In 15 Seconds
- Combining forces for a shared goal.
- Used in both professional and personal settings.
- Emphasizes collective effort over individual achievement.
Meaning
This phrase describes a group of people pooling their energy and hard work to achieve a shared goal. It is like saying 'let's pull together' to make something big happen.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
只要我们共同努力，这个项目一定会成功。
As long as we work together, this project will definitely succeed.
Texting a study group
大家共同努力，争取都考出好成绩！
Let's all work together and strive for good grades!
Discussing environmental issues
保护地球需要全人类共同努力。
Protecting the Earth requires the joint effort of all mankind.
Cultural Background
This phrase reflects the deep-rooted collectivist values in Chinese society, where success is viewed as a shared journey. It is a staple in corporate mission statements and government slogans, emphasizing social harmony and mutual progress. It became especially prominent during China's rapid economic development as a call for national unity.
The 'Together' Grammar
Remember that `共同` always comes before the verb `努力`. You can't flip them around like you might in some English sentences.
Don't be a 'Fake' Team Player
Only use this if you are actually part of the effort. If you tell someone to `共同努力` while you do nothing, it sounds like you're being a bossy supervisor!
In 15 Seconds
- Combining forces for a shared goal.
- Used in both professional and personal settings.
- Emphasizes collective effort over individual achievement.
What It Means
Imagine you and your friends are moving a heavy sofa. You all grab a corner. You all lift on the count of three. That shared sweat and focus is 共同努力. It means "joint effort" or "working together." It is not just about being in the same space. It is about having the same target. It is a very warm, inclusive phrase. It makes people feel like they are part of a team. It suggests that the task is too big for one person alone.
How To Use It
You can use it as a verb or a noun. Usually, you put a subject before it. For example, 我们共同努力 (We work together). You can also add it to the end of a specific goal. "To protect the environment, we must 共同努力." It is very flexible. It sounds great in a speech. It also looks good in a professional email. It’s the kind of phrase that builds bridges between people. Use it when you want to sound encouraging and unified.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to motivate people. It is perfect for a group project at school. It works well in a business meeting. You can even use it in a relationship. If you and your partner are saving for a house, say it! It shows you are committed to the same dream. It is also common in community service. It’s great for sports teams before a big game. Basically, any time you need a "win" for the whole group.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for solo tasks. If you are studying alone, you are just 努力. Do not use it for small favors. If you ask someone to pass the salt, don't say this. It would sound very weird and dramatic! Also, be careful using it with subordinates if you aren't helping. If you're sitting on the couch while they clean, saying "let's work together" might get you some dirty looks. It implies everyone is actually doing the work.
Cultural Background
China has a strong collectivist culture. This means the group's success is often seen as more important than individual glory. 共同努力 is a phrase that celebrates this value. It is found in history books and modern news. It reminds people that they are stronger as a unit. It is about building a "harmonious society." This isn't just a phrase; it's a social philosophy. It’s the verbal glue that holds a team together.
Common Variations
If you want to be more casual, use 一起努力. It means the same thing but feels lighter. Use it with your siblings or close friends. If you want to sound very fancy or literary, use 齐心协力. This is an idiom (Chengyu). It literally means "to work with one heart and one mind." It is very powerful and often used in formal writing. For a more business-like tone, you might use 合作 (cooperate), but it lacks the "hard work" vibe of 努力.
Usage Notes
The phrase is versatile, fitting into both professional emails and heartfelt conversations. While neutral, it leans slightly more formal than `一起努力`. Avoid using it for trivial tasks to prevent sounding overly dramatic.
The 'Together' Grammar
Remember that `共同` always comes before the verb `努力`. You can't flip them around like you might in some English sentences.
Don't be a 'Fake' Team Player
Only use this if you are actually part of the effort. If you tell someone to `共同努力` while you do nothing, it sounds like you're being a bossy supervisor!
The Power of Four
Chinese people love four-character phrases. Even though this isn't a strict 'Chengyu,' its four-character structure makes it sound balanced, authoritative, and pleasing to the ear.
Examples
6只要我们共同努力，这个项目一定会成功。
As long as we work together, this project will definitely succeed.
Used here to build team morale and confidence.
大家共同努力，争取都考出好成绩！
Let's all work together and strive for good grades!
Encouraging peers before a big exam.
保护地球需要全人类共同努力。
Protecting the Earth requires the joint effort of all mankind.
A formal way to address a global challenge.
为了我们的未来，我们要共同努力。
For our future, we need to work together.
Expressing commitment to a shared life goal.
下半场我们要共同努力，把比分追回来！
In the second half, we need to work together to catch up!
Used as a motivational rallying cry.
让我们共同努力，把这桌菜全部吃光！
Let's work together to finish all the food on this table!
Using a serious phrase for a lighthearted situation.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about a team project.
这个任务很难，但只要我们___，就没问题。
`共同努力` fits because the sentence mentions 'we' (我们) and a shared task.
Which phrase is more formal for a business email?
期待与贵公司___，达成目标。
`共同努力` provides the professional and collaborative tone required for business.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'Working Together'
Used with friends or family.
一起努力 (Yìqǐ nǔlì)
Standard for work and daily life.
共同努力 (Gòngtóng nǔlì)
Speeches, idioms, or official documents.
齐心协力 (Qíxīn xiélì)
Where to use 共同努力
Office
Finishing a group report
Home
Saving money for a house
School
Preparing for a group presentation
Community
Volunteering for a local event
Practice Bank
2 exercises这个任务很难，但只要我们___，就没问题。
`共同努力` fits because the sentence mentions 'we' (我们) and a shared task.
期待与贵公司___，达成目标。
`共同努力` provides the professional and collaborative tone required for business.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it is a common four-character phrase, but not a traditional Chengyu (idiom). However, it is used just as frequently in formal settings.
Yes, it's very common in texts, especially when encouraging friends or colleagues like 我们要共同努力！.
合作 (hézuò) means 'cooperation' or 'collaboration' in a technical sense, while 共同努力 emphasizes the shared hard work and sweat.
Yes, it is standard Mandarin and is understood and used across all Chinese-speaking regions.
Yes, it is polite and respectful. You might say it when discussing a goal for the whole class.
It might be a bit heavy for a first date. Save it for when you are discussing a serious future together.
Absolutely! It's a great way to tell your teammates to stay focused on the win.
Yes, the word 努力 (effort/hard work) implies that the task requires significant energy and isn't just a simple walk in the park.
It means 'jointly,' 'together,' or 'common.' For example, 共同点 means 'common ground' or 'commonalities'.
No, the word order is strictly 共同 (adverb) then 努力 (verb). Flipping them is grammatically incorrect.
You can just say 努力 (work hard), but you lose the sense of 'togetherness' that makes the phrase special.
There isn't one direct phrase, but 独自奋斗 (dúzì fèndòu) means 'to struggle or strive alone'.
Related Phrases
一起努力
Work hard together (more casual)
齐心协力
To work with one heart and one mind (idiom)
并肩作战
To fight side by side
通力合作
To collaborate with all one's strength
