Definitions

(verb) to exert; to strive; make great effort

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "努" is structured with the semantic component 力, indicating strength or effort, and the phonetic component 奴, which provides a sound cue. Its etymology centers on the concept of exerting physical force, and over time its meaning extended to encompass diligent striving, as seen in the compound 努力. The character also developed a specific application in 努嘴, referring to the act of pouting, illustrating a semantic shift from general physical exertion to include a focused facial expression of effort.

Example Sentences Hide

我们都要力。

Wǒmen dōu yào nǔlì.

We all need to strive.

他学习很力。

Tā xuéxí hěn nǔlì.

He studies very hard.

力就会成功。

Nǔlì jiù huì chénggōng.

Hard work leads to success.

她每天力地工作。

Tā měitiān nǔlì de gōngzuò.

She works hard every day.

如果你力,就能取得好成绩。

Rúguǒ nǐ nǔlì, jiù néng qǔdé hǎo chéngjì.

If you work hard, you can achieve good results.

孩子们在比赛中表现得非常力。

Háizimen zài bǐsài zhōng biǎoxiàn dé fēicháng nǔlì.

The children performed very hard in the competition.

尽管困难重重,他仍然坚持不懈地力着。

Jǐnguǎn kùnnán chóngchóng, tā réngrán jiānchí bùxiè de nǔlì zhe.

Despite numerous difficulties, he still perseveres and works hard.

为了实现梦想,他付出了巨大的力,从未放弃。

Wèile shíxiàn mèngxiǎng, tā fùchū le jùdà de nǔlì, cóngwèi fàngqì.

In order to realize his dream, he has made tremendous efforts and never gave up.