兢兢业业
jīng jīng yè yè
Conscientious; diligent
Literalmente: Cautious, cautious, industrious, industrious
En 15 segundos
- Describes someone extremely dedicated, careful, and hardworking in their career.
- Combines the concepts of being cautious and being industrious.
- Used mostly in professional or respectful contexts for long-term effort.
Significado
This phrase describes someone who works with extreme care and dedication. It is like saying someone is 'all in' on their duties, never cutting corners or slacking off.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Praising a veteran teacher
王老师在教育岗位上兢兢业业工作了三十年。
Teacher Wang has worked conscientiously in education for thirty years.
Writing a self-evaluation for a job
在过去的一年里，我对待每一项任务都兢兢业业。
In the past year, I have been diligent and conscientious with every task.
Talking about a reliable friend's work
他这人干活儿一向兢兢业业，交给他你放心吧。
He's always been very dedicated to his work; you can trust him with this.
Contexto cultural
Originating from the 'Book of Songs' (Shi Jing), this phrase reflects the Confucian ideal of 'watchfulness' and 'reverence' in one's duties. It has survived thousands of years to become the standard praise for civil servants, teachers, and dedicated professionals in modern China.
The 'Double' Rule
This is an AABB pattern idiom. Repeating the sounds `jīng jīng` and `yè yè` adds emphasis and a rhythmic, formal beauty to your speech.
Don't use it for fun
Avoid using this for hobbies. If you say you are `兢兢业业` about playing football, people will think you are being sarcastic or that you treat fun like a stressful job.
En 15 segundos
- Describes someone extremely dedicated, careful, and hardworking in their career.
- Combines the concepts of being cautious and being industrious.
- Used mostly in professional or respectful contexts for long-term effort.
What It Means
兢兢业业 (jīng jīng yè yè) is the ultimate gold standard for work ethic. It describes someone who is both cautious and incredibly hardworking. The first half, 兢兢, means being careful and wary of making mistakes. The second half, 业业, refers to being dedicated to one's trade or task. Together, they paint a picture of a person who treats every small detail with total seriousness. It is not just about working long hours. It is about working with a sense of responsibility and precision.
How To Use It
You usually use this as an adjective to describe a person's attitude toward their job or a specific project. You can say someone is 兢兢业业 or that they work 兢兢业业地 (jīng jīng yè yè de). It functions like a high-level compliment. If your boss describes you this way, you are probably getting a promotion soon. It is also common in written reports or speeches to honor someone's lifelong service. Think of it as the opposite of 'quiet quitting.'
When To Use It
Use it when you want to show deep respect for someone's effort. It is perfect for a retirement speech for a beloved teacher. Use it in a job interview to describe your own professional philosophy. You can also use it when talking to friends about a mutual acquaintance who is a total 'workaholic' in the best way possible. It fits perfectly in professional evaluations or when writing a letter of recommendation. It shows you value their consistency and reliability over time.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for hobbies or casual fun. You would not say you are 兢兢业业 about playing video games or eating pizza. It is too heavy and serious for that. Also, avoid using it for a one-time quick task. This phrase implies a long-term, sustained effort. If you just helped someone carry a box, this is not the right word. It can also sound a bit stiff in a very casual text message unless you are being slightly sarcastic about how hard you are studying.
Cultural Background
This idiom comes from the 'Classic of Poetry' (诗经), which is over 2,500 years old. In ancient China, being 'cautious' was a virtue for leaders and officials. They believed that even a small mistake could have huge consequences for the kingdom. Today, it reflects the high value Chinese culture places on diligence and duty. It is the verbal equivalent of a 'Model Worker' award. It captures the spirit of someone who finds dignity in their daily grind.
Common Variations
You might hear people just use 勤勤恳恳 (qín qín kěn kěn) as a synonym. While 勤勤恳恳 emphasizes the 'hardworking' part, 兢兢业业 adds that layer of 'carefulness' and 'professionalism.' Another similar one is 任劳任怨 (rèn láo rèn yuàn), which means working hard without complaining. However, 兢兢业业 remains the most prestigious way to describe a professional's dedication. It sounds more sophisticated and polished in conversation.
Notas de uso
This is a formal idiom (Chengyu). It is highly respected in professional and academic circles. Avoid using it for leisure activities or very casual, fleeting tasks.
