HSK · Level 1
130 words
Chinese word
力
Pronunciation
Pinyinlì
Meaning
- nounstrength
Example
我会尽力帮你。wǒ huì jìn lì bāng nǐ
I will do my best to help you.
More examples
他努力学习，成绩提高了。tā nǔ lì xué xí chéng jì tí gāo le
He studied hard, and his grades improved.
Core concept
The power available to overcome resistance or carry an action through, whether it comes from muscles, persistence, or skill.
Common phrases
努力nǔ lì
work hard
力气lì qì
physical strength
全力quán lì
with all one's strength
Similar words
能力néng lì: The skill or ability needed to perform a task well.
力量lì liàng: The physical strength and energy available for continued work or exercise.
实力shí lì: Practical ability and strength built through experience and proven results.
努力nǔ lì: To work hard toward a goal in order to achieve it.
Definition in Chinese
表示产生作用或效果的能力，既可指物理上的推拉之力，也可指为完成事情而付出的体力、意志或技能。biǎo shì chǎn shēng zuò yòng huò xiào guǒ de néng lì jì kě zhǐ wù lǐ shàng de tuī lā zhī lì yě kě zhǐ wèi wán chéng shì qíng ér fù chū de tǐ lì yì zhì huò jì néng
Word origin
The character 力 (lì, "strength") preserves an old image of force being applied, which explains its movement from literal physical action to the broader power used to accomplish things.
Usage tips
- 用力 (yònglì, "exert force") fits physical action, while 努力 (nǔlì, "work hard") expresses sustained effort toward a goal.