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B1 adjective 9 min read

辛勤

xinqin

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 辛勤 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 辛勤 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '辛勤' (xīnqín) as a special way to say 'hardworking.' In your first few months of Chinese, you usually learn '努力' (nǔlì) for 'effort.' '辛勤' is a bit more specific. It is often used to talk about people who do important jobs like teachers and farmers. You might see it in simple stories about a '辛勤的农民' (hardworking farmer) who grows rice. Even though the word looks difficult with many strokes, you only need to remember that it describes a person who works very, very hard every day. It is a very polite word. If you use it to describe your teacher, they will be very happy because it shows you respect their hard work. Just remember: 辛勤 + 的 + Person. For example: '辛勤的老师' (hardworking teacher). Don't worry about using it in complex sentences yet; just recognize it as a high-level compliment for someone's work habits.

By A2, you are starting to describe people's personalities and habits. '辛勤' is an excellent adjective to add to your vocabulary to describe family members or community workers. While '努力' is something you *do* (like '努力学习' - study hard), '辛勤' is more like a quality someone *has*. You will often hear it in phrases like '辛勤工作' (industrious work). At this level, you should notice that '辛勤' is often paired with nouns that represent the result of work, like '汗水' (hànshuǐ - sweat). A common sentence you might encounter is '他的成功来自辛勤的劳动' (His success comes from industrious labor). You are moving beyond simple 'good' or 'bad' descriptions and starting to use words that show more detail and respect. Remember that '辛勤' is almost always positive. It's a way to praise someone for being dedicated and not lazy over a long period of time.

At the B1 level, you should understand the nuance of '辛勤' compared to other synonyms. '辛勤' (xīnqín) specifically emphasizes the 'toil' or 'bitterness' (辛) involved in work. It is more formal and literary than '努力.' You will start to see it in more professional and official contexts. For example, in a business email or a formal speech, you might hear '感谢各位的辛勤付出' (Thank you all for your industrious dedication/contribution). Notice the word '付出' (fùchū - to give/invest effort) often goes with '辛勤.' You should also be able to use it as an adverb by adding '地' (de), such as '他辛勤地工作了三十年' (He worked industriously for thirty years). This level requires you to recognize that '辛勤' isn't just about 'trying hard' for a moment; it's about a consistent, virtuous lifestyle of labor. It is a key word for describing the traditional Chinese value of hard work.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '辛勤' with precision in both writing and speaking. You should understand its cultural associations, particularly the metaphor of the '辛勤的园丁' (industrious gardener) for teachers. You should also be able to distinguish it from '勤奋' (qínfèn - diligent/studious) and '刻苦' (kèkǔ - hardworking/painstaking). While '勤奋' might describe a student's attitude toward their books, '辛勤' is more likely to describe a mother's care for her family or a scientist's years of research. You should also be comfortable using it in more abstract ways, such as '辛勤的耕耘' (industrious plowing/cultivation) to describe the process of building a career or a relationship. In B2 writing tasks, using '辛勤' instead of the more basic '努力' will significantly improve your formal register and show a deeper grasp of Chinese vocabulary and cultural values.

For C1 learners, '辛勤' (xīnqín) should be part of your active formal vocabulary. You should understand its etymological roots—how the character '辛' relates to bitterness and '勤' to diligence—and how this reflects a specific philosophy of labor where suffering and effort are intertwined. You should be able to analyze texts that use '辛勤' to evoke a sense of national or personal identity. For instance, in literature, '辛勤' might be used to describe the collective struggle of a generation. You should also be aware of its use in political and social discourse, where it serves to honor the 'working class' (劳动人民). At this level, you can use '辛勤' to create specific rhetorical effects, such as using it in a eulogy or a high-level corporate report to imbue the subject's actions with a sense of noble sacrifice. Your usage should feel natural, respecting the word's inherent weight and avoiding its use in trivial or overly casual contexts.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of '辛勤' and its place within the vast landscape of Chinese synonyms for diligence. You understand the subtle rhythmic and tonal qualities it brings to a sentence, often used in four-character idioms or parallel structures (对偶) in formal prose. You can appreciate how '辛勤' functions in classical-style modern Chinese (半文半白), where it bridges the gap between ancient concepts of 'toil' and modern concepts of 'productivity.' You are capable of discussing the sociological implications of the word—how the '辛勤' ideal has shaped East Asian economic development and how it is being re-evaluated by younger generations. In your own writing, you use '辛勤' not just as a descriptor, but as a way to tap into a rich vein of cultural history, knowing exactly when its formal, slightly archaic, and deeply respectful tone is required to achieve the perfect stylistic effect.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

辛勤 in 30 Seconds

辛勤 (xīnqín) means industrious or hardworking, emphasizing the endurance of toil and hardship.
It is a formal, respectful term often used for teachers, farmers, and dedicated professionals.
The word combines 'bitterness' (辛) and 'diligence' (勤) to describe virtuous labor.
Commonly used in phrases like '辛勤的汗水' (industrious sweat) and '辛勤地工作' (to work industriously).

