Meanings of 用功
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About 用功
Podcast: 用功
Podcast: 用功
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AI Study Notes for 用功
努力 (nǔlì) - use 用功 when emphasizing diligence in studying or working hard, while 努力 can refer to effort in a broader sense, not limited to academic contexts.
Imagine a student using a powerful tool (用) to dig deep into a mountain of books (功) to uncover knowledge. The character 用 represents 'to use' and 功 represents 'effort' or 'achievement', reinforcing the idea that diligent use of effort leads to success.
Be careful not to confuse 用功 with similar terms like 努力 (nǔlì), which also means 'to strive' but can apply to broader contexts. 用功 is more specifically tied to academic or study-related efforts. It is generally used in a neutral to positive context.
As an HSK 5 word, 学习 (xuéxí) meaning 'to study' is closely related to 用功. Students should focus on using 用功 in sentences that describe their study habits, and practice differentiating it from other terms related to effort.
In Chinese culture, the idea of 用功 is deeply rooted in the value placed on education and hard work. It is often emphasized in traditional sayings that highlight the importance of diligence in achieving one's goals, especially in academic contexts.
Learners often mistakenly use 用功 in contexts unrelated to studying, such as using it to describe working hard in a job. For example, saying '他在工作上用功' (He uses effort at work) is less common; it's better to stick to academic contexts.
Pronunciation of 用功
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Component Characters
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Grammar Patterns of 用功
用功 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
克罗斯比断言说：“我们一无所获，在做无____。”
"Getting nowhere fast," pronounced Crosby, "that's what we're doing."
Example Sentences for 用功 (2)
Cultural Notes for 用功
In Chinese culture, the idea of 用功 is deeply rooted in the value placed on education and hard work. It is often emphasized in traditional sayings that highlight the importance of diligence in achieving one's goals, especially in academic contexts.
In Western cultures, while hard work is valued, there is often a stronger emphasis on creativity and individual talent compared to the Chinese focus on diligence and effort.
Frequently Asked Questions about 用功
You can say '我最近用功学习中文' (I have been studying Chinese hard recently).