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March 24, 2026
致力zhìlì(zhi4li4)
致力 (zhìlì) means to dedicate oneself to a cause or to put in effort towards achieving a goal. This term is often used in formal contexts, especially in discussions about work, projects, or social causes, indicating a strong commitment to a particular task or objective.
Frequency#8282DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, dedication to work and social causes is highly valued, often seen in the context of community service or national projects. This reflects the collective spirit and responsibility towards societal improvement.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'dedicated' worker, with a big 'Z' on their shirt for '致' (zhì), as they 'li' (力) or 'exert' efforts towards a mountain of tasks. The visual of climbing a mountain can help reinforce the idea of dedication and effort.
Meanings of 致力
zhìlì(zhi4li4)
1to work for
2to devote one's efforts to
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 致力
致力Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#8282Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 致力
Podcast: 致力
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AI Study Notes for 致力
Quick Contrast
致力 (zhìlì) vs 投入 (tóurù) — use 致力 when emphasizing dedication to a cause, while 投入 focuses more on the act of being engaged or immersed in an activity.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'dedicated' worker, with a big 'Z' on their shirt for '致' (zhì), as they 'li' (力) or 'exert' efforts towards a mountain of tasks. The visual of climbing a mountain can help reinforce the idea of dedication and effort.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone; the first character (致) is pronounced with a falling tone while the second (力) has a falling tone as well. It is commonly paired with words like '努力' (nǔlì - to strive) or '发展' (fāzhǎn - to develop), so understanding these collocations will enhance usage.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 致力 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to work and dedication. Focus on using it in sentences that discuss goals or commitments to enhance fluency and comprehension at this level.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, dedication to work and social causes is highly valued, often seen in the context of community service or national projects. This reflects the collective spirit and responsibility towards societal improvement.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 致力 with similar terms like 努力, using them interchangeably, which can lead to miscommunication. For example, saying '我致力学习' (I dedicate to studying) instead of '我努力学习' (I strive to study) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 致力
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Grammar Patterns of 致力
致力 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 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
他一心一意____于早日让被压迫者获得自由。
He was single-mindedly devoted to the hastening of freedom for the oppressed.
Example Sentences for 致力 (7)
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1
他一心一意致力于早日让被压迫者获得自由。
tā yī xīn yī yì zhì lì yú zǎo rì ràng bèi yā pò zhě huò dé zì yóu。
He was single-mindedly devoted to the hastening of freedom for the oppressed.
2
他一直致力于在教育系统内为美籍拉美人和黑人争取权益。
tā yī zhí zhì lì yú zài jiào yù xì tǒng nèi wéi měi jí lā měi rén hé hēi rén zhēng qǔ quán yì。
He was a champion for Latinos and blacks within the educational system.
The magazine is devoted to anato-mizing the inadequacies of liberalism.
Cultural Notes for 致力
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, dedication to work and social causes is highly valued, often seen in the context of community service or national projects. This reflects the collective spirit and responsibility towards societal improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions about 致力
While it is primarily a formal term, it can be used informally to express commitment in personal projects among friends.
Common phrases include '致力于学习' (dedicated to learning) and '致力于发展' (dedicated to development).
Yes, 致力 emphasizes dedication to a cause, while 努力 focuses more on the effort and striving part.
