努力
nǔlì
The English phrase 'hard working' is translated into Chinese as 努力 (nǔlì).
努力 is used to describe putting a lot of effort and energy into a task or job. It suggests a strong focus on exerting effort and striving. While it can be used as a description, it is also frequently used as a verb meaning 'to make an effort' or 'to strive', such as in the phrase 努力工作 (work hard).
What does it mean word for word?
The word 努力 literally means 'to exert strength'. It consists of 努, which means to exert or strive and 力, which means strength or power.
Which one should you use?
努力 is the common way to say 'hard working'. In contrast, 勤奋 is a more formal synonym used to describe a person's character or a long-term habit of diligence.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese, the term used for 'hard working' is 勤力.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because 努力 is an adjective/verb, you often use the adverb 很 (hěn) before it instead of the verb 'to be' to say someone is 'hard working'.
How do you pronounce it?
nǔlì
Did you know?
- In modern internet slang, the term 内卷 (nèijuǎn) describes a 'toxic' version of 努力 where people work harder and harder but the overall reward stays the same.
- The character 力 in 努力 is a pictograph of a plow or a muscle. It represents the physical exertion of labor, linking the concept of hard work to physical strength.
- In Chinese culture, 努力 is often used as a parting encouragement. Saying 你要努力 to a student or colleague is a common way to say 'keep it up' or 'do your best'.
Examples in context
- 他非常勤奋He is very hard working.
- 他工作非常刻苦He works very hard.
- 她一直很努力地工作She has always worked hard.
- 他拼命地工作He works extremely hard.
- 她有很大的拼劲She has a strong work ethic.
- 佢好勤力咁做嘢He/she is very hard working.
- 他工作非常勤奋，每天都加班加点。He is very hard working, working overtime every day.
- 她拼命地努力学习汉语。She works extremely hard to study Chinese.
- 他是一个很努力的人。Tā shì yí ge hěn nǔlì de rén.He is a very hard working person.
- 我们要努力学习。Wǒmen yào nǔlì xuéxí.We need to study hard.
- 她工作非常努力。Tā gōngzuò fēicháng nǔlì.She works very hard.
