Meanings of 苦力
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 苦力
Podcast: 苦力
Podcast: 苦力
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 苦力
劳动力 (láodònglì) - use 苦力 when emphasizing the hardship and low status of labor, while 劳动力 focuses on the workforce aspect without the same connotation of suffering.
While 苦力 is primarily used in a historical context, it can also appear in discussions about labor rights or social issues. Be cautious with the tone; using it in a derogatory manner can be offensive. Common collocations include '苦力工作' (hard labor work) and '苦力阶层' (working class).
Although 苦力 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary list, it connects to themes of work and labor found in HSK Level 3 and beyond. Students should focus on understanding its historical context and usage in modern discussions about labor.
Learners often confuse 苦力 with general terms for worker or laborer. For example, saying '我做苦力是工人' (I am a worker who does hard labor) is incorrect; it should be '我做苦力的工作' (I do hard labor work).
Pronunciation of 苦力
Drill the tone of 苦力 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Component Characters
How to say bitter work in Chinese
“bitter work” in Chinese is苦力
苦力 (kǔlì) refers to hard, labor-intensive work, often associated with low-skilled laborers. Historically, it was used to describe unskilled Chinese workers, particularly during colonial times, who often faced harsh conditions and exploitation. The term conveys a sense of toil and hardship.
When to use 苦力
While 苦力 is primarily used in a historical context, it can also appear in discussions about labor rights or social issues. Be cautious with the tone; using it in a derogatory manner can be offensive. Common collocations include '苦力工作' (hard labor work) and '苦力阶层' (working class).
苦力 or something close to it
劳动力 (láodònglì) - use 苦力 when emphasizing the hardship and low status of labor, while 劳动力 focuses on the workforce aspect without the same connotation of suffering.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 苦力 with general terms for worker or laborer. For example, saying '我做苦力是工人' (I am a worker who does hard labor) is incorrect; it should be '我做苦力的工作' (I do hard labor work).
Write 苦力
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 苦力 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Cultural Notes for 苦力
Unlike the more general term 'laborer' in Western contexts, 苦力 carries specific historical and cultural connotations tied to exploitation and colonialism.
Frequently Asked Questions about 苦力
It refers to hard labor, often associated with unskilled workers, and has historical connotations related to exploitation.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 苦力?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.