gung1 lik6功力
Jyutpinggung1 lik6
Yalegūng lihk
Definition
Skill, mastery, and expertise in a craft; or efficacy and effect.
- knowledge, understanding, and skill in a particular craft or discipline
- efficacy; effect; power
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
Refers to the depth of one's expertise or the underlying strength behind a performance, often implying years of dedicated practice. It is frequently used to praise someone's artistic or technical mastery, such as in writing, martial arts, or cooking. Unlike simple ability, it carries a sense of accumulated experience and inner power.
Examples
He has practiced for a few years, and his skill level has improved a lot.
Related words
Common phrases
possessing profound skill or expertise
to show off one's skills
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 功效, which refers to the functional outcome or effectiveness of a product like medicine or a cleaning agent. 功力 is strictly reserved for human skill, talent, or the depth of a craft.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
