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March 24, 2026
一个劲儿(一個勁兒)yīgèjìnr(yi1ge4jin4r5)
一个劲儿 is an idiom meaning to do something persistently or with great effort, often to the point of being single-minded. It indicates a strong, unwavering focus on a task, sometimes to the exclusion of other considerations. This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts to describe someone who is intensely devoted to a particular activity.
Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, persistence and dedication are highly valued traits. The phrase '一个劲儿' reflects a cultural appreciation for hard work and determination, often associated with success in various aspects of life, including education and business.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person digging a hole in the ground with a shovel, determined and focused, representing the character '劲' (strength or effort). The '一个' (one) signifies that they are doing this with one purpose in mind, illustrating the idea of doing something with intensity and persistence.
Meanings of 一个劲儿
yīgèjìnr(yi1ge4jin4r5)
1erhua variant of 一個勁|一个劲[yi1 ge4 jin4]
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About 一个劲儿
一个劲儿Simplified
一個勁兒Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 一个劲儿
Podcast: 一个劲儿
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AI Study Notes for 一个劲儿
Quick Contrast
一心一意 (yīxīn yīyì) — use 一个劲儿 for persistent action, while 一心一意 emphasizes single-mindedness in intention.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person digging a hole in the ground with a shovel, determined and focused, representing the character '劲' (strength or effort). The '一个' (one) signifies that they are doing this with one purpose in mind, illustrating the idea of doing something with intensity and persistence.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing '劲儿'—the proper tone can change the meaning. This idiom is informal, so it's best suited for casual conversations. Common collocations include '一个劲儿地' (persistently) or '一个劲儿干' (work hard at something).
HSK Study Tips
Although this idiom may not appear in HSK lists, it is useful for understanding colloquial expressions. Students should focus on the context of usage and practice integrating it into their spoken Mandarin to sound more natural.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, persistence and dedication are highly valued traits. The phrase '一个劲儿' reflects a cultural appreciation for hard work and determination, often associated with success in various aspects of life, including education and business.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse the tone and say 'jìn' instead of 'jìn' for '劲儿', which can lead to misunderstanding. For example, saying '一个进儿' instead of '一个劲儿' changes the meaning entirely.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 一个劲儿
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Cultural Notes for 一个劲儿
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, persistence and dedication are highly valued traits. The phrase '一个劲儿' reflects a cultural appreciation for hard work and determination, often associated with success in various aspects of life, including education and business.
Frequently Asked Questions about 一个劲儿
No, this idiom is generally considered informal and is best used in conversational contexts.
You can use phrases like '一心一意' (single-minded) or '埋头苦干' (to work hard without distractions) as alternatives.
While it's often used in work contexts, it can also apply to hobbies or any activity done with great focus.
