克服
kè fú HSK 5

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

他克服了恐惧。
Tā kèfú le kǒngjù.
He overcame his fear.
我们要克服这个困难。
Wǒmen yào kèfú zhège kùnnán.
We need to overcome this difficulty.
她克服了语言障碍。
Tā kèfú le yǔyán zhàng'ài.
She overcame the language barrier.
我克服了困难。
Wǒ kèfú le kùnnán.
I overcame the difficulty.
他克服了恐惧。
Tā kèfú le kǒngjù.
He overcame his fear.

💡 Memory Tip

Break the characters: 克 can mean 'to subdue,' and 服 can mean 'to submit.' Think: 'subdue and submit a challenge' to overcome it. Associate it with overcoming a 'fú' (服) that is 'kè' (客) hard—like a tough guest you must handle.

📝 Usage Notes

This verb is neutral in register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts in spoken and written Chinese. It is commonly used in contexts of personal growth, work challenges, scientific research, and sports—any situation involving struggle against difficulties.

📖 Grammar Points

It is a transitive verb followed by an object (克服 + noun). It can be modified by adverbs like 努力, 终于, 难以. Often used in the structure: 克服...的困难 (overcome the difficulty of...).

🏯 Cultural Notes

Reflects a cultural value of perseverance and self-improvement, common in motivational contexts about facing challenges head-on.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 战胜 (zhànshèng), which means 'to defeat' an opponent (often in battle or competition), 克服 focuses more on overcoming abstract or internal challenges like weaknesses or hardships. 解决 (jiějué) means 'to solve' a specific problem, while 克服 implies a process of struggle.

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