Meanings of 拼命
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Podcast: 拼命
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AI Study Notes for 拼命
拼命 (pīnmìng) vs 努力 (nǔlì) — use 拼命 when emphasizing a desperate or urgent effort, while 努力 denotes diligent effort without the same level of intensity.
拼命 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious about its intensity; it can imply desperation. Common collocations include 拼命工作 (work hard) and 拼命学习 (study hard). Avoid using it in situations where a lighter tone is appropriate.
As an HSK 6 word, 拼命 connects well with other advanced verbs that convey effort or struggle. Focus on understanding its nuances and using it in contexts that reflect urgency or necessity, similar to words like 努力 (nǔ lì) meaning 'to strive'.
Learners often confuse 拼命 with the softer 努力, using it in contexts where a less intense expression is more appropriate. For example, saying '我拼命学习' (I study with all my might) may sound too extreme for a regular study session; instead, use '我努力学习' (I study hard).
Pronunciation of 拼命
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Component Characters
How to say to do one's utmost in Chinese
“to do one's utmost” in Chinese is拼命
拼命 (pīn mìng) means to exert oneself to the fullest extent, often in a challenging or desperate situation. It conveys a sense of urgency and intensity, as if one's life depends on the outcome. This term is commonly used to describe efforts in work, study, or competition where one puts in maximum effort.
When to use 拼命
拼命 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious about its intensity; it can imply desperation. Common collocations include 拼命工作 (work hard) and 拼命学习 (study hard). Avoid using it in situations where a lighter tone is appropriate.
拼命 or something close to it
拼命 (pīnmìng) vs 努力 (nǔlì) — use 拼命 when emphasizing a desperate or urgent effort, while 努力 denotes diligent effort without the same level of intensity.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 拼命 with the softer 努力, using it in contexts where a less intense expression is more appropriate. For example, saying '我拼命学习' (I study with all my might) may sound too extreme for a regular study session; instead, use '我努力学习' (I study hard).
Write 拼命
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Grammar Patterns of 拼命
拼命 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
她说这孩子一直在____存钱。
She says the kid's been squirrelling money away like there's no tomorrow.
Example Sentences for 拼命 (10)
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Cultural Notes for 拼命
In Western cultures, the idea of working extremely hard is often balanced with the importance of work-life balance, whereas in Chinese culture,拼命 can sometimes suggest a more extreme commitment to work at the expense of personal health.
Frequently Asked Questions about 拼命
Yes, but be mindful of the context; it may come off as overly intense for casual situations.
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