lin6 gung1練功练功
Jyutpinglin6 gung1
Yalelihn gūng
Definition
To practice martial arts or kung fu.
colloquialsportsdaily actions
How it's used
Beyond the literal context of martial arts, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe someone putting in intense, repetitive effort to master a specific skill or craft. It carries a sense of discipline and dedication that goes beyond casual practice. You might hear it applied to someone spending hours perfecting a musical instrument or a complex technical skill.
Examples
He goes to the park to practise kungfu every morning.
When did you start practising kungfu?
Related words
Common phrases
to practise kungfu diligently
to practise kungfu every day
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general exercise like 做運動 or 健身, which are for health and fitness. 練功 specifically implies a structured, often traditional, skill-based training regimen.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
