Definition
内功 refers to the internal energy cultivation practices in Chinese martial arts and qigong, focusing on strengthening the body's internal organs, energy channels, and overall vitality through breath control, meditation, and slow movements. It contrasts with 外功 (external training) which emphasizes physical strength and technique. The term is also used metaphorically to describe deep, foundational skills or inner strength in non-martial contexts.
n.
internal martial-arts training (breath, energy, and organ conditioning)inner strength or foundational skill (metaphorical)
Examples
- 内功。Liàn nèi gōng xūyào nàixīn hé chángqī de jiānchí.Practicing internal martial arts requires patience and long-term persistence.
- 内功，。Tā de nèi gōng hěn shēn, suǒyǐ shēntǐ yìzhí hěn hǎo.His internal training is deep, so his health has always been good.
- 内功，。Zuò xuéwèn yě yào liàn hǎo nèi gōng, bù néng zhǐ zhuīqiú biǎomiàn gōngfu.Doing scholarship also requires building solid inner skills, not just chasing superficial results.
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