勉

miǎn

免 + 力

Frequency#2078

Definitions

miǎn (verb) to make an effort; to strive

miǎn (verb) to encourage; to urge

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 力 represents the meaning and 免 represents the sound.

Semantic: 力 Phonetic: 免

About

The character "勉" is structured with the phonetic component "免" and the semantic component "力", the latter denoting strength or effort, which together form the meaning of exerting force or urging oneself forward. Etymologically, it originated from the concept of applying strength to encourage or compel, and over time its primary meaning narrowed to focus on personal striving and diligent endeavor. While its core sense remains tied to exertion, it also functions in compounds like "勉强" to convey actions performed reluctantly or under pressure. The traditional form of "勉" maintains this same composition without alteration.

Etymology Hide

Bronze Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我会勉励自己。

Wǒ huì miǎnlì zìjǐ.

I will encourage myself.

努力学习是必须的。

Nǔlì xuéxí shì bìxū de.

Studying hard is necessary.

我们互相勉励吧。

Wǒmen hùxiāng miǎnlì ba.

Let's encourage each other.

我勉强答应了他的请求。

Wǒ miǎnqiǎng dāyìng le tā de qǐngqiú.

I reluctantly agreed to his request.

他勉力完成了艰巨的任务。

Tā miǎnlì wánchéng le jiānjù de rènwu.

He strove to complete the arduous task.

他虽然很累，但还是勉强工作。

Tā suīrán hěn lèi, dàn háishì miǎnqiǎng gōngzuò.

Although he was very tired, he still forced himself to work.

老师的话一直勉励着我前进。

Lǎoshī de huà yīzhí miǎnlì zhe wǒ qiánjìn.

The teacher's words have always encouraged me to move forward.

在经济困难时期，大家只能勉为其难地节省开支。

Zài jīngjì kùnnan shíqī, dàjiā zhǐ néng miǎnwéiqínán de jiéshěng kāizhī.

During economically difficult times, everyone could only reluctantly cut down on expenses.

Related Characters

Component: 免

Component: 力

勉