In 15 Seconds
- Give your absolute maximum effort.
- It's about dedication and commitment.
- Use for challenging tasks or goals.
- Doesn't guarantee success, just effort.
Meaning
This phrase is all about giving your absolute maximum effort. It's that feeling when you pour everything you've got into something, no matter how tough it is. Think of it as leaving absolutely nothing on the table, pushing yourself to the very limit of your abilities.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about a difficult project
这个项目很难,但我会 `尽力` 完成它!
This project is very difficult, but I will do my best to complete it!
Instagram caption for a fitness challenge
今天挑战极限!我会 `尽力`!💪
Pushing my limits today! I'll give it my all! 💪
Job interview response
请放心,我一定会 `尽力` 为公司做出贡献。
Please rest assured, I will definitely do my best to contribute to the company.
Cultural Background
The concept behind `尽力` is deeply rooted in Confucian values emphasizing diligence, sincerity, and fulfilling one's duties. In traditional Chinese society, putting forth maximum effort was seen as a moral obligation, especially in endeavors related to family, community, or scholarship. This phrase reflects a cultural appreciation for earnest endeavor and the belief that one should always strive to do their utmost, regardless of external validation or guaranteed success.
It's About the Effort, Not Perfection
Remember, `尽力` means giving your absolute best effort. It doesn't mean you'll achieve perfection or guaranteed success. Focus on the process and the commitment you're making!
Don't Overuse It!
Using `尽力` for simple, everyday tasks like 'passing the salt' sounds ridiculous. Save it for situations that genuinely require significant effort. It’s like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut – unnecessary and awkward!
In 15 Seconds
- Give your absolute maximum effort.
- It's about dedication and commitment.
- Use for challenging tasks or goals.
- Doesn't guarantee success, just effort.
What It Means
尽力 (jìn lì) literally means to exhaust your strength or effort. It’s more than just trying hard; it’s about giving 100%, your absolute all. Imagine you're running a race, and you sprint with everything you have until you cross the finish line, even if you don't win. That's 尽力. It carries a sense of dedication and commitment, showing you truly care about the outcome or the process.
How To Use It
You use 尽力 when you want to express that you will put in maximum effort. It’s often used in situations where the outcome is uncertain or challenging. You can use it when talking about work, studies, sports, or even personal goals. It’s a versatile phrase that shows your determination. It’s like telling someone, 'I won't hold back!'
Real-Life Examples
- Job Interview: "I promise I will
尽力to succeed in this role." - Studying for an Exam: "This exam is really tough, but I’ll
尽力to pass." - Sports Competition: "We might not be the strongest team, but we will
尽力on the field." - Helping a Friend: "Don't worry, I’ll
尽力to help you move."
When To Use It
Use 尽力 when you want to convey a strong sense of personal commitment and maximum effort. It’s perfect for situations where you want to reassure someone of your dedication. Think about situations where you're facing a challenge or a significant task. It’s also great when you want to show respect for the effort required. It’s your way of saying, 'This matters to me, and I'm going all out.'
When NOT To Use It
Avoid 尽力 for trivial tasks. If you're just casually asking someone to pass the salt, saying you'll 尽力 is overkill! It sounds overly dramatic. Also, don't use it if you're not actually going to try your hardest. It's a promise of maximum effort, so be sure you can back it up. It’s not suitable for situations where only a minimal effort is needed or expected. Don't use it if you're being lazy – that's a recipe for an awkward silence.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 尽力 with simply 'trying'. While related, 尽力 implies a much higher level of effort. Another common mix-up is using it in contexts where a more casual 'I'll try' is appropriate. It's like wearing a tuxedo to a picnic; it's just too much!
✗ I will try my best to help you. (Okay, but less impactful)
✓ I will 尽力 to help you.
✗ I will 尽力 to pass the salt.
✓ Please pass the salt.
Similar Expressions
努力(nǔ lì): This means 'to strive' or 'to work hard'. It's a more general term for effort.尽力is a step beyond努力; it's the ultimate form of努力.加油(jiā yóu): This is like 'Go for it!' or 'Come on!'. It's an encouragement, not a statement of your own effort.尽最大的努力(jìn zuì dà de nǔ lì): This is a slightly longer, more explicit version of尽力, emphasizing 'the greatest effort'. It's almost identical in meaning but a bit more formal.
