Definition
报效 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to devote oneself (service, money, effort) to repay a debt of gratitude' — typically to one's country, parents, or a benefactor. The object of gratitude goes after 报效 (报效国家), but when you add a measure word or duration, the syllables split: 报了一次效 ('rendered service once'). The word carries a strong sense of loyalty and moral obligation.
v.o.
to devote one's service or resources to repay a debt of gratitude (to one's country, parents, etc.)
Examples
- 报效。Tā juéxīn xué chéng hòu bào xiào zǔguó.He is determined to serve his country after completing his studies.
- ,。Tā bào le yí cì xiào, jiù zài yě méiyǒu jīhuì le.He rendered service once and never had another chance.
- ,报效。Fùmǔ yǎngyù zhī ēn, wǒmen yīngdāng nǔlì bào xiào.We should strive to repay our parents' nurturing kindness.
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