In 15 Seconds
- Give your absolute all.
- Total dedication and maximum effort.
- Use for important tasks, not trivial ones.
- Shows deep commitment and sincerity.
Meaning
This idiom really means you're putting 110% into something. It's not just trying hard; it's giving absolutely everything you've got – your mind, your effort, your passion. Think of it as leaving no stone unturned and no drop of sweat wasted on a task you truly care about.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about a difficult work project
这个项目我真的**尽心竭力**了,希望结果不会太差。
I really **gave it my all** for this project, hoping the result won't be too bad.
Job interview response
我过去的项目,无论大小,都 **尽心竭力** 去完成。
For my past projects, no matter the size, I always **dedicated my utmost effort** to complete them.
Instagram caption for a marathon finish
终于跑完了!全程**尽心竭力**,汗水没有白流!💪
Finally finished! **Gave it my all** the whole way, my sweat wasn't shed in vain! 💪
Cultural Background
This idiom likely emerged from traditional Chinese values emphasizing diligence, loyalty, and selfless devotion. Concepts like Confucianism stressed fulfilling one's duties with utmost sincerity and effort. The phrase captures the ideal of a dedicated official or individual who serves their lord, country, or task with unwavering commitment, pouring both intellect ('heart') and physical energy ('strength') into it. It reflects a cultural appreciation for profound dedication and sacrifice.
Sound Like a Native!
Use `尽心竭力` when you want to show **deep sincerity and commitment**, not just 'trying hard'. It implies you've invested significant emotional and physical energy.
The 'Trivial Task' Trap!
Avoid using `尽心竭力` for everyday, minor things like choosing a snack or finding your phone. It's like using a rocket launcher to swat a fly – it's **way too much** and sounds ridiculous!
In 15 Seconds
- Give your absolute all.
- Total dedication and maximum effort.
- Use for important tasks, not trivial ones.
- Shows deep commitment and sincerity.
What It Means
This phrase 尽心竭力 is a powerful idiom. It means to dedicate all your heart and exert all your strength to a task. You're not just doing your best; you're giving your absolute all. It implies a deep commitment and unwavering effort. Imagine pouring your soul into a project. That's the vibe of 尽心竭力. It’s the ultimate sign of dedication. You've truly left nothing behind. It's like saying, 'I gave it everything I had.' You can't do more than this. It’s the peak of effort and devotion. This isn't just casual effort; it's a full-on commitment. It’s a promise of maximum exertion. It’s about achieving the best possible outcome. You're using all your resources. Your passion fuels your actions. There are no shortcuts here. You’re fully invested. It’s a complete surrender to the task. You become one with the goal. It’s a beautiful expression of commitment. It shows respect for the task. It also shows self-respect. You're proving your capabilities. You're pushing your own limits. It’s a testament to your character. It’s a powerful statement of intent. You’re showing you care deeply. This phrase carries significant weight.
How To Use It
You can use 尽心竭力 in many situations. It fits when you want to express your dedication. Use it when you've worked incredibly hard. It's great for describing effort on a project. You can say it after completing a challenging task. It's perfect for acknowledging your own or someone else's immense effort. Think about a student studying for a crucial exam. They might say they 尽心竭力 to pass. A doctor might 尽心竭力 to save a patient. An artist might 尽心竭力 to finish a masterpiece. You can use it in speeches or presentations. You can also use it in casual chats. It adds a strong emphasis on effort. It’s more than just 'trying.' It’s about giving your all. Don't be afraid to use it. It shows you value hard work. It highlights your commitment. It’s a versatile expression. You can use it to describe past efforts. You can also use it to state future intentions. 'I will 尽心竭力 for this goal.' It’s a declaration of purpose. It’s a powerful way to communicate effort.
