Chinese Character: 功
1. Character Basics
Radical: 力 (lì, power/strength, indicates related to strength, power, or effort)
Stroke Count: 5
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Gōng (First tone)
3. Meaning
Core meaning: Achievement; merit; success; skill; work; effort; function; power (in physics)
This character represents the concept of accomplished work, achievement, or the result of effort. It also refers to skills developed through practice and effort.
4. Common Words
- 成功 (chéng gōng) - Success
Example: 他的努力终于带来了成功。(His efforts finally brought success.)
- 功劳 (gōng láo) - Merit; contribution
Example: 这个项目的成功有他的功劳。(He contributed to the success of this project.)
- 功夫 (gōng fu) - Skill; Kung Fu
Example: 学习汉语需要功夫。(Learning Chinese requires effort.)
- 功能 (gōng néng) - Function
Example: 这个手机有很多实用的功能。(This phone has many useful functions.)
- 功率 (gōng lǜ) - Power (in physics)
Example: 这个灯泡的功率是60瓦。(This light bulb has a power of 60 watts.)
5. Grammar & Usage
Part of speech: Usually used as a noun, but can also be used in compound verbs.
Usage patterns:
- As a noun: 功劳 (merit), 功夫 (skill), 功能 (function)
- In compound verbs: 成功 (to succeed), 立功 (to perform meritorious deeds)
- In idioms: 事半功倍 (half the work, twice the result)
Common collocations: 功力 (skill), 功勋 (exploits), 功课 (homework), 用功 (to study hard), 功效 (effectiveness)
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, the concept of "功" (gōng) is deeply associated with achievement, contribution, and the value of hard work. It reflects the traditional belief that success comes through effort and perseverance.
The character is often found in contexts related to personal accomplishment, professional success, and societal contributions. In traditional Chinese philosophy, "功" is balanced with other virtues like "德" (dé, virtue) to represent a well-rounded person.
The term "功夫" (gōng fu) has become internationally known through Chinese martial arts, but its original meaning is much broader, referring to any skill or expertise developed through dedicated practice.
7. Example Sentence
Example 1: 他的成功来自于多年的努力。(His success comes from years of hard work.)
Example 2: 这位科学家为人类做出了巨大贡献。(This scientist has made great contributions to humanity.)
Example 3: 学习任何技能都需要下功夫。(Learning any skill requires dedication.)
8. Memory Tips
1. Component breakdown: The character "功" consists of "工" (gōng, work) on the left and "力" (lì, power) on the right. Together they represent "work with power" or "achievement through effort".
2. Visual association: Imagine someone using their strength (力) to do work (工), resulting in achievement or success.
3. Mnemonic sentence: "工作用力，必有功劳" (gōng zuò yòng lì, bì yǒu gōng láo) which means "Work with effort, and you will surely achieve merit".
4. Stroke order practice: Remember the stroke order: horizontal, vertical, horizontal (for 工), then horizontal, vertical hook (for 力).