jyun4 loeng4 ci3 gu2懸樑刺股悬梁刺股
Jyutpingjyun4 loeng4 ci3 gu2
Yaleyùhn lèuhng chi gú
Definition
To study assiduously and tirelessly.
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How it's used
This idiom originates from two separate historical stories about scholars who used extreme physical pain to stay awake while studying. Because of this, it carries a heavy, dramatic tone that implies a level of self-sacrifice and intense focus rarely seen in modern casual settings. It is most often used in formal writing or when someone is being slightly hyperbolic about their academic efforts.
Examples
He was very hardworking when he was young, truly studying assiduously.
If you want to get into university, how can you succeed without studying tirelessly?
Related words
Common phrases
the spirit of assiduous study
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe regular hard work or studying for a standard test. It specifically implies a level of extreme, almost painful dedication that would sound bizarre if applied to everyday tasks like finishing a routine homework assignment.
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.
