guk1 gung1 zeon6 seoi6鞠躬盡瘁鞠躬尽瘁

Jyutpingguk1 gung1 zeon6 seoi6

Yalegūk gūng jeuhn seuih

Rare

Definition

To spare no effort; to fully devote oneself to a cause.

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How it's used

This idiom carries a heavy, formal weight and is often used to describe someone who works until they are physically or mentally exhausted. While it originates from classical literature, it is frequently used in modern Cantonese to express deep respect for someone's dedication or, conversely, to criticize a work culture that demands excessive sacrifice. It implies a sense of total commitment that goes beyond standard professional duties.

Examples

keoi5佢wai6為zo2咗ni1呢go3個hong6項muk6目guk1鞠gung1躬zeon6盡seoi5瘁，zan1真hai6係hou2好san1辛fu2苦。

He spared no effort for this project, it was really exhausting.

nei5你sai2使m4唔sai2使wai6為zo2咗fan2份gung1工guk1鞠gung1躬zeon6盡seoi5瘁dou3到gam3咁aa4呀？

Do you really need to work yourself to the bone for that job?

Common phrases

guk1鞠gung1躬zeon6盡seoi5瘁，sei2死ji4而hau6後ji5已

to serve until one's dying day

Common mistake

Learners often use this phrase in casual settings where it sounds overly dramatic or stiff. It is not suitable for describing everyday tasks like cleaning a room or doing homework, as it specifically refers to long-term, high-stakes dedication.