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March 24, 2026
怠工()dàigōng(dai4gong1)
The term 怠工 (dài gōng) refers to the act of reducing one's work pace or effort, often intentionally as a form of protest or to show dissatisfaction. It is commonly used in labor contexts, particularly when workers are dissatisfied with conditions or management.
Frequency#54261DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In contemporary China, labor strikes and worker protests have become more visible, and the term 怠工 reflects a growing awareness of workers' rights and dissatisfaction with workplace conditions, particularly in manufacturing sectors.
Memory Tip
Imagine a worker who is dawdling (the 'dai' can remind you of 'dawdle'), making their work slower than usual. Picture this worker taking long breaks and moving at a snail's pace, which reflects the idea of 'slacking off' in their duties.
Meanings of 怠工
dàigōng(dai4gong1)
1to slacken off in one's work
2to go slow (as a form of strike)
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About 怠工
怠工Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5BCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 怠工
Podcast: 怠工
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AI Study Notes for 怠工
Quick Contrast
怠惰 (dàiduò) refers to laziness or idleness, while 怠工 (dàigōng) specifically implies a reduction in work effort, often in a protest context.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a worker who is dawdling (the 'dai' can remind you of 'dawdle'), making their work slower than usual. Picture this worker taking long breaks and moving at a snail's pace, which reflects the idea of 'slacking off' in their duties.
Usage Notes
This term is generally used in informal contexts, particularly in discussions about workplace dynamics. Be careful not to confuse it with the more neutral term for 'work' (工作, gōngzuò); using 怠工 can imply a negative connotation about someone's work ethic.
HSK Study Tips
While 怠工 is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary, it connects to themes of work and labor which are relevant at HSK Level 3 and above. Focus on the radicals 怠 (to neglect) and 工 (work) to help remember its meaning.
Cultural Note
In contemporary China, labor strikes and worker protests have become more visible, and the term 怠工 reflects a growing awareness of workers' rights and dissatisfaction with workplace conditions, particularly in manufacturing sectors.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 怠工 with just 'work' (工作) instead of understanding its negative connotation. For example, saying '我怠工工作' is incorrect; it should be simply '我怠工' to convey the meaning of slacking off.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 怠工
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Cultural Notes for 怠工
🏮Cultural insight
In contemporary China, labor strikes and worker protests have become more visible, and the term 怠工 reflects a growing awareness of workers' rights and dissatisfaction with workplace conditions, particularly in manufacturing sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions about 怠工
怠工 refers to slacking off or reducing work effort, while 罢工 (bà gōng) means to go on strike, which is a more formal cessation of work.
Primarily, 怠工 is used informally, especially in conversations about work environments and employee productivity.
You can say: '他最近在公司怠工，导致项目进展缓慢.' (He has been slacking off at the company lately, causing slow progress on the project.)
