ngaang6 gung1 fu1硬功夫
Jyutpingngaang6 gung1 fu1
Yalengaahng gūng fū
Definition
True skill, mastery, or capability acquired through hard work and practice.
colloquialworkdescriptions
How it's used
Refers specifically to solid, hard-earned technical skills that cannot be faked. It often implies a level of mastery that requires long-term practice and dedication. Unlike general talent, it emphasizes the tangible, reliable nature of the ability.
Examples
He really has great proficiency in playing the piano.
Related words
Common phrases
to practice and develop real skills
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with physical strength or being stubborn, as the term is strictly about professional or technical competence.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