Formality & Register
尽心竭力 can be used in various settings. It leans towards formal or semi-formal contexts. You'd use it in a speech or a formal report. It sounds impressive in a job interview. Describing your past work with this phrase is great. It shows professionalism and dedication. However, it's not *exclusively* formal. You can use it with close friends. If you've helped a friend move mountains, you might say you helped them 尽心竭力. It adds a touch of drama and sincerity. It’s generally not for super casual slang. You wouldn't text this to your buddy about pizza. But for significant efforts, it works. Think of it as a step up from 'I worked hard.' It’s more profound. It bridges formal and informal. It’s adaptable but carries weight. Always consider your audience. If in doubt, err on the side of more formal. It’s better than sounding too casual. It’s a sophisticated way to praise effort. It shows you understand nuance. Your communication will shine. Use it wisely for maximum impact. It’s a gem in your vocabulary.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine a startup founder. They might say: 'We 尽心竭力 to launch our app.' A student writing an essay: 'I 尽心竭力 to meet the deadline.' A volunteer at a charity event: 'We worked 尽心竭力 to raise funds.' A musician preparing for a concert: 'I practiced 尽心竭力 every day.' A parent supporting their child's education: 'We will 尽心竭力 to provide the best opportunities.' A scientist in a lab: 'We 尽心竭力 to find a cure.' A chef creating a new dish: 'I poured my heart into it, 尽心竭力.' These examples show dedication. They highlight maximum effort. They are used in contexts of importance. They convey a strong sense of commitment. Each scenario requires significant input. The phrase fits perfectly. It's not for trivial matters. It's for when it truly counts. It elevates the description of effort. It’s a powerful compliment. It’s also a strong self-assessment. It shows you value commitment. It’s a universal concept.
When To Use It
Use 尽心竭力 when you want to emphasize total dedication. This phrase is for situations requiring maximum effort. Think of major projects or important goals. Use it when you've poured your heart and soul into something. It's suitable for acknowledging significant achievements resulting from hard work. Use it to express deep commitment to a cause or person. It's great for motivational speeches or self-reflection. Also, use it when you want to show respect for a challenging task. It's perfect for describing the effort put into something that truly mattered. If you’ve gone above and beyond, this phrase fits. It’s for those moments where you gave it your all. You can use it when you want to impress. It shows you understand the value of effort. Don't shy away from it. It's a badge of honor. It signifies a job well done. It’s for when the stakes are high. It’s for when your passion is high. It’s for when the effort was immense.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using 尽心竭力 for trivial tasks. Don't say it about making toast. Or finding your keys. It's overkill for minor chores. It’s not for everyday, casual activities. Using it for something simple sounds insincere or boastful. It loses its impact if overused. Don't use it if you didn't actually put in maximum effort. Honesty is key. It's not for situations where you were lazy or unmotivated. Avoid it in contexts where luck played a bigger role than effort. It’s also not ideal for lighthearted jokes unless the humor is very clear. It might sound odd if you say, 'I 尽心竭力 to pick a movie.' That's a bit much, right? Keep it for significant endeavors. Don't dilute its power. It's like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Save it for when it truly counts. It's a special phrase for special efforts.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using it for minor efforts. For example, saying 'I 尽心竭力 to order bubble tea.' This is too much! Another error is misunderstanding the intensity. It's not just 'working hard.' It's 'giving your all.' So, saying 'I 尽心竭力 to finish my homework' might be an exaggeration. Unless it was a truly monumental assignment! A third mistake is applying it to passive situations. You can't 尽心竭力 to *receive* something. It's about active contribution. A fourth issue is using it when you failed despite effort. While the phrase describes the effort, context matters. If the outcome was disastrous, saying it might sound hollow. It's best used when effort led to a good result or significant progress. Remember, it's about the dedication of heart and strength.
Common Variations
While 尽心竭力 is quite standard, variations often involve adding context. Sometimes people say 为...尽心竭力 (wèi... jìn xīn jié lì), meaning 'to do one's best *for* someone/something.' For example, 为人民尽心竭力 (wèi rénmín jìn xīn jié lì) means 'to do one's best for the people.' This is common in official or patriotic contexts. Another approach is to use synonyms or related phrases. 全力以赴 (quán lì yǐ fù) means 'to go all out' or 'spare no effort.' It's very similar and often interchangeable. 鞠躬尽瘁 (jū gōng jìn cuì) is another related idiom, meaning 'to bend oneself to the task and see it through to the end.' It often implies sacrificing one's health or life for a cause, so it's even more intense and often used for martyrs or extremely dedicated public servants. These variations add nuance. They help you tailor your expression. They show you can speak with precision. It’s like having different tools for different jobs. Each has its own flavor.
Real Conversations
Scenario 1: Friend A asking Friend B about a tough project.
Friend A: 这个项目很难吧?你怎么样了? (Zhège xiàngmù hěn nán ba? Nǐ zěnmeyàng le?)
Friend B: 是啊,我最近真是尽心竭力,希望赶上进度。(Shì a, wǒ zuìjìn zhēnshi jìn xīn jié lì, xīwàng gǎn shàng jìndù.)