Common Variations
我会尽力而为(wǒ huì jìn lì ér wéi): 'I will do my best.' This is a very common and slightly more complete sentence structure. The而为(ér wéi) part means 'to do' or 'to act'.尽我所能(jìn wǒ suǒ néng): 'To do all that I can.' This is very similar to尽力and often interchangeable, focusing on ability.
Memory Trick
Picture a tiny ant (蚂蚁 mǎ yǐ) trying to push a giant crumb. It's exhausting (尽 jìn - exhaust) work, but it's giving all its tiny ant strength (力 lì - strength). The ant is 尽力! It’s a funny image, but it sticks, right?
Quick FAQ
- Q: Is
尽力formal or informal?
A: It's generally neutral. You can use it in most situations, from casual chats to more formal settings like job interviews. It's quite versatile!
- Q: Does
尽力guarantee success?
A: No, absolutely not! It means you'll try your hardest, but success isn't promised. It’s about the effort, not just the result. Think of a chef who 尽力 on a dish, but maybe the ingredients weren't perfect.
- Q: Can I use
尽力for physical activities?
A: Yes! Running a marathon, climbing a mountain, or even finishing a tough workout are all great scenarios for 尽力.
Usage Notes
`尽力` is a versatile phrase suitable for most situations, leaning towards neutral formality. While it expresses maximum effort, avoid using it for trivial tasks where it sounds overly dramatic. It's best reserved for challenges, goals, or situations requiring significant commitment.
It's About the Effort, Not Perfection
Remember, `尽力` means giving your absolute best effort. It doesn't mean you'll achieve perfection or guaranteed success. Focus on the process and the commitment you're making!
Don't Overuse It!
Using `尽力` for simple, everyday tasks like 'passing the salt' sounds ridiculous. Save it for situations that genuinely require significant effort. It’s like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut – unnecessary and awkward!
The Value of Sincerity
In Chinese culture, sincerity and earnest effort are highly valued. Saying you will `尽力` is a way of showing respect for the task and the people involved, demonstrating your genuine commitment.
Pair it with Action Verbs
`尽力` often pairs naturally with action verbs like '完成' (to complete), '帮助' (to help), '比赛' (to compete), or '学习' (to study) to specify *what* you're putting your best effort into.
Examples
12这个项目很难,但我会 `尽力` 完成它!
This project is very difficult, but I will do my best to complete it!
Shows strong determination to finish a tough task.
今天挑战极限!我会 `尽力`!💪
Pushing my limits today! I'll give it my all! 💪
Expresses maximum physical or mental effort in a modern, casual context.
请放心,我一定会 `尽力` 为公司做出贡献。
Please rest assured, I will definitely do my best to contribute to the company.
Professional assurance of maximum effort in a work setting.
教练,我们一定会 `尽力` 比赛!
Coach, we will definitely do our best in the game!
A promise of maximum effort from a team.
别担心,你只要 `尽力` 就好。
Don't worry, you just need to do your best.
Reassuring someone that maximum effort is sufficient.
洗碗?没问题,我保证 `尽力` 不把碗摔碎。
Washing dishes? No problem, I promise to do my best not to break any bowls.
Lighthearted use, implying effort to avoid mishap.
✗ 请帮我 `尽力` 拿一下杯子。
✗ Please help me do my best to get the cup.
Overly strong phrase for a simple action; sounds unnatural.
✓ 请帮我拿一下杯子。
✓ Please get me the cup.
Simple request, no need for 'do my best'.
非常感谢你的帮助,我感受到了你 `尽力` 支持我。
Thank you very much for your help, I felt you did your best to support me.
Acknowledging someone's maximum effort in supporting you.
好的经理,我会 `尽力` 尽快完成报告。
Okay manager, I will do my best to complete the report as soon as possible.
Shows commitment to prioritizing and working hard on a task.
这山路太难走了,但我一定要 `尽力` 爬到顶峰!
This mountain path is so hard to walk, but I must give it my all to climb to the summit!
Expressing determination to overcome a physical challenge.
✗ 我会 `尽力` 试试看能不能修好它。
✗ I will try my best to try and see if I can fix it.
`尽力` means maximum effort, not just 'trying'. The repetition 'try my best to try' is awkward.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
`尽力` means to do one's best, fitting the context of striving for a competition.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While '努力' (try hard) is okay, `尽力` (do one's best) better captures the idea of maximum effort implied when discussing potentially uncertain outcomes.
Choose the sentence that uses `尽力` correctly.
