功劳
Traditional: 功勞
gōng láo HSK 6

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

他的功劳很大。
Tā de gōngláo hěn dà.
His contribution is great.
功劳属于整个团队。
Gōngláo shǔyú zhěnggè tuánduì.
The credit belongs to the whole team.
他立下了汗马功劳。
Tā lìxiàle hànmǎ gōngláo.
He made outstanding contributions.
他有功劳。
Tā yǒu gōngláo.
He has merit.
这是你的功劳。
Zhè shì nǐ de gōngláo.
This is your credit.

💡 Memory Tip

Break down the characters: 功 (gōng) means 'merit' or 'achievement,' and 劳 (láo) means 'labor' or 'toil.' Think of it as 'merit from labor'—you get credit (功劳) for the hard work (劳) you put into achieving something (功).

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, in spoken and written Chinese. It is commonly used in workplace settings, team projects, historical narratives, or any situation where acknowledging someone's role in a success is appropriate. It often appears in phrases like '是...的功劳' to assign credit.

📖 Grammar Points

功劳 is often used in the pattern '是 + [Person/Thing] + 的功劳' to attribute success, as in '这次成功是大家的功劳' (This success is everyone's credit). It can also be modified by adjectives like 大 (big), 主要 (main), or 不小 (not small) to describe the extent of the credit.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, acknowledging功劳 is important in group settings to show respect and maintain harmony. However, overemphasizing one's own功劳 can be seen as boastful; modesty is often valued, so credit may be downplayed or shared. The saying '没有功劳也有苦劳' reflects that even if someone didn't achieve success, their effort should be recognized.

🔄 Similar Words

贡献 (gòngxiàn) also means 'contribution' but is broader and can refer to any input, big or small, without necessarily implying success or credit. 功绩 (gōngjì) refers to 'achievements' or 'merits' and is more formal, often used for significant historical or long-term accomplishments. 功劳 specifically highlights the credit for a successful outcome.

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