The Chinese term 辛勤 (xīn qín) is a profound adjective that translates most directly to 'industrious,' 'hardworking,' or 'diligent.' However, to truly understand its weight in the Chinese language, one must look at its constituent characters. The first character, 辛 (xīn), originally depicted a tool used for tattooing criminals or slaves, evolving to represent bitterness, hardship, or suffering. The second character, 勤 (qín), signifies diligence and frequent effort. Together, they describe a type of hard work that is not just about staying busy, but about enduring hardship and bitterness to achieve a virtuous goal. It is a word steeped in the Confucian work ethic, where labor is seen as a moral imperative and a path to character building.

The Nuance of Toil: Unlike the generic word for effort, 努力 (nǔlì), 辛勤 carries a physical and emotional weight. It is often associated with the sweat of the brow and the long hours spent in the fields or at a desk. When you call someone 辛勤, you are acknowledging the 'bitterness' (辛) they have tasted through their 'diligence' (勤).
Common Subjects: This word is most frequently applied to specific roles in society that require selfless dedication. Teachers are almost universally described as 辛勤的园丁 (xīnqín de yuándīng) or 'industrious gardeners,' nurturing the 'flowers' of the next generation. Similarly, farmers (农民), laborers (劳动者), and parents are the primary recipients of this descriptor.

老师们为了学生的未来，每天都在辛勤地工作。(Teachers work industriously every day for the sake of their students' futures.)

In modern contexts, while the world moves toward automation, the term remains a high compliment in professional reviews and formal tributes. It suggests a level of dedication that goes beyond the requirements of a contract; it implies a soul-deep commitment to one's duties. When a leader thanks their staff for their '辛勤劳动' (industrious labor), they are using a register that conveys deep respect and formal recognition of the personal sacrifices made by the employees.

这枚奖章是由于你多年来的辛勤付出。(This medal is due to your years of industrious dedication.)

Visual Metaphor: Imagine a farmer weeding a field under the hot sun or a writer finishing a manuscript by candlelight. These images embody 辛勤. It is not a quick burst of energy, but a sustained, gritty perseverance.

To use this word correctly, remember that it is almost always positive. While the '辛' implies bitterness, the overall connotation is one of noble struggle and admirable persistence. It is rarely used for hobbies or leisure activities unless those activities are being treated with the gravity of a life's mission.

The grammatical application of 辛勤 (xīn qín) is relatively flexible, but it follows certain patterns that are crucial for sounding natural. As an adjective, it most frequently modifies nouns using the particle 的 (de). It can also function as an adverb when followed by 地 (de) to describe the manner in which an action is performed.

As an Adjective (辛勤的 + Noun): This is the most common usage. It describes people or their abstract efforts. Common nouns include 劳动 (labor), 汗水 (sweat), 园丁 (gardener), and 母亲 (mother). Example: '辛勤的汗水换来了丰收' (Industrious sweat brought about a harvest).
As an Adverb (辛勤地 + Verb): When you want to emphasize the process of working, use it as an adverb. Common verbs include 工作 (work), 耕耘 (plow/cultivate), and 培育 (nurture). Example: '他在实验室里辛勤地工作' (He is working industriously in the laboratory).

没有辛勤的努力，就不可能有今天的成功。(Without industrious effort, today's success would not be possible.)

One important distinction is the level of formality. 辛勤 is more formal than 努力. You would use 努力 in daily conversation with friends ('I need to study hard'), but you would use 辛勤 in a graduation speech or a letter of recommendation. It elevates the listener's perception of the effort, framing it as a virtuous and significant contribution to society.

Complement Structure: While less common, it can appear after the verb with a complement of degree: '他工作得很辛勤' (He works very industriously). However, '他工作得很努力' is much more natural in this specific structure.

父母用辛勤的双手养育了我们。(Our parents raised us with their industrious hands.)

