Chinese word

功力

Pronunciation

Pinyingōng lì

Meaning

  • nounskill

Example

他的功力越来越深。tā de gōng lì yuè lái yuè shēn

His skill is steadily improving.

Illustration for 功力 (skill)

More examples

这次演出并未显露出他的功力。zhè cì yǎn chū bìng wèi xiǎn lù chū tā de gōng lì

This performance did not show his skill.

Core concept

Practice stored as disciplined control, then revealed in the quality and force of a performance.

Common phrases

  • 显露功力xiǎn lù gōng lì

    show one's skill

  • 检验功力jiǎn yàn gōng lì

    test one's skill

  • 功力深厚gōng lì shēn hòu

    have profound skill

Similar words

本领bén lǐng: A practical skill or ability that has been learned and can be used effectively.
技术jì shù: A specialized skill or method based on knowledge and used to perform a task.
能力néng lì: The overall ability to carry out a job, task, or activity.
实力shí lì: Actual strength or capability, shown by real results and practical impact.

Definition in Chinese

指在某一领域通过实践积累而成的内在技能深度与外在表现力，常用以评价技艺、功夫或专业水平。zhǐ zài mǒu yì lǐng yù tōng guò shí jiàn jī lěi ér chéng de nèi zài jì néng shēn dù yǔ wài zài biǎo xiàn lì cháng yòng yǐ píng jià jì yì gōng fu huò zhuān yè shuǐ píng

Word origin

The martial-arts use of 功力 (gōnglì, "skill") joins 功 (gōng, "achievement") with 力 (lì, "strength") to frame accomplishment as effective power.

Usage tips

  • The word applies to writers, painters, musicians, and craftspeople as well as fighters, so its martial-arts association should not limit its everyday range.

Other meanings

  • abilitynoun
  • techniquenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word