Definition
练功 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to practice a skill or discipline' — most commonly used for martial arts (武术), qigong (气功), ballet, or other physical/mental training that requires regular, focused practice. The verb 练 and the object 功 can split when adding duration, frequency, or complements: 练了三个小时的功 ('practiced for three hours'), 练过一次功 ('practiced once'). You don't put an object after 练功; instead say 练武术 or 练气功 if you want to specify the type of practice.
v.o.
to practice (martial arts, qigong, ballet, or other disciplined skills)
Examples
- 练功。Tā měitiān zǎoshang dōu qù gōngyuán liàn gōng.He goes to the park every morning to practice.
- ，。Wǒ liàn le liǎng ge xiǎoshí de gōng, gǎnjué shēntǐ hǎo duō le.I practiced for two hours and feel much better physically.
- ，。Zhè wèi lǎo shīfu liàn le yí bèizi gōng, gōngfu hěn shēn.This old master has practiced all his life and has deep skill.
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