Meaning and Usage
"工夫" (gōngfū) primarily refers to the effort, skill, or time spent to solve a problem or improve something. It can mean "effort," "ingenuity," or "skillful labor." Although historically it could mean "laborer" or "worker," in modern Mandarin it is more commonly used to describe the process of applying effort or clever methods.
Common Contexts
You will often see "工夫" used when talking about spending time and effort on tasks like fixing things, cooking, or crafting. It emphasizes the thoughtful or skillful aspect of the work, not just physical labor.
Collocations and Patterns
- 花工夫 (huā gōngfū): to spend effort/time on something
- 费工夫 (fèi gōngfū): to take a lot of effort
- 下工夫 (xià gōngfū): to put effort into
Usage Notes
"工夫" is often paired with verbs indicating spending or applying effort. It is not commonly used to refer to a person nowadays except in historical or literary contexts. Avoid confusing it with "功夫" (gōngfu), which can mean "kung fu" or "skill" in martial arts contexts.
Summary
Use "工夫" when you want to highlight the effort, time, or skill someone puts into a task, especially when it involves cleverness or careful work.
Meaning and Usage
"工夫" (gōngfū) primarily refers to the effort, skill, or time spent to solve a problem or improve something. It can mean "effort," "ingenuity," or "skillful labor." Although historically it could mean "laborer" or "worker," in modern Mandarin it is more commonly used to describe the process of applying effort or clever methods.
Common Contexts
You will often see "工夫" used when talking about spending time and effort on tasks like fixing things, cooking, or crafting. It emphasizes the thoughtful or skillful aspect of the work, not just physical labor.
Collocations and Patterns
- 花工夫 (huā gōngfū): to spend effort/time on something
- 费工夫 (fèi gōngfū): to take a lot of effort
- 下工夫 (xià gōngfū): to put effort into
Usage Notes
"工夫" is often paired with verbs indicating spending or applying effort. It is not commonly used to refer to a person nowadays except in historical or literary contexts. Avoid confusing it with "功夫" (gōngfu), which can mean "kung fu" or "skill" in martial arts contexts.
Summary
Use "工夫" when you want to highlight the effort, time, or skill someone puts into a task, especially when it involves cleverness or careful work.
Meaning and Usage
"工夫" (gōngfū) primarily refers to the effort, skill, or time spent to solve a problem or improve something. It can mean "effort," "ingenuity," or "skillful labor." Although historically it could mean "laborer" or "worker," in modern Mandarin it is more commonly used to describe the process of applying effort or clever methods.
Common Contexts
You will often see "工夫" used when talking about spending time and effort on tasks like fixing things, cooking, or crafting. It emphasizes the thoughtful or skillful aspect of the work, not just physical labor.
Collocations and Patterns
- 花工夫 (huā gōngfū): to spend effort/time on something
- 费工夫 (fèi gōngfū): to take a lot of effort
- 下工夫 (xià gōngfū): to put effort into
Usage Notes
"工夫" is often paired with verbs indicating spending or applying effort. It is not commonly used to refer to a person nowadays except in historical or literary contexts. Avoid confusing it with "功夫" (gōngfu), which can mean "kung fu" or "skill" in martial arts contexts.
Summary
Use "工夫" when you want to highlight the effort, time, or skill someone puts into a task, especially when it involves cleverness or careful work.