Translation
Scenario 2: A manager praising an employee.
Manager
Employee
Translation
Scenario 3: A student talking about their thesis.
Student
Translation
Quick FAQ
Q. Is 尽心竭力 always serious?
A. Mostly, yes. It implies deep commitment. It's not usually for lighthearted chat. Think significant effort, not pizza choices.
Q. Can I use it for myself?
A. Absolutely! Saying 'I 尽心竭力' shows great self-awareness. It highlights your dedication. It’s a strong statement of your work ethic.
Q. How is it different from 'doing my best'?
A. It's much stronger. 'Doing my best' can be casual. 尽心竭力 means giving *everything* you have. It's the ultimate level of effort.
Usage Notes
This phrase carries significant weight and implies utmost dedication. While it can be used in semi-formal or even friendly contexts when discussing serious efforts, avoid using it for trivial matters as it will sound exaggerated. It's best reserved for situations where true commitment and maximum exertion were involved.
Sound Like a Native!
Use `尽心竭力` when you want to show **deep sincerity and commitment**, not just 'trying hard'. It implies you've invested significant emotional and physical energy.
The 'Trivial Task' Trap!
Avoid using `尽心竭力` for everyday, minor things like choosing a snack or finding your phone. It's like using a rocket launcher to swat a fly – it's **way too much** and sounds ridiculous!
The Value of Dedication
In Chinese culture, showing immense dedication (`尽心竭力`) is highly respected. It reflects virtues like loyalty and conscientiousness, often seen in historical figures or role models.
When to Use It for Others
Praising someone else with `尽心竭力` is a **powerful compliment**. It shows you recognize and value their profound effort and dedication.
Examples
12这个项目我真的**尽心竭力**了,希望结果不会太差。
I really **gave it my all** for this project, hoping the result won't be too bad.
Expresses significant personal effort and a touch of hopeful anxiety.
我过去的项目,无论大小,都 **尽心竭力** 去完成。
For my past projects, no matter the size, I always **dedicated my utmost effort** to complete them.
Highlights a strong work ethic and commitment to quality.
终于跑完了!全程**尽心竭力**,汗水没有白流!💪
Finally finished! **Gave it my all** the whole way, my sweat wasn't shed in vain! 💪
Enthusiastic and proud declaration of maximum physical and mental exertion.
为了这次慈善活动,我们所有人都**尽心竭力**地付出了。
For this charity event, all of us **worked with all our hearts and strength**.
Emphasizes collective dedication and hard work for a good cause.
这部电影是我多年的心血,我为它**尽心竭力**。
This movie is the culmination of years of my effort; I **poured my heart and soul** into it.
Conveys deep personal investment and ultimate dedication.
作为一名公务员,我将**尽心竭力**为人民服务。
As a public servant, I will **dedicate my utmost effort** to serve the people.
Formal and solemn promise of unwavering commitment.
✗ 我**尽心竭力**地选了今天晚餐吃什么。 → ✓ 我**认真地**选了今天晚餐吃什么。
✗ I **gave my all** to choose what to eat for dinner today. → ✓ I **carefully chose** what to eat for dinner today.
Overuse for trivial decisions diminishes the phrase's power.
✗ 他**尽心竭力**地学习 → ✓ 他**尽心竭力**地学习了 / 他**努力学习**。
✗ He **gave his all** studying. → ✓ He **studied with all his might**. / He **studied hard**.
The phrase often stands alone or with `地` for adverbial use, but sometimes a simpler verb is more natural.
为了通关那个Boss,我昨晚简直是**尽心竭力**,眼珠子都要瞪出来了!
To beat that final boss, I was practically **giving it my absolute all** last night, my eyes were about to pop out!
Exaggerated use for comedic effect in a gaming context.
谢谢你的肯定,我只是做了我应该做的,希望能对得起这份信任,**尽心竭力**。
Thank you for your recognition. I just did what I should, hoping to be worthy of this trust and **give it my all**.
Humble yet firm affirmation of commitment after receiving praise.
虽然最后没拿到冠军,但我们队伍在比赛中**尽心竭力**,问心无愧。
Although we didn't win the championship in the end, our team **gave it our absolute best** during the competition, and we have no regrets.
Focuses on the effort expended regardless of the final outcome.
