Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
用功yònggōng(yong4gong1)
用功 refers to the effort and diligence one puts into studying or working hard. It is often used in the context of academic pursuits, emphasizing the importance of dedication and hard work in achieving success. The term implies that success is the result of sustained effort rather than mere talent.
Strokes10Frequency#13178DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the idea of 用功 is deeply rooted in the value placed on education and hard work. It is often emphasized in traditional sayings that highlight the importance of diligence in achieving one's goals, especially in academic contexts.
Memory Tip
Imagine a student using a powerful tool (用) to dig deep into a mountain of books (功) to uncover knowledge. The character 用 represents 'to use' and 功 represents 'effort' or 'achievement', reinforcing the idea that diligent use of effort leads to success.
Meanings of 用功
yònggōng(yong4gong1)
1diligent
2industrious (in one's studies)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 用功
用功Simplified
10Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#13178Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 用功
Podcast: 用功
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 用功
Quick Contrast
努力 (nǔlì) - use 用功 when emphasizing diligence in studying or working hard, while 努力 can refer to effort in a broader sense, not limited to academic contexts.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 用功 with similar terms like 努力 (nǔlì), which also means 'to strive' but can apply to broader contexts. 用功 is more specifically tied to academic or study-related efforts. It is generally used in a neutral to positive context.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 学习 (xuéxí) meaning 'to study' is closely related to 用功. Students should focus on using 用功 in sentences that describe their study habits, and practice differentiating it from other terms related to effort.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 用功 in contexts unrelated to studying, such as using it to describe working hard in a job. For example, saying '他在工作上用功' (He uses effort at work) is less common; it's better to stick to academic contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 用功
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 用功 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
用功 refers to the effort and diligence one puts into studying or working hard. It is often used in the context of academic pursuits, emphasizing the importance of dedication and hard work in achieving success. The term implies that success is the result of sustained effort rather than mere talent.
When to use 用功
Be careful not to confuse 用功 with similar terms like 努力 (nǔlì), which also means 'to strive' but can apply to broader contexts. 用功 is more specifically tied to academic or study-related efforts. It is generally used in a neutral to positive context.
用功 or something close to it
努力 (nǔlì) - use 用功 when emphasizing diligence in studying or working hard, while 努力 can refer to effort in a broader sense, not limited to academic contexts.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 用功 in contexts unrelated to studying, such as using it to describe working hard in a job. For example, saying '他在工作上用功' (He uses effort at work) is less common; it's better to stick to academic contexts.
Write 用功
用
功
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 用功 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 用功
用功 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 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
克罗斯比断言说：“我们一无所获，在做无____。”
"Getting nowhere fast," pronounced Crosby, "that's what we're doing."
To prepare for this exam, she studies industriously until late at night every day, even on weekends.
10
他用功学习，最终获得了全额奖学金，这也验证了努力就会有回报。
Tā yònggōng xuéxí, zuìzhōng huòdé le quán'é jiǎngxuéjīn, zhè yě yànzhèng le nǔlì jiù huì yǒu huíbào.
He studied industriously and eventually received a full scholarship, proving that hard work pays off.
Cultural Notes for 用功
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, while hard work is valued, there is often a stronger emphasis on creativity and individual talent compared to the Chinese focus on diligence and effort.
Frequently Asked Questions about 用功
You can say '我最近用功学习中文' (I have been studying Chinese hard recently).
Yes, 用功 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when discussing academic efforts.
The opposite could be 不用功 (bù yònggōng), meaning 'not putting in effort or being lazy'.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 用功?
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.
