久久为功 is an idiomatic expression that means 'great effort over a long period leads to success.' It emphasizes persistence and dedication in achieving one's goals, often used to encourage perseverance in challenging endeavors. This phrase is particularly relevant in contexts like education, career development, and personal growth.
HSK 7, 32 strokes, Hard
jiǔjiǔwéigōng(jiu3jiu3wei4gong1) T3
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May 27, 2026
久久为功jiǔjiǔwéigōng(jiu3jiu3wei4gong1)
久久为功 is an idiomatic expression that means 'great effort over a long period leads to success.' It emphasizes persistence and dedication in achieving one's goals, often used to encourage perseverance in challenging endeavors. This phrase is particularly relevant in contexts like education, career development, and personal growth.
Strokes32Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the value of patience and persistence is deeply rooted in traditional philosophies like Confucianism, which emphasizes hard work as a path to moral and personal achievement.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tortoise slowly but steadily climbing a mountain, symbolizing the idea that taking time and consistent effort (久久) leads to reaching the peak (为功). The repetition of '久' (long time) reinforces the importance of patience in the journey to success.
About 久久为功
久久为功Simplified
32Strokes
—Radical
成语chéngyǔidiom (id.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 久久为功
Podcast: 久久为功
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AI Study Notes for 久久为功
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tortoise slowly but steadily climbing a mountain, symbolizing the idea that taking time and consistent effort (久久) leads to reaching the peak (为功). The repetition of '久' (long time) reinforces the importance of patience in the journey to success.
Usage Notes
This phrase is often used in motivational contexts. Learners should avoid using it in overly casual situations, as it carries a formal tone. A common mistake is to use it interchangeably with phrases about quick success; remember that it specifically stresses the value of long-term effort.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 7, students should focus on understanding abstract concepts and idiomatic expressions. This phrase connects to vocabulary related to effort and success, such as 努力 (nǔlì - effort) and 成功 (chénggōng - success), enhancing their ability to discuss personal and professional development.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the value of patience and persistence is deeply rooted in traditional philosophies like Confucianism, which emphasizes hard work as a path to moral and personal achievement.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use this phrase to describe quick successes, such as saying '我一夜之间成功，久久为功.' The correct usage would be to emphasize sustained effort over time, e.g., '我经过多年努力，终于成功，久久为功。'
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 久久为功
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Cultural Notes for 久久为功
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the value of patience and persistence is deeply rooted in traditional philosophies like Confucianism, which emphasizes hard work as a path to moral and personal achievement.
Frequently Asked Questions about 久久为功
While it can be understood in casual contexts, it's best suited for more formal discussions about perseverance and success.
A close equivalent might be 'slow and steady wins the race,' emphasizing the importance of consistent effort.
You can use this phrase to remind yourself or motivate others to stay committed to long-term goals, whether in studying, work, or personal projects.
