1. 強者生存 (Qiáng zhě shēngcún): This is the most direct translation and literal interpretation of the phrase. It literally means "strong ones survive." This is a very common phrase and is used in many contexts, including evolutionary theory and business strategies.
2. 適者生存 (Shì zhě shēngcún): This phrase means "the fittest survive," which is more aligned with Darwin's theory of evolution. This phrase is less about physical strength and more about adaptability and resilience.
3. 優勝劣敗 (Yōu shèng liè bài): This phrase means "the superior wins, the inferior loses." It emphasizes competition and the struggle for dominance, highlighting the brutal reality of survival.
4. 弱肉強食 (Ruò ròu qiáng shí): This phrase translates to "the weak become meat for the strong," which is a more metaphorical way of describing the struggle for survival. It emphasizes the predatory nature of the world and the power dynamics at play.
5. 殘酷的現實 (Cán kù de xiàn shí): This phrase translates to "the cruel reality," and it is used to describe the harshness of life and the need to be strong to survive. It emphasizes the harshness of the world and the struggle for survival.
The best way to express "only the strong survive" in Chinese depends on the context and the nuance you want to convey.