Finally, note that 辛勤 is rarely used in the negative to mean 'lazy.' To say someone is not hardworking, you would use 懒惰 (lǎnduò) or 不努力 (bù nǔlì). Using '不辛勤' sounds awkward and overly formal for a simple criticism.

If you are living in a Chinese-speaking environment, you will encounter 辛勤 in several specific, culturally significant domains. It is not a word of the 'street,' but rather a word of the 'podium' and the 'page.'

Education and Graduation: This is perhaps the most common place to hear the word. At every graduation ceremony in China, from kindergarten to university, a student representative will inevitably thank the '辛勤工作的老师们' (industriously working teachers). It is the standard epithet for educators, acknowledging that teaching is a labor of love and endurance.
News and State Media: On CCTV or in the People's Daily, 辛勤 is used to describe the working class. During International Workers' Day (May 1st), news anchors will frequently praise the '辛勤耕耘在第一线的劳动者' (laborers working industriously on the front lines). It frames the worker as a hero of the nation's development.

向所有辛勤劳动的医护人员致敬！(Salute to all the healthcare workers for their industrious labor!)

In business settings, you will hear it during annual general meetings (AGMs) or year-end parties. A CEO might say, '感谢大家过去一年的辛勤付出' (Thank you all for your industrious contributions over the past year). Here, it serves to validate the long hours and high pressure the employees have faced, suggesting that their 'bitterness' has been seen and appreciated.

Literature and Poetry: In modern Chinese prose, 辛勤 is used to evoke a sense of nostalgia or rural beauty. Descriptions of grandparents working in ancestral gardens or a mother sewing clothes at night often use this word to create a mood of quiet, respectable toil.

老农夫在田间辛勤劳作的身影，成了村庄最美的风景。(The figure of the old farmer working industriously in the fields became the village's most beautiful scenery.)

Whether in a formal report or a heartfelt tribute, hearing '辛勤' tells you that the speaker is expressing a deep sense of gratitude and recognition for effort that is considered honorable and selfless.

While 辛勤 is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers often trip over its specific collocations and the nuances that separate it from other 'hardworking' words in Chinese. Understanding these pitfalls will prevent your Chinese from sounding 'translated' or overly stiff.

Mistake 1: Confusing 辛勤 with 辛苦 (xīnkǔ): This is the most frequent error. 辛苦 is usually a stative verb or an adjective meaning 'exhausting' or 'hard.' You say '你辛苦了' (You've worked hard/You must be tired) to thank someone. You cannot say '你辛勤了.' 辛勤 describes a persistent *quality* of work, while 辛苦 describes the *feeling* or the *state* of being tired from work.
Mistake 2: Overusing it for short-term tasks: If you spend ten minutes cleaning your room, you are not being '辛勤.' 辛勤 implies a long-term commitment. Using it for trivial, short-term tasks makes the speaker sound sarcastic or melodramatic. Save it for careers, parenting, or long-term projects.

Incorrect: 我辛勤地洗了三个碗。(I industriously washed three bowls.)
Correct: 我把碗洗干净了。(I washed the bowls clean.)

Mistake 3: Incorrect Adverbial Placement: Learners often forget the '地' (de) when using 辛勤 as an adverb. While some adjectives can drop the '地' in casual speech, 辛勤 is formal enough that dropping the '地' before a verb usually sounds like a grammatical error. Always use '辛勤地工作' rather than '辛勤工作' in written or formal spoken Chinese.

Note: In some set phrases like '辛勤劳动', the '的' or '地' is omitted because it has become a compound noun/phrase. But for general verbs, keep the particle.

Finally, avoid using 辛勤 to describe things that aren't human or human-like. You wouldn't say a computer is '辛勤,' even if it is processing data 24/7. 辛勤 requires a 'heart' that can feel the 'bitterness' of the work. It is a deeply humanistic word.

Chinese has a rich vocabulary for 'hard work,' each with its own flavor. Choosing the right one depends on whether you want to emphasize the result, the attitude, or the suffering involved.

辛勤 (xīnqín) vs. 勤奋 (qínfèn)

勤奋 focuses more on enthusiasm and frequency. It is often used for students (勤奋学习). It implies a proactive, eager attitude toward work.

辛勤 focuses on the toil and the 'bitterness' (辛). It is more often used for physical labor or long-term nurturing roles (like parents or teachers).

辛勤 (xīnqín) vs. 努力 (nǔlì)

努力 is the most general term for 'effort.' It can be a verb or an adjective. You can '努力' for a single goal. It doesn't necessarily imply long-term hardship.

