功夫
gōngfu
The English phrase "kung fu" is translated into Chinese as 功夫 (gōngfu).
While often used to describe martial arts, 功夫 can also refer to skills, efforts or achievements in any discipline. In a martial arts context, it is respectful to address a master as 师父.
Meaning: martial art (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, 功夫 refers to the time and effort spent in the mastery of a skill.
Which one should you use?
In Chinese, when specifically referring to the sport or the discipline of martial arts, the more precise term is 武术.
How do you pronounce it?
gōngfu
Did you know?
- In everyday Chinese, you can say a chef has great 功夫 if they have a masterful technique for preparing a dish, even though they have never practiced a martial art.
- In a professional setting, if someone says a task requires 'gōngfu', they are warning you that it cannot be done quickly or easily.
- While English speakers use 'kung fu' as a genre of action movies, using the same term in Chinese to describe a film might sound like you are talking about the literal physical training involved.
Examples in context
- 我对中国武术的‘功夫’非常着迷I am very fascinated by the 'Kung Fu' of Chinese martial arts.
- 他在学功夫。Tā zài xué gōngfu.He is learning kung fu.
- 这种功夫很难练。Zhè zhǒng gōngfu hěn nán liàn.This kind of kung fu is hard to practice.
- 我小时候学过功夫。Wǒ xiǎoshíhòu xuéguò gōngfu.I studied kung fu when I was young.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a movie at a cafe.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你觉得这部电影里的功夫怎么样？Nǐ juéde zhè bù diànyǐng lǐ de gōngfu zěnmeyàng?What do you think of the kung fu in this movie?
- 志强 Zhiqiang电影里的功夫看起来非常厉害。Diànyǐng lǐ de gōngfu kàn qǐlái fēicháng lìhai.The kung fu in the movie looks very impressive.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你也会练功夫吗？Nǐ yě huì liàn gōngfu ma?Do you practice kung fu too?
- 志强 Zhiqiang我也在学，但是很累。Wǒ yě zài xué, dànshì hěn lèi.I am learning it too, but it is tiring.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kung fu” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
