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克服 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
克服
kèfú
(try to) overcome (hardships etc)
HSK 5, v, 15 strokes, rank #4425, Hard
克服
kèfú
to conquer
HSK 5, v, 15 strokes, rank #4425, Hard
克服
kèfú
to put up with
HSK 5, v, 15 strokes, rank #4425, Hard
克服
kèfú
to endure
HSK 5, v, 15 strokes, rank #4425, Hard
kèfú(ke4fu2)ke fu T4
1(try to) overcome (hardships etc)
2to conquer
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March 24, 2026
克服kèfú(ke4fu2)
The term '克服' (kèfú) means to overcome difficulties or hardships. It is often used in contexts where one must endure challenges, be it in personal struggles or in achieving goals. This verb also conveys a sense of conquering obstacles, both physically and mentally.
Strokes15Frequency#4425DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '克服' is often associated with perseverance and resilience, reflecting values instilled through historical narratives and teachings from Confucianism about facing hardships with determination.
Memory tip
Imagine a soldier (克) overcoming a giant wave (服) in battle. The character '克' looks like a soldier standing firm, while '服' resembles a wave that he is conquering. Together, they create a vivid picture of overcoming challenges.
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AI study notes for 克服
Quick Contrast
战胜 (zhànshèng) - use '克服' when emphasizing the process of overcoming difficulties, while '战胜' focuses more on the act of defeating or winning against an opponent or challenge.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse '克服' with similar verbs like '解决' (to solve), which has a more definitive resolution aspect. '克服' is more about enduring through the process. It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone; ensure you use it in appropriate situations to convey seriousness.
HSK Study Tips
As a level 5 HSK word, '克服' connects well with other verbs that denote action or change, such as '面对' (to face) or '挑战' (to challenge). Focus on using it in sentences that describe personal experiences or ambitions to better understand its application.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse '克服' by saying '克服问题' (overcome the problem), while it is more appropriate to say '克服困难' (overcome difficulties). Remember to pair it with challenges rather than general issues.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 克服
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How to say (try to) overcome (hardships etc) in Chinese
“(try to) overcome (hardships etc)” in Chinese is克服kèfú
The term '克服' (kèfú) means to overcome difficulties or hardships. It is often used in contexts where one must endure challenges, be it in personal struggles or in achieving goals. This verb also conveys a sense of conquering obstacles, both physically and mentally.
When to use 克服
Learners often confuse '克服' with similar verbs like '解决' (to solve), which has a more definitive resolution aspect. '克服' is more about enduring through the process. It is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone; ensure you use it in appropriate situations to convey seriousness.
克服 or something close to it
战胜 (zhànshèng) - use '克服' when emphasizing the process of overcoming difficulties, while '战胜' focuses more on the act of defeating or winning against an opponent or challenge.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse '克服' by saying '克服问题' (overcome the problem), while it is more appropriate to say '克服困难' (overcome difficulties). Remember to pair it with challenges rather than general issues.
Write 克服
克
服
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Grammar patterns of 克服
克服 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 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.