辛勤 is almost always an adjective or adverb and implies a sustained, respectable lifestyle of hard work.

辛勤 (xīnqín) vs. 刻苦 (kèkǔ)

刻苦 literally means 'carving into bone.' it describes a grueling, self-disciplined type of study or training. It is more intense and less about 'labor' and more about 'endurance' and 'grit.'

Comparison:
1. 他很勤奋 (He is eager/diligent in his studies).
2. 他很辛勤 (He is industrious and endures toil).
3. 他很刻苦 (He is extremely disciplined and endures pain).

For informal situations, you might use 卖力 (màilì), which literally means 'selling one's strength.' It is used when someone is working really hard on a specific task, often to impress others or get a job done quickly. It lacks the moral high ground and 'noble' feel of 辛勤.

By understanding these alternatives, you can precisely describe the *type* of hard work you are observing, which is a hallmark of an advanced Chinese speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Chinese medicine, '辛' (xīn) also refers to 'pungent' or 'spicy' flavors. This is why the word for 'spicy' (辣 - là) often contains the '辛' radical. Being '辛勤' is like tasting the spiciness of life's labor!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃɪn tɕʰin/

US /ʃɪn tʃin/

The stress is balanced, but the first syllable 'xīn' (high flat tone) is slightly longer than 'qín' (rising tone).

Rhymes With

亲 (qīn) 心 (xīn) 新 (xīn) 林 (lín) 金 (jīn) 民 (mín) 琴 (qín) 信 (xìn - slant rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'x' like 'ks' (English 'x'). It should be a soft 'sh'.
Pronouncing 'q' like 'k'. It is a 'ch' sound.
Mixing up the tones: xīn (1st) and qín (2nd).
Confusing 'qin' with 'qing' (nasal sound).
Merging the two syllables into one blurred sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters have many strokes, but they are common in formal texts.

Writing 4/5

Writing '勤' correctly requires attention to the number of strokes and the 'strength' radical.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward once the 'x' and 'q' initials are mastered.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in formal speeches and educational contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

努力 (nǔlì) 工作 (gōngzuò) 老师 (lǎoshī) 农民 (nóngmín) 劳动 (láodòng)

Learn Next

勤奋 (qínfèn) 刻苦 (kèkǔ) 奉献 (fèngxiàn) 耕耘 (gēngyún) 成就 (chéngjiù)

Advanced

孜孜不倦 (zīzī bùjuàn) 夙兴夜寐 (sùxīng yèmèi) 废寝忘食 (fèiqǐn wàngshí)

Grammar to Know

Adjective + 的 + Noun

辛勤的汗水 (Industrious sweat)

Adverb + 地 + Verb

辛勤地工作 (To work industriously)

Verb + 得 + Adjective (Complement of Degree)

他干活干得很辛勤。

Reduplication of Adjectives (AABB - Rare for 辛勤)

Note: 辛勤 is rarely reduplicated; use 勤勤恳恳 instead.

Subject + Adverb (很/非常) + Adjective

这位老师非常辛勤。

Examples by Level

他是辛勤的农民。

He is an industrious farmer.

辛勤 (Adjective) + 的 + 农民 (Noun)

老师很辛勤。

The teacher is very industrious.

Subject + 很 + 辛勤 (Adjective used as a predicate)

辛勤的工作很重要。

Industrious work is very important.

辛勤的 + 工作 (Noun) as the subject

小王学习很辛勤。

Xiao Wang studies very industriously.

Note: 勤奋 is more common for study, but 辛勤 emphasizes the toil.

辛勤的人会有好结果。

Industrious people will have good results.

辛勤的 + 人 (Person)

爸爸辛勤地工作。

Dad works industriously.

辛勤 + 地 (Adverbial particle) + 工作 (Verb)

蜜蜂是辛勤的小昆虫。

Bees are industrious little insects.

Using 辛勤 for animals that work hard.

因为辛勤，所以成功。

Because of industriousness, therefore success.

Simple cause and effect with Because/So.

他用辛勤的汗水换来了成功。

He exchanged industrious sweat for success.

Metaphorical use of 'sweat' with 辛勤.

妈妈每天辛勤地做家务。

Mom does housework industriously every day.

辛勤地 + Verb (做家务)

我们要感谢辛勤的医生。

We should thank the industrious doctors.

感谢 (to thank) + Object

辛勤的劳动能创造财富。

Industrious labor can create wealth.

