jung6 gung1用功
Jyutpingjung6 gung1
Yaleyuhng gūng
Definition
Hardworking, diligent, or studious.
neutralschoolwork
How it's used
While this term is understood in Cantonese, it sounds slightly more formal or literary compared to the ubiquitous 勤力 or the common phrase 俾心機. It is often used in academic or professional contexts to describe someone who applies themselves consistently to a task. You will hear it more frequently in written materials or when someone is being praised for their work ethic in a serious tone.
Examples
He is usually very diligent, so his grades will definitely be good.
Since you are studying so hard, you do not need to worry about the exam.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 勤力. While both mean hardworking, 勤力 is the go-to word for general diligence in daily life, whereas 用功 specifically carries the nuance of applying effort to study or a particular project.
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.
