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March 24, 2026
尽力(盡力)jìnlì(jin4li4)
尽力 (jìn lì) means to make every effort or to strive one's hardest in a given situation. It is commonly used in contexts where one is encouraged to give their best, such as in work, studies, or personal challenges. The nuance emphasizes the idea of putting in maximum effort without holding back.
Strokes8Frequency#1465DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of striving and making an effort is highly valued, often linked to Confucian ideals of hard work and dedication. Using 尽力 reflects a positive attitude towards diligence in both personal and professional spheres.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person running a race, giving it their all, with the phrase '尽力' echoing in their mind. The character 尽 (jìn) looks like a person reaching out, while 力 (lì) represents strength, together symbolizing someone straining every muscle to achieve their goal.
Meanings of 尽力
jìnlì(jin4li4)
1to strive one's hardest
2to spare no effort
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 尽力
尽力Simplified
盡力Traditional
8Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#1465Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 尽力
Podcast: 尽力
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AI Study Notes for 尽力
Quick Contrast
尽心 (jìn xīn) — use 尽力 when emphasizing effort in action, while 尽心 focuses more on dedication and care in the approach.
Usage Notes
尽力 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious with the tone; ensure you use the fourth tone accurately. Common collocations include '尽力而为' (to do one's best) and '尽力去做' (to try hard to do something).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 尽力 connects with other words related to effort and perseverance at this level, such as 努力 (nǔlì - to strive). Focus on using it in sentences to express determination and commitment to tasks.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 尽力 with similar phrases like 努力 (nǔlì). For example, saying '我尽力学习' (I strive to study) may sound awkward; it’s better to say '我努力学习' (I work hard at studying).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 尽力
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尽力 (jìn lì) means to make every effort or to strive one's hardest in a given situation. It is commonly used in contexts where one is encouraged to give their best, such as in work, studies, or personal challenges. The nuance emphasizes the idea of putting in maximum effort without holding back.
When to use 尽力
尽力 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious with the tone; ensure you use the fourth tone accurately. Common collocations include '尽力而为' (to do one's best) and '尽力去做' (to try hard to do something).
尽力 or something close to it
尽心 (jìn xīn) — use 尽力 when emphasizing effort in action, while 尽心 focuses more on dedication and care in the approach.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 尽力 with similar phrases like 努力 (nǔlì). For example, saying '我尽力学习' (I strive to study) may sound awkward; it’s better to say '我努力学习' (I work hard at studying).
Write 尽力
尽
力
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Grammar Patterns of 尽力
尽力 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 2 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
我已____了，但是她母亲贻害颇深。
I did what I could, but her mother's influence was pernicious.
Example Sentences for 尽力 (10)
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1
我已尽力了，但是她母亲贻害颇深。
wǒ yǐ jìn lì le， ， dàn shì tā mǔ qīn yí hài pō。
I did what I could, but her mother's influence was pernicious.
2
弗吉尼娅还在尽力成为一位勤勤恳恳、全心奉献的母亲。
fú jí ní yà huán zài jìn lì chéng wéi yī wèi qín qín kěn kěn、 、 quán xīn fèng xiàn de mǔ。
Virginia was still struggling to be a conscientious and dedicated mother.
3
她猜想他正在尽力掩饰笑容。
tā cāi xiǎng tā zhèng zài jìn lì yǎn shì xiào róng。
