support. It emphasizes making an effort to achieve something that requires struggle or competition. The word conveys determination and proactive action to secure what you want.
Usage
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing goals, opportunities, rights, or trying to persuade someone. Often appears in phrases like 争取时间 (strive for time), 争取机会 (strive for opportunities), or 争取支持 (争取他人的支持 - seek support). It has a positive, active connotation of making genuine effort rather than passively hoping.
Examples
- 01我们要争取在下个月之前完成这个项目。.We need to strive to complete this project before next month.
- 02他正在争取奖学金去国外留学。.He is striving for a scholarship to study abroad.
Characters
Common collocations
- 争取时间to buy time, to strive for time
- 争取机会to strive for opportunities
- 争取支持to seek support
- 争取胜利to strive for victory
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 争 (to compete/strive) with 取 (to take/obtain), literally suggesting 'to compete/strive to obtain', which directly reflects its modern meaning of actively working to secure something.