Which sentence uses the phrase `尽力` correctly?
Option A correctly uses `尽力` to express doing one's best to help someone find a job. Options B, C, and D use it inappropriately.
Translate this sentence into Chinese.
This translation accurately conveys the meaning of committing to maximum effort for timely completion.
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
`尽力` is the appropriate word for facing challenges with maximum effort.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While `尽力` means 'do one's best', in this context, '努力' (try hard/work hard) is more suitable as it describes a consistent effort despite poor results, rather than the absolute maximum possible effort.
Put the words in the correct order.
The standard sentence structure is Subject + Modal Verb + `尽力` + Verb.
Choose the sentence that uses `尽力` correctly.
Which sentence uses the phrase `尽力` correctly?
Option B correctly uses `尽力` to mean 'do my best' for a task. A, C, and D misuse the phrase.
Translate this sentence into Chinese.
This translation uses the common variation `尽力而为` to express giving maximum effort in a specific, important event.
Match the Chinese phrase with its English meaning.
Understanding the nuances between these related terms is key to expressing effort accurately.
Put the words in the correct order.
The structure Subject + Modal Verb + `尽力` + Verb + Object is standard for this phrase.
Fill in the blank with the correct word or phrase.
`尽力` fits perfectly here, indicating maximum effort despite an uncertain outcome.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 尽力
Rarely used, sounds overly dramatic.
我等下会尽力吃饭。
Common in friendly chats, especially for challenges.
这个游戏很难,但我会尽力!
Standard usage in most contexts, work, study, personal goals.
我会尽力完成这个报告。
Appropriate in professional settings like interviews.
我将尽力为公司做出贡献。
When Do You Use 尽力?
Job Interview
我会尽力胜任这个职位。
Academic Challenge
这次考试我会尽力考好。
Sports Competition
我们一定尽力去赢!
Helping a Friend
别担心,我会尽力帮你。
Personal Goal
我要尽力完成我的马拉松。
Creative Project
我会尽力把这首歌写好。
尽力 vs. Similar Phrases
Usage Scenarios for 尽力
Work/Study
- • Job interviews
- • Completing reports
- • Passing exams
- • Learning new skills
Personal Challenges
- • Sports
- • Fitness goals
- • Overcoming obstacles
- • Creative projects
Interpersonal
- • Helping friends
- • Supporting family
- • Making promises
General Endeavor
- • Pursuing dreams
- • Facing difficulties
- • Showing commitment
Practice Bank
12 exercises为了这次比赛,我会 ______ 努力!
`尽力` means to do one's best, fitting the context of striving for a competition.
Find and fix the mistake:
他总是很努力,但是结果不一定好。
While '努力' (try hard) is okay, `尽力` (do one's best) better captures the idea of maximum effort implied when discussing potentially uncertain outcomes.
Which sentence uses the phrase `尽力` correctly?
Option A correctly uses `尽力` to express doing one's best to help someone find a job. Options B, C, and D use it inappropriately.
I will do my best to finish this task on time.
Hints: Use '尽力' for 'do my best'., 'On time' can be '按时'.
This translation accurately conveys the meaning of committing to maximum effort for timely completion.
面对挑战,我们必须 ______ 。
`尽力` is the appropriate word for facing challenges with maximum effort.
Find and fix the mistake:
他学习很差,但是他总是很尽力。
While `尽力` means 'do one's best', in this context, '努力' (try hard/work hard) is more suitable as it describes a consistent effort despite poor results, rather than the absolute maximum possible effort.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
The standard sentence structure is Subject + Modal Verb + `尽力` + Verb.
Which sentence uses the phrase `尽力` correctly?
Option B correctly uses `尽力` to mean 'do my best' for a task. A, C, and D misuse the phrase.
We promise to give it our all in the final match.
Hints: 'Give it our all' can be translated as '尽力而为'., 'Final match' is '决赛'.
This translation uses the common variation `尽力而为` to express giving maximum effort in a specific, important event.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Understanding the nuances between these related terms is key to expressing effort accurately.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
The structure Subject + Modal Verb + `尽力` + Verb + Object is standard for this phrase.
虽然结果未知,但他 ______ 尝试。
`尽力` fits perfectly here, indicating maximum effort despite an uncertain outcome.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
20 questions尽力 means to give something your absolute maximum effort. It's like saying you'll pour every bit of energy and focus you have into a task, pushing yourself to your limits. Think of it as leaving nothing behind.