辛勤的 + 劳动 (Labor)

他在花园里辛勤地耕耘。

He is industriously plowing in the garden.

耕耘 (to plow/cultivate) is a classic verb for 辛勤.

这位老人一生都很辛勤。

This old man has been industrious his whole life.

一生 (whole life) + 都 (all/always) + 辛勤.

辛勤的园丁在照顾花朵。

The industrious gardener is taking care of the flowers.

园丁 (gardener) is a common metaphor for teachers.

由于他的辛勤，全家过上了好日子。

Due to his industriousness, the whole family lived a good life.

由于 (due to) + Noun phrase.

感谢各位老师过去一年的辛勤教导。

Thank you, teachers, for your industrious teaching over the past year.

辛勤的 + 教导 (Teaching/Guidance).

这些果实是农民辛勤劳动的结晶。

These fruits are the crystallization of the farmers' industrious labor.

结晶 (crystallization/result) is a formal way to say 'result'.

他辛勤地经营着这家小店。

He industriously manages this small shop.

经营 (to manage/operate) + 小店 (small shop).

辛勤的付出终究会有回报。

Industrious dedication will eventually have a return.

付出 (dedication/giving) + 终究 (eventually) + 回报 (reward).

她是一位辛勤而又聪明的女性。

She is an industrious and clever woman.

辛勤 + 而又 (and also) + Adjective.

我们要学习他那种辛勤工作的精神。

We should learn from his spirit of working industriously.

精神 (spirit) modified by '辛勤工作的'.

只有辛勤努力，才能实现梦想。

Only through industrious effort can one realize dreams.

只有...才... (Only if... then...).

他在实验室里辛勤地做着实验。

He is industriously conducting experiments in the lab.

做着实验 (doing experiments - continuous action).

他那双布满老茧的手见证了多年的辛勤。

His hands, covered in calluses, witness years of industriousness.

见证 (witness) used figuratively.

辛勤的耕耘是通往成功的必经之路。

Industrious cultivation is the necessary path to success.

必经之路 (the path one must take).

他不仅聪明，而且工作极其辛勤。

He is not only smart but also extremely industrious in his work.

不仅...而且... (Not only... but also...).

我们要向那些在岗位上辛勤奉献的人学习。

We should learn from those who industriously dedicate themselves at their posts.

奉献 (to dedicate/devote).

这份报告凝聚了团队成员们的辛勤心血。

This report condenses the industrious heart-blood (painstaking effort) of the team members.

凝聚 (to condense/embody) + 心血 (painstaking effort).

他在艺术领域辛勤探索了数十年。

He has industriously explored the field of art for decades.

探索 (to explore) used as the main verb.

正是因为大家的辛勤，公司才渡过了难关。

It is precisely because of everyone's industriousness that the company pulled through the crisis.

正是因为...才... (It is precisely because... that...).

辛勤的劳动不仅创造物质财富，也丰富精神世界。

Industrious labor not only creates material wealth but also enriches the spiritual world.

物质财富 (material wealth) vs 精神世界 (spiritual world).

他的成功并非偶然，而是多年辛勤沉淀的结果。

His success is not accidental, but the result of years of industrious accumulation.

沉淀 (sediment/accumulation) used metaphorically.

在那段艰苦的岁月中，他们靠着辛勤的双手开辟了新天地。

During those difficult years, they opened up a new world with their industrious hands.

开辟 (to open up/pioneer) + 新天地 (new world/territory).

我们要铭记前辈们为国家建设所付出的辛勤汗水。

We must remember the industrious sweat our predecessors gave for national construction.

铭记 (to remember/engrave in heart) + Predecessors.

他这种默默无闻、辛勤工作的态度令人敬佩。

His obscure but industrious working attitude is admirable.

默默无闻 (unknown to public/quiet) + 辛勤.

辛勤的劳作让这片荒地变成了绿洲。

Industrious labor turned this wasteland into an oasis.

荒地 (wasteland) vs 绿洲 (oasis).

他以辛勤为笔，在人生的画卷上书写了辉煌。

Using industriousness as a pen, he wrote brilliance on the scroll of life.

Literary metaphor using '以...为...' (taking... as...).

面对困难，他始终保持着那份辛勤与执着。

Facing difficulties, he always maintained that industriousness and persistence.

执着 (persistence/dedication).

这种辛勤的品质是中华民族传统美德的核心。

This quality of industriousness is the core of the traditional virtues of the Chinese nation.