老师,我为了这次考试**尽心竭力**,每天都学到很晚。
Teacher, I **poured my heart and soul** into studying for this exam, staying up very late every day.
Sincere explanation of intense effort directed towards academic success.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
`尽心竭力` means to put in maximum effort, which fits the context of completing an important project.
Choose the sentence that uses `尽心竭力` correctly.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Option B correctly applies `尽心竭力` to a significant effort (a competition). Options A, C, and D use it inappropriately for leisure, trivial decisions, or passive activities.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The word `马马虎虎` (carelessly) contradicts the meaning of `尽心竭力` (giving one's all). The corrected sentence emphasizes the full effort.
Translate this sentence into English.
This translation captures the essence of dedicating both emotional and physical energy to serve clients.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 尽心竭力
Not suitable for this phrase.
I tried my best to find my keys.
Can be used with close friends for significant efforts, but less common.
I really busted my hump for you, man!
Common usage, balances sincerity with politeness. Good for most situations.
We worked hard to complete the project on time.
Suitable for speeches, official statements, and professional contexts.
The team dedicated their utmost effort to achieve the goal.
Situations Where 尽心竭力 is Used
Job Interview
我过去的每一个项目,都尽心竭力完成。
Academic Achievement
为了考上理想的大学,他尽心竭力地学习。
Sports Competition
运动员们在赛场上尽心竭力,为国争光。
Creative Project
这部电影是我尽心竭力之作。
Volunteer Work
我们团队尽心竭力帮助灾区人民。
Personal Challenge
我尽心竭力克服了这个困难。
Comparing 尽心竭力 with Similar Phrases
Usage Contexts for 尽心竭力
Professional Settings
- • Job applications
- • Project reports
- • Performance reviews
Personal Endeavors
- • Achieving personal goals
- • Overcoming challenges
- • Pursuing passions
Social Contributions
- • Charity work
- • Community service
- • Public service
Academic Pursuits
- • Intense study
- • Research projects
- • Thesis writing
Practice Bank
4 exercises为了完成这个重要的项目,他决定______。
`尽心竭力` means to put in maximum effort, which fits the context of completing an important project.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Option B correctly applies `尽心竭力` to a significant effort (a competition). Options A, C, and D use it inappropriately for leisure, trivial decisions, or passive activities.
Find and fix the mistake:
他为了这个目标,总是马马虎虎地尽心竭力。
The word `马马虎虎` (carelessly) contradicts the meaning of `尽心竭力` (giving one's all). The corrected sentence emphasizes the full effort.
我们会为客户尽心竭力。
Hints: 尽心 means 'heart', 竭力 means 'strength'
This translation captures the essence of dedicating both emotional and physical energy to serve clients.
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
20 questionsLiterally, 尽心竭力 translates to 'exhaust heart, exhaust strength.' This paints a vivid picture of using up all your emotional energy ('heart') and physical energy ('strength') for a task. It's a very direct way to say you've given absolutely everything you possess.
It leans more towards formal or neutral. You'll hear it in speeches, official reports, or serious discussions about work and dedication. While you *can* use it with close friends to emphasize a great effort, it's generally too strong for very casual chat. Think of it as a step above 'working hard'.
Absolutely! Saying '我尽心竭力 (wǒ jìn xīn jié lì)' is a strong way to express your own commitment and the immense effort you've put into something. It shows self-awareness and pride in your dedication, making it suitable for self-introductions or reflecting on past achievements.
尽心竭力 is much more intense than simply 'doing my best.' 'Doing my best' can sometimes imply just trying within your normal capacity. 尽心竭力 means pushing beyond your limits, using every last bit of energy and focus you have, leaving nothing undone.
You should avoid it for trivial or everyday tasks, like making breakfast or watching TV. Using it in such contexts makes the phrase lose its impact and can make you sound insincere or boastful. Save it for truly significant efforts where you've genuinely gone above and beyond.
Yes, definitely! It's very common to use 尽心竭力 to describe the collective effort of a team, family, or organization. For example, 'Our team 尽心竭力 to finish the project' highlights everyone's shared dedication and hard work towards a common goal.
A frequent mistake is applying it to passive activities (like sleeping) or minor decisions (like choosing a movie). Another is using it when the effort wasn't actually that great, which undermines the phrase's meaning of total commitment. It requires genuine, significant exertion.
