Definition

1. Verb (Intransitive):
   • To reform oneself; to resolve to improve: To make a firm decision to correct one's faults, change one's ways, and strive for betterment, often in terms of character, behavior, or diligence.
   • To apply oneself with renewed determination: To dedicate oneself to a serious effort, especially after a period of failure or idleness, focusing on work or study.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Sau thất bại, anh ấy quyết tâm tu chí. (After the failure, he resolved to reform himself.)
  • Nó hứa sẽ tu chí học hành. (He promised to apply himself to his studies.)
  • Cô ấy tu chí làm ăn từ đầu. (She resolved to start her business endeavors anew.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often implies a moral or behavioral reformation and is frequently used in contexts of personal development, career, or academic effort following a setback.
• It can be used as a self-encouragement or an exhortation to others.

Variants and Related Words

• Tu thân (v): To cultivate one's character; to improve oneself morally.
  • Tu thân là bước đầu tiên. (Self-cultivation is the first step.)
• Chí thú làm ăn (phrase): To be earnest and diligent in one's work or business.
  • Giờ anh ấy đã chí thú làm ăn. (Now he is earnest in his business.)

Synonyms

• Reform oneself: To change for the better.
• Mend one's ways: To correct one's bad habits.
• Apply oneself: To devote one's effort and attention.
• Turn over a new leaf: To start behaving in a better way.

Related Idioms

• Tu chí làm ăn: To resolve to work diligently and earnestly.
  • Sau khi mất việc, ông ấy tu chí làm ăn. (After losing his job, he resolved to work diligently.)
• Tu chí học hành: To resolve to study seriously.
  • Cậu bé hứa với cha mẹ sẽ tu chí học hành. (The boy promised his parents he would resolve to study seriously.)