Meanings of 吃力
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AI Study Notes for 吃力
吃力 (chīlì) vs 辛苦 (xīnkǔ): Use 吃力 for tasks that feel laborious or strenuous, while 辛苦 emphasizes the hardship or suffering involved in the effort.
'吃力' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, but it can sound more dramatic in casual conversations. Be careful not to confuse it with '轻松' (easy), as they represent opposite meanings. Common collocations include '工作吃力' (labor-intensive work) and '学习吃力' (strenuous studying).
As an HSK Level 6 word, '吃力' connects with other advanced vocabulary related to effort and challenge. Students should focus on using it in context with phrases that describe difficulty or effort, such as '他做这个项目很吃力' (He finds this project very strenuous).
Learners often misuse '吃力' by applying it to situations that are merely challenging but not strenuous, such as saying '这道题很吃力' (This question is very strenuous) instead of '这道题有点难' (This question is a bit difficult). It's important to reserve '吃力' for tasks that genuinely require intense effort.
Pronunciation of 吃力
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Component Characters
How to say to entail strenuous effort in Chinese
“to entail strenuous effort” in Chinese is吃力
The term '吃力' refers to situations that require a significant amount of effort or labor. It is often used to describe tasks that are physically or mentally demanding, suggesting that the effort involved may feel burdensome or overwhelming.
When to use 吃力
'吃力' is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, but it can sound more dramatic in casual conversations. Be careful not to confuse it with '轻松' (easy), as they represent opposite meanings. Common collocations include '工作吃力' (labor-intensive work) and '学习吃力' (strenuous studying).
吃力 or something close to it
吃力 (chīlì) vs 辛苦 (xīnkǔ): Use 吃力 for tasks that feel laborious or strenuous, while 辛苦 emphasizes the hardship or suffering involved in the effort.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse '吃力' by applying it to situations that are merely challenging but not strenuous, such as saying '这道题很吃力' (This question is very strenuous) instead of '这道题有点难' (This question is a bit difficult). It's important to reserve '吃力' for tasks that genuinely require intense effort.
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Practice writing 吃力 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 吃力
吃力 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 5 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.
他坐在书桌后____地写着，用的是一支部队发的钢笔。
He sat behind a desk laboriously writing with an Army issue pen.
Example Sentences for 吃力 (3)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 吃力
While '吃力' typically conveys difficulty, it can be used positively to express pride in overcoming challenges, such as completing a tough project.
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