It's quite versatile and generally considered neutral. You can comfortably use 尽力 in casual conversations with friends, as well as in more formal settings like a job interview or a business meeting when discussing your commitment.
No, absolutely not! 尽力 focuses entirely on the effort you put in, not the final outcome. You can give your best effort and still not succeed, perhaps due to external factors or limitations. It's about the commitment to try your hardest.
努力 (nǔ lì) means 'to work hard' or 'to strive', which is more general. 尽力 (jìn lì) implies a higher level of effort – your absolute best, the maximum you can possibly muster. Use 尽力 when the situation demands peak performance.
Yes, definitely! It's perfect for describing maximum effort in sports, workouts, or any physically demanding task. For example, '我会尽力跑完马拉松' (I will do my best to finish the marathon).
A common mistake is using 尽力 for trivial tasks where only minimal effort is needed. It sounds overly dramatic and unnatural, like saying 'I'll do my utmost to pass the salt.' It's better reserved for significant challenges.
The phrase aligns with cultural values that emphasize diligence, responsibility, and sincerity. Putting forth your best effort (尽力) is seen as a sign of character and commitment, reflecting a desire to fulfill one's duties earnestly.
Yes, a very common variation is 尽力而为 (jìn lì ér wéi), which means 'to do one's best' or 'act to the best of one's ability'. Another related phrase is 尽我所能 (jìn wǒ suǒ néng), meaning 'to do all that I can within my capabilities'.
Absolutely! It's great for captions or posts where you want to show determination. For example, 'New project starting today, I'll 尽力!' is a common way to express commitment in a modern context.
尽力 means to do your best, focusing on your own maximum exertion. 全力以赴 (quán lì yǐ fù) is similar but often implies an even greater intensity and a complete mobilization of all resources, often used in critical situations like emergencies or championship games.
Typically, 尽力 comes after the subject and before the main verb. For example, '我 (I) 会 (will) 尽力 (do my best) 完成 (complete) 任务 (task).' It expresses *how* you will perform the action.
There isn't a direct negative form like 'not do one's best'. Instead, you'd express the opposite by saying someone isn't trying hard, or they are slacking off. For example, '他没有 尽力' (He didn't do his best) is grammatically possible but less common than describing the lack of effort directly.
Think about everyday, low-stakes actions. Asking someone to 'close the door' or 'turn on the light' doesn't require maximum effort. Using 尽力 here would sound sarcastic or overly dramatic, like you're undertaking a Herculean task.
No, 尽力 functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, describing the manner in which an action is performed. It's not used to describe a noun directly.
尽力 emphasizes the exertion of effort, while 尽我所能 highlights the use of all available abilities or resources. They are often interchangeable, but 尽我所能 might be used when acknowledging limitations.
You could say, '我 尽力 了,但是失败了' (Wǒ jìn lì le, dànshì shībài le). This clearly separates the maximum effort from the unsuccessful outcome.
It can, especially in contexts where duty or responsibility is involved. Saying you will 尽力 often implies you feel a moral or practical obligation to perform at your highest capacity.
Yes, context is key! If someone is clearly not trying, saying '哦,你可真 尽力 啊!' (Oh, you're really doing your best!) would be sarcastic, highlighting their lack of effort ironically.
The character 尽 (jìn) means 'to exhaust' or 'to use up'. The character 力 (lì) means 'strength' or 'effort'. So, literally, it means 'to exhaust one's strength/effort'.
Not directly. 尽力 is usually a statement about *your own* intended effort. To encourage someone else, you'd use phrases like 加油 (jiā yóu - Go for it!). You could say '我相信你能 尽力' (I believe you can do your best), though.
Related Phrases
努力
related topicTo work hard, to strive
Both relate to effort, but `努力` is general hard work, while `尽力` is your absolute maximum effort.
加油
related topicGo for it! Come on!
`加油` is an encouragement for others, whereas `尽力` is a statement of one's own maximum effort.
尽力而为
formal versionTo do one's best; to act to the best of one's ability
This is a slightly longer and more explicit version of `尽力`, often used in similar contexts but can feel a bit more formal.
全力以赴
related topicTo go all out; spare no effort
This phrase implies an even greater intensity and totality of effort than `尽力`, often used in critical situations.
尽我所能
synonymTo do all that I can within my power
Very similar to `尽力`, focusing on using all available capabilities to achieve something.