功力

gōnglì

noun HSK 7-9 #23,121

Meanings

1 skill
2 power (achieved through practice)
3 efficacy

Characters

merit; achievement; skill

power; strength

Examples

HSK 4

练武术需要多年的功力。

Liàn wǔshù xūyào duōnián de gōnglì.

Practicing martial arts requires many years of skill.

HSK 5

他的书法功力很深。

Tā de shūfǎ gōnglì hěn shēn.

His calligraphy skills are very deep.

Tips

usage

功力 refers to skill or power built through long practice, often used for arts, martial arts, or academic disciplines. It implies depth rather than breadth.

memory

功 (achievement/work) + 力 (power) = power gained through hard work and practice.

Stroke Order

功 gōng

力 lì