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初志一貫

초지일관 初志一貫

Carrying through your original intention from beginning to end without wavering.

Chinese Idiom 4-character idiom Learn with Music
Quick Answer

초지일관 (初志一貫) means "Carrying through your original intention from beginning to end without wavering.". The idiom is composed of four characters: Cho (初 - beginning), Ji (志 - will/intention), Il (一 - one/

1 Meaning

초지일관 (初志一貫) means “Carrying through your original intention from beginning to end without wavering.”.

Cho-ji-il-gwan (初志一貫) means to push forward with your original purpose until the very end. it symbolizes a steadfast attitude that remains unshaken by difficulties or temptations, holding fast to one's initial goals.

2 Examples

1

Facing a series of rejections while applying for jobs in a competitive industry.

Refusing to give up and instead revisiting the original reason for choosing this career path while steadily honing necessary skills.

2

Struggling to maintain a new morning fitness routine when the initial excitement fades.

Getting out of bed on an exhausted morning by recalling the commitment to a 'healthier life' and heading to the gym.

3

An entrepreneur facing pressure to pivot their business model solely for short-term profit.

Prioritizing the original mission of 'solving a problem for people' and improving service quality instead of chasing quick gains.

4

Failing a major professional certification exam after years of dedicated preparation.

Remembering the dream of contributing to the public good and sitting back down at the desk to try again with renewed focus.

Which situation fits this idiom?

Pick the everyday scene where “초지일관” fits best.

3 Origin

The idiom is composed of four characters: Cho (初 - beginning), Ji (志 - will/intention), Il (一 - one/consistent), and Gwan (貫 - to pierce/through). Historically rooted in classic texts like the 'Zuo Zhuan' (Commentary of Zuo), this philosophy teaches that the key to true success lies in maintaining the same pure passion and sense of purpose you had on day one. In a modern context, phrases like 'First step still mine' or 'No change of mind' capture this essence perfectly—it is about protecting your core identity and vision against the distractions of external pressure and the passage of time.

4 Key Lessons

1

The Value of Beginnings: The pure passion felt at the start is your greatest fuel for overcoming trials.

2

The Power of Consistency: Excellence is achieved not through a single grand gesture, but through unchanging, steady effort.

3

Self-Trust: Success requires believing in your original choice without being swayed by the opinions of others or changing environments.

5 English Expression

English Vocabulary

doubt

의심

"Believe in yourself and don't let any doubt stop you."

stood out

두드러지다, 눈에 띄다

"Her bright red dress stood out in the crowd."

play it safe

신중하게 행동하다, 위험을 피하다

"I decided to play it safe and stay home during the storm."

fade away

사라지다, 희미해지다

"The music began to fade away as we walked further."

6 Learn with Music

초지일관 track image

초지일관 Track

First Step, Still Mine (初志一貫)

“처음 뛰기 시작한 그 마음을 끝까지 놓지 않고, 흔들려도 ‘First step still mine’이라 말하며 같은 길을 걸어가는 것이 바로 초지일관이다.”

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