In Chinese culture, there's a profound respect for resilience and the wisdom gained from hardship. The concept of `吃苦 (chīkǔ)`, or “eating bitterness,” suggests that enduring difficult times is virtuous and character-building. Your `经历` are the raw materials for this growth. A person with a rich and varied `经历`, especially one who has overcome adversity, is often seen as wise, mature, and respectable. Their experiences are not just personal anecdotes; they are proof of their strength and a source of valuable life lessons for others. Comparison to Western “Experience”: In English, “experience” can be very broad. You can have a “good experience” at a coffee shop, which is a fleeting, minor event. In Chinese, you wouldn't typically use `经历` for something so trivial. `经历` carries more weight; it's reserved for events that are more prolonged, impactful, or formative. For example, “working in a foreign country for a year” is a `经历`. “Trying a new flavor of ice cream” is more of a `体验 (tǐyàn)` – a sensory experience. This distinction highlights that `经历` is tied to the narrative of your life, not just a momentary sensation.
`经历` is a common word used in both formal and informal contexts to discuss life events.
The connotation of `经历` can be neutral, positive, or negative, depending entirely on the context. It can describe a painful breakup, a wonderful journey, or a challenging period of work.
The most common mistake for English speakers is confusing 经历 (jīnglì) with 经验 (jīngyàn). They both translate to “experience,” but their meanings are distinct.
Common Mistake Examples: