Definition
功力 (gōng lì) means both the efficacy of a method/medicine (broader than 功效) and the deep skill/power gained from long training (e.g., in calligraphy or martial arts). Unlike 威力 (wēi lì 'might'), which emphasizes imposing force, 功力 focuses on cultivated ability; unlike 才干 (cái gàn 'talent'), 功力 stresses hard-earned expertise.
noun
efficacyeffectiveness (of a medicine, method, or practice)skillcompetencepower (of a person's ability, especially after long training)
Easily confused
- 公里gōng lǐsound-alikekilometer
- 公立gōng lìsound-alikepublic (of institutions such as schools, hospitals, libraries)
- 功利gōng lìsound-alike(philosophy) utility
Examples
- 功力。Zhè zhǒng yào de gōng lì hái xūyào línchuáng shìyàn lái yànzhèng.The efficacy of this medicine still needs to be verified through clinical trials.
- ，功力。Tā liàn le sānshí nián shūfǎ, gōng lì fēicháng shēnhòu.He has practiced calligraphy for thirty years, and his skill is very profound.
- 功力。Zhè wèi wǔshù dàshī de gōng lì lìng rén jìngpèi.This martial arts master's power is admirable.
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