斗争

斗争 means 'struggle' or 'conflict,' often used to describe a sustained effort against opposition, whether physical, ideological, or social. It implies a more intense and prolonged form of conflict compared to simpler terms like 'fight' or 'dispute.'

The character 斗 (dǒu) originally meant 'to fight' or 'to contend,' while 争 (zhēng) means 'to compete' or 'to vie.' Together, they form a compound that emphasizes the active and ongoing nature of struggle.

斗争 is commonly used in political, social, and historical contexts, especially in discussions about class struggle, resistance, or perseverance. It can also appear in everyday language when describing personal efforts against challenges.