kan4 lik6勤力
Jyutpingkan4 lik6
Yalekàhn lihk
Definition
Hardworking; diligent; putting a lot of effort into doing something.
colloquialworkschool
How it's used
Focuses on the consistent application of effort over time rather than just a one-off burst of energy. It is the standard way to praise someone for their work ethic or academic dedication. Unlike some formal terms, it feels warm and encouraging when used to compliment a friend or colleague.
Examples
He is very hardworking at work usually.
You are studying so hard, you will definitely pass.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse it with 努力, which is often used as a verb or an adverb meaning to make an effort. While 勤力 describes a person's character or state, 努力 is more about the action of trying hard to achieve a specific goal.
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.
