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March 24, 2026
功gōng(gong1)
The character 功 (gōng) refers to meritorious deeds, achievements, or accomplishments. It can imply work done with skill that leads to a positive outcome, often used in contexts involving success and merit in various fields, including academics and professions.
Strokes5Radical力Frequency#6567DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 功 is often associated with the value placed on hard work and merit, reflecting the Confucian ideal that one's achievements should be recognized and celebrated, especially in academic and professional settings.
Memory Tip
Imagine a superhero (the radical 工, meaning 'work') who accomplishes great feats (功). This character can remind you of the superhero's 'great work' leading to 'merit' in the community, hence linking both form and meaning.
Meanings of 功
gōng(gong1)
1meritorious deed or service
2achievement
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 功
功Simplified
5Strokes
力Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6567Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 功
Podcast: 功
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AI Study Notes for 功
Quick Contrast
成就 (chéngjiù) - use 功 (gōng) for the emphasis on effort and skill in achieving something, while 成就 (chéngjiù) focuses more on the outcome or result of that achievement.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a superhero (the radical 工, meaning 'work') who accomplishes great feats (功). This character can remind you of the superhero's 'great work' leading to 'merit' in the community, hence linking both form and meaning.
Usage Notes
Be cautious when using 功 in formal versus informal contexts, as it can carry different connotations. Common collocations include 功劳 (gōngláo, contributions) and 功夫 (gōngfu, skill or effort). Students often confuse it with 努力 (nǔlì, effort) but 功 emphasizes results.
HSK Study Tips
While 功 is not specifically categorized under HSK levels, it is relevant for students aiming for higher proficiency. Focus on its usage in expressions of achievement and combine it with related terms like 成功 (chénggōng, success) for richer vocabulary.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 功 is often associated with the value placed on hard work and merit, reflecting the Confucian ideal that one's achievements should be recognized and celebrated, especially in academic and professional settings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 功 with 成就 (chéngjiù, achievement), using them interchangeably; however, 成就 focuses more on the end result, while 功 emphasizes the work done. For example, saying '我有很多功' (wǒ yǒu hěn duō gōng) instead of '我有很多成就' (wǒ yǒu hěn duō chéngjiù) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 功
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Grammar Patterns of 功
功 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 7 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Sock Shop was one of the high-street success stories of the 80s.
7
阿里安航天火箭项目取得了辉煌的成功。
ā lǐ ān háng tiān huǒ jiàn xiàng mù qǔ dé le huī huáng de chéng gōng。
The Ariane space-rocket project has had a shining success.
8
我隐隐觉得他们恐怕要成功了。
wǒ yǐn yǐn jué dé tā mén kǒng pà yào chéng gōng le。
I have a sneaking suspicion that they are going to succeed.
9
我认为他们能否成功取决于这一限制因素.
wǒ rèn wéi tā mén néng fǒu chéng gōng qǔ jué yú zhè yī xiàn zhì yīn sù.
Their success is conditional, I suggest, on this restriction.
10
这位精神病学家将她的一些问题成功地追溯到她童年时代遭受的严重创伤。
zhè wèi jīng shén bìng xué jiā jiāng tā de yī xiē wèn tí chéng gōng dì zhuī sù dào tā tóng nián shí dài zāo shòu de yán zhòng chuàng shāng。
The psychiatrist successfully traced some of her problems to severe childhood traumas.
Cultural Notes for 功
💡Did you know?
'功' is often associated with both physical and academic achievements in Chinese culture. In traditional education, students are encouraged to strive for '功' through diligence and hard work.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 功 is often associated with the value placed on hard work and merit, reflecting the Confucian ideal that one's achievements should be recognized and celebrated, especially in academic and professional settings.
Word Family of 功
Words Containing This Character20
成功chénggōngsuccess
功能gōngnéngfunction
功夫gōngfuskill
功gōngresult
功课gōngkèhomework功課
功劳gōngláocontribution功勞
功效gōngxiàoefficacy
武功martial art
功率gōnglǜrate of work
功力gōnglìmerit
归功to give credit歸功
多功能duōgōngnéngmulti-functional
用功yònggōngdiligent
下功夫xiàgōngfuto put in time and energy
功臣gōngchénminister who has given outstanding service
功绩feat功績
庆功to celebrate a heroic deed慶功
神功miracle
功能性functionality
大功告成to be highly successful
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 成功 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 功
Common phrases that include 功 (gōng) are '功夫' (gōngfu) which means 'skill' or 'effort', and '功劳' (gōngláo) which means 'meritorious service'. These phrases highlight the idea of accomplishment and effort in various contexts.
In physics, 功 (gōng) refers to 'work' done, which is defined as the energy transferred when a force is applied over a distance. It is a key concept in mechanics and is often measured in joules.
功 (gōng) translates to 'achievement' or 'meritorious deed' in Chinese. It can refer to a successful result from an effort or work, and is often used in both everyday and technical contexts, such as physics.
You can use 功 (gōng) in a sentence to describe someone's achievements or efforts, such as in '他的功很大' (tā de gōng hěn dà), which means 'His achievements are significant.' It can also be used in contexts relating to successful results in work or projects.
In a workplace, 功 refers to the achievements or contributions one has made, highlighting the importance of results and efficiency.
Yes, 功 can be used in everyday conversation when discussing accomplishments, but it's more common in formal or written contexts.
功 is pronounced as 'gōng', with a high and level tone.
