进步 (jìnbù) — progress; to make progress

进步 (jìnbù)

进步 expresses positive advancement or improvement, whether in a person's skills, a society's development, or the state of a field, and is one of the most common positive evaluative words in Chinese.

Meanings

1. [noun] progress; advancement; improvement
2. [verb] to make progress; to improve; to advance

Example Sentences

经过几个月的努力，她的中文水平有了明显的进步。 Jīngguò jǐ gè yuè de nǔlì, tā de zhōngwén shuǐpíng yǒule míngxiǎn de jìnbù. After several months of effort, her Chinese level has shown obvious progress.

科学技术的进步极大地改善了人类的生活质量。 Kēxué jìshù de jìnbù jídà de gǎishànle rénlèi de shēnghuó zhìliàng. Progress in science and technology has greatly improved the quality of human life.

只要坚持不懈，任何人都能不断进步。 Zhǐyào jiānchí bùxiè, rènhé rén dōu néng bùduàn jìnbù. As long as one perseveres, anyone can continuously make progress.

他的演讲技巧相比去年有了显著的进步。 Tā de yǎnjiǎng jìqiǎo xiāng bǐ qùnián yǒule xiǎnzhù de jìnbù. His public speaking skills have improved significantly compared to last year.

社会的进步需要每一代人共同付出努力。 Shèhuì de jìnbù xūyào měi yī dài rén gòngtóng fùchū nǔlì. Social progress requires the collective efforts of every generation.

医学研究的最新进步为攻克这种疾病带来了新希望。 Yīxué yánjiū de zuìxīn jìnbù wèi gōngkè zhè zhǒng jíbìng dàiláile xīn xīwàng. The latest progress in medical research has brought new hope for conquering this disease.

Collocations

Usage Notes

进步 is extremely versatile and can be used for personal development, academic achievement, professional growth, social change, and scientific advancement. When used as an adjective, 进步 can also mean "progressive" (as in politically progressive ideas): 进步思想 (progressive thinking).

It contrasts with 退步 (tuìbù, to regress/fall behind). At B2, learners should note the common encouragement pattern 你进步了！ (You've improved!) and the formal expression 取得了重大进步 (has made significant progress).

Memory Hook

进 (to advance/move forward) + 步 (step) = taking steps forward.