努力 (nǔlì) — to work hard; effort; diligently

努力 (nǔlì)

努力 describes the sustained application of energy and determination toward a goal, and can function as a verb, noun, or adverb.

Meanings

1. [verb] To work hard, to make an effort, to strive.
2. [noun] Effort, hard work, endeavor.
3. [adverb] Diligently, hard, with effort.

Example Sentences

尽管她天资平平，但凭借不懈的努力，最终考上了理想的大学。 Jǐnguǎn tā tiānzī píngpíng, dàn píngjiè bùxiè de nǔlì, zuìzhōng kǎo shàng le lǐxiǎng de dàxué. Despite her average natural ability, through relentless effort she eventually got into her ideal university.

多年来的努力终于得到了回报，她的研究成果获得了国际认可。 Duō nián lái de nǔlì zhōngyú dédào le huíbào, tā de yánjiū chéngguǒ huòdé le guójì rènkě. Years of effort finally paid off when her research results received international recognition.

他努力学习新技术，希望能在竞争激烈的市场中保持竞争力。 Tā nǔlì xuéxí xīn jìshù, xīwàng néng zài jìngzhēng jīliè de shìchǎng zhōng bǎochí jìngzhēnglì. He works hard to learn new technologies, hoping to remain competitive in a fiercely competitive market.

团队的成功不是偶然的，背后是每一个成员长期共同努力的结果。 Tuánduì de chénggōng bù shì ǒurán de, bèihòu shì měi yī gè chéngyuán chángqī gòngtóng nǔlì de jiéguǒ. The team's success was not accidental — behind it lies the result of every member's sustained collective effort.

Collocations

Usage Notes

努力 is one of the most positively valued words in Chinese culture and appears constantly in motivational, educational, and professional contexts. As an adverb it precedes the verb (努力学习, 努力工作). As a noun it follows 付出 (to invest effort) or 经过 (through). The contrast with 懒惰 (laziness) is frequently drawn in Chinese discourse on success.

Memory Hook

努 contains the character for "slave" (奴) plus 力 (strength) — channeling all your strength like you are driven by necessity. 力 alone means "strength," reinforcing the physical imagery of hard work.