功夫
gōng fu HSK 4

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

他每天练习功夫。
Tā měitiān liànxí gōngfu.
He practices kung fu every day.
学中文需要功夫。
Xué Zhōngwén xūyào gōngfu.
Learning Chinese requires effort.
她的功夫很好。
Tā de gōngfu hěn hǎo.
Her kung fu is very good.
他功夫很好。
Tā gōngfu hěn hǎo.
His kung fu is very good.
学功夫很难。
Xué gōngfu hěn nán.
Learning kung fu is very difficult.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 'Kung Fu' movies—they showcase 功夫 as martial arts. Alternatively, remember that 功夫 sounds like 'gong fu,' which can remind you of the 'effort' (like a gong's hard strike) needed to master a skill.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is used in both formal and informal contexts, and is common in both spoken and written Chinese. It is often used when discussing martial arts, traditional skills, or the effort required to achieve proficiency in something.

📖 Grammar Points

功夫 is typically used as a noun, often as an object in sentences (e.g., 学功夫). It can also appear in verb-object phrases like 下功夫 (to put in effort) or 花功夫 (to spend effort), where it functions as the object indicating the resource of time/skill.

🏯 Cultural Notes

功夫 is deeply tied to Chinese culture, especially through traditions like Shaolin Kung Fu and popularized globally by figures like Bruce Lee. It symbolizes not just physical prowess but also mental discipline, philosophy, and cultural heritage, often featured in films and media.

🔄 Similar Words

武术 (wǔshù) also means martial arts but is more formal and technical, often used in official or sports contexts, while 功夫 emphasizes the skill, art, or effort involved. 时间 (shíjiān) means time but lacks the connotation of effort or mastery that 功夫 can imply in phrases like '下功夫' (to put in effort).

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