This phrase deeply reflects traditional Chinese values of diligence, responsibility, and selfless devotion. It embodies the ideal of fulfilling one's duties with complete sincerity and maximum effort, a concept valued in Confucianism and throughout Chinese history, especially in roles of service and leadership.
A very close synonym is 全力以赴 (quán lì yǐ fù), which means 'to go all out' or 'spare no effort.' Both phrases emphasize maximum effort, though 尽心竭力 perhaps carries a slightly stronger emotional connotation of pouring one's 'heart' into it.
It *could* be used sarcastically, but it's rare and depends heavily on context and tone. For example, someone might sarcastically say they 'gave it their all' to finish a tiny task if they actually did very little. However, its primary use is sincere, so sarcasm might be misunderstood.
Not necessarily. The phrase focuses on the **effort** itself, not the outcome. You can say you 尽心竭力 even if the result wasn't perfect, emphasizing that you truly gave it everything you had. It means you have no regrets about the effort you put in.
In a formal email, you might say something like: '我将为这个项目 尽心竭力,确保达到最佳效果。' (Wǒ jiāng wèi zhège xiàngmù jìn xīn jié lì, quèbǎo dádào zuì jiā xiàoguǒ.) This translates to 'I will dedicate my utmost effort to this project to ensure the best results.'
Yes, the idiom 鞠躬尽瘁 (jū gōng jìn cuì) is often considered even more intense. It implies dedicating oneself completely, often to the point of sacrificing one's health or life for a cause. It's used for extreme devotion, like martyrs or lifelong public servants.
Yes, it's perfect for describing helping someone with significant effort. For instance, '我为他提供了帮助,真是尽心竭力' (Wǒ wèi tā tígōngle bāngzhù, zhēnshi jìn xīn jié lì) means 'I helped him, truly giving it my all.' It highlights the depth of your support.
The vibe is one of **profound dedication, unwavering commitment, and ultimate effort**. It carries a sense of seriousness and sincerity. It's the feeling you get when you know you've truly poured your heart and soul into something important.
In classical Chinese literature, 尽心竭力 often describes loyal officials serving their emperor, or dedicated scholars pursuing knowledge. It emphasizes virtues like loyalty, diligence, and fulfilling one's duty to the absolute fullest, often portraying characters who sacrifice personal comfort for a greater cause.
It can be used, especially in captions for posts about hard work, achievements, or significant challenges (like finishing a marathon or a major project). However, it's often paired with emojis or more casual language to fit the platform. It's less common than simpler phrases like '加油' (jiāyóu - keep going).
The opposite would be phrases indicating laziness, indifference, or minimal effort. Examples include 敷衍了事 (fūyǎn liǎoshì - to muddle through), 得过且过 (déguòqiěguò - to let things drift), or 马马虎虎 (mǎmǎhūhū - careless, so-so). These describe actions lacking dedication.
Yes, if the hobby is extremely important to you or involves a significant challenge. For example, if you're training intensely for a competition in your hobby, or spending months crafting a complex piece for it, you might say you 尽心竭力. It depends on the level of dedication involved.
Try describing your own past efforts using this phrase – think about a time you studied hard, worked on a project, or helped a friend. Also, look for opportunities to praise others' efforts. Write sentences about these situations and check if the context feels right for such a strong expression of dedication.
Related Phrases
全力以赴
synonymGo all out; spare no effort
This phrase is a very close synonym, emphasizing maximum exertion and commitment, often used interchangeably with 尽心竭力 in many contexts.
马马虎虎
antonymSo-so; careless; passable
This phrase represents the opposite of dedication, signifying a lack of effort or care, directly contrasting with the full commitment of 尽心竭力.
鞠躬尽瘁
related topicBend oneself to the task and see it through to the end; devote oneself heart and soul
While similar in intensity, 鞠躬尽瘁 often implies a lifelong dedication or sacrifice, making it more profound and sometimes somber than the general effort described by 尽心竭力.
尽力而为
related topicDo one's best within one's capabilities
This phrase is a less intense version, meaning 'do the best you can,' whereas 尽心竭力 implies giving absolutely everything, not just what's within your normal capacity.
为...奋斗
related topicStrive for...; fight for...
This phrase focuses on the struggle and active pursuit of a goal, often political or social, and can be seen as the action that requires 尽心竭力.
一丝不苟
related topicMeticulous; not overlooking a single detail
This phrase describes the *quality* of effort – extreme carefulness and attention to detail, which is often a component of the overall dedication expressed by 尽心竭力.