The 'Double' Rule
This is an AABB pattern idiom. Repeating the sounds `jīng jīng` and `yè yè` adds emphasis and a rhythmic, formal beauty to your speech.
Don't use it for fun
Avoid using this for hobbies. If you say you are `兢兢业业` about playing football, people will think you are being sarcastic or that you treat fun like a stressful job.
The 'Invisible' Worker
In China, this phrase is the highest compliment for people who work behind the scenes without seeking fame. It’s about the quiet dignity of doing a job right.
Ejemplos
6王老师在教育岗位上兢兢业业工作了三十年。
Teacher Wang has worked conscientiously in education for thirty years.
A classic use for someone with a long, honorable career.
在过去的一年里，我对待每一项任务都兢兢业业。
In the past year, I have been diligent and conscientious with every task.
Shows a high level of professional responsibility.
他这人干活儿一向兢兢业业，交给他你放心吧。
He's always been very dedicated to his work; you can trust him with this.
Using the phrase to build trust in someone's ability.
感谢你这段时间的兢兢业业，公司看在眼里。
Thank you for your hard work lately; the company really notices it.
A high-level compliment from a superior.
别这么兢兢业业了，休息一下去喝杯咖啡吧！
Don't be so incredibly diligent! Take a break and let's grab coffee.
Slightly humorous/ironic use for someone being 'too' serious.
医生们兢兢业业的精神让我们非常感动。
We are deeply moved by the doctors' spirit of dedication.
Used to express deep emotional respect for essential workers.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct phrase to describe a dedicated employee who never makes mistakes.
小李在公司五年了，一直___，深受领导好评。
`兢兢业业` fits because it describes long-term dedication and care, unlike `马马虎虎` (careless).
Complete the sentence to praise a craftsman's attitude.
这位老工匠对待每一个零件都___，绝不马虎。
The context of 'not being careless' (`绝不马虎`) perfectly complements `兢兢业业`.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality Spectrum of Work Ethics
Used with friends about small tasks.
卖力 (màilì)
Standard way to say hardworking.
努力 (nǔlì)
High praise for professional dedication.
兢兢业业 (jīngjīng-yèyè)
Used in official eulogies or state honors.
恪尽职守 (kèjìn-zhíshǒu)
Where to use 兢兢业业
Performance Review
Describing your work ethic to a manager.
Retirement Party
Honoring a colleague's long career.
Recommendation Letter
Vouching for a student's reliability.
News Report
Praising community volunteers.
Banco de ejercicios
2 ejercicios小李在公司五年了，一直___，深受领导好评。
`兢兢业业` fits because it describes long-term dedication and care, unlike `马马虎虎` (careless).
这位老工匠对待每一个零件都___，绝不马虎。
The context of 'not being careless' (`绝不马虎`) perfectly complements `兢兢业业`.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasMostly, yes. It is almost exclusively used for professional duties, studies, or significant responsibilities like parenting or community service.
Yes, especially in formal settings like a job interview. Saying 我工作一向兢兢业业 shows you are humble yet confident in your work ethic.
努力 is general and can be for anything. 兢兢业业 is much more specific to being careful, professional, and consistent over a long period.
It might feel a bit 'extra' or formal for a casual text. Use it only if you are discussing something serious or being a bit playful about your busy schedule.
The opposite would be 马马虎虎 (careless/so-so) or 敷衍了事 (to do something half-heartedly just to get it over with).
They are pronounced 'jīng jīng' (first tone). It sounds like 'jing' in 'jing-a-ling' but with a flat, high pitch.
Extremely common. You will see it in newspapers, hear it in speeches, and find it in almost every professional recommendation letter in China.
Yes! If a student is very focused and never misses an assignment, you can say they are 兢兢业业 about their studies.
Not necessarily. It implies they are 'cautious' and 'serious,' which might look like stress to some, but it's meant as a positive trait of character.
It's better for long-term roles. For a single small task, it sounds a bit too dramatic, like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
Frases relacionadas
勤勤恳恳
Industrious and conscientious (very similar, slightly less formal).
脚踏实地
Down-to-earth; doing solid work.
一丝不苟
Not a single hair out of place; extremely meticulous.
任劳任怨
To bear hardship and criticism without complaint.