中华民族传统美德 (Traditional virtues of the Chinese nation).

唯有历经辛勤的磨砺，方能显出生命的华彩。

Only through the tempering of industriousness can the brilliance of life be revealed.

Classical phrasing '唯有...方能...' (Only... can...).

他在学术上的造诣，全赖其数十载如一日的辛勤钻研。

His academic attainments depend entirely on his decades of industrious research, consistent as a single day.

数十载如一日 (decades as if one day - idiom for consistency).

这篇文章深刻地探讨了辛勤劳动在现代异化劳动中的价值。

This article deeply explores the value of industrious labor within modern alienated labor.

异化劳动 (alienated labor) - Marxist sociological term.

他那辛勤的身影，在历史的洪流中显得格外伟岸。

His industrious figure appears exceptionally imposing in the torrent of history.

伟岸 (imposing/stately).

这份家业是几代人辛勤经营、积沙成塔的结果。

This family business is the result of several generations of industrious management, accumulating sand to form a pagoda.

积沙成塔 (accumulating sand to form a pagoda - idiom for small things making a big whole).

他并不追求名利，只愿在辛勤的奉献中寻求内心的安宁。

He does not pursue fame or fortune, only wishing to seek inner peace through industrious dedication.

名利 (fame and fortune) vs 内心的安宁 (inner peace).

辛勤不仅是对物质的索取，更是对生命意志的锤炼。

Industriousness is not just the extraction of material goods, but more importantly, the tempering of the will of life.

索取 (extraction/demand) vs 锤炼 (tempering/refining).

他的文字中流露出对那些辛勤劳作者的深切同情与敬意。

His writings reveal deep sympathy and respect for those industrious laborers.

流露出 (to reveal/leak out emotions).

Common Collocations

辛勤劳动

辛勤耕耘

辛勤付出

辛勤的汗水

辛勤的园丁

辛勤培育

辛勤工作

辛勤探索

辛勤经营

辛勤地忙碌

Common Phrases

一分辛勤，一分收获

— A bit of industriousness leads to a bit of harvest. Similar to 'no pain, no gain.'

记住，一分辛勤，一分收获，不要总想着走捷径。

辛勤的小蜜蜂

— Industrious little bee. Often used to describe a very busy and hardworking person.

她就像一只辛勤的小蜜蜂，从早忙到晚。

辛勤的一生

— An industrious life. Usually said in tribute to an elder who worked hard.

爷爷度过了辛勤的一生，留下了宝贵的精神财富。

辛勤的双手

— Industrious hands. Emphasizes manual labor and self-reliance.

他用辛勤的双手创造了幸福的生活。

默默辛勤

— Quietly industrious. Describes someone who works hard without seeking attention.

他总是默默辛勤地为集体服务。

辛勤的背后

— Behind the industriousness. Usually referring to the hidden struggles.

在辛勤的背后，是他对梦想的执着。

辛勤的成果

— The fruits of industriousness. The positive results of hard work.

我们要珍惜这些辛勤的成果。

不辞辛勤

— Not shrinking from industrious toil. To work without complaining of hardship.

他为了完成任务，不辞辛勤地奔波。

辛勤创业

— Industriously starting a business. The difficult early stages of entrepreneurship.

经过几年的辛勤创业，他的公司终于上市了。

辛勤守望

— Industriously watching/guarding. Often used for people in protective roles.

边防战士在边境线上辛勤守望。

Often Confused With

辛勤 vs 辛苦 (xīnkǔ)

辛苦 describes the feeling of exhaustion or is used to thank someone for their trouble. 辛勤 describes a persistent trait of hard work.

辛勤 vs 努力 (nǔlì)

努力 is 'effort' and can be a verb. 辛勤 is 'industriousness' and is strictly an adjective or adverb.

辛勤 vs 勤劳 (qínláo)

勤劳 is more about being a 'hardworking person' as a personality trait. 辛勤 often emphasizes the action and the toil itself.

Idioms & Expressions

"勤能补拙"

— Diligence can compensate for lack of natural talent.

虽然他天分不高，但勤能补拙，最终还是成功了。

Formal/Common

"天道酬勤"

— Heaven rewards the diligent. Hard work pays off.

相信天道酬勤，你的努力一定会有回报。

Formal/Inspirational

"克勤克俭"

— Able to be diligent and frugal.

他一生克勤克俭，攒下了一笔财富。

Formal

"废寝忘食"

— To forget to eat and sleep due to being engrossed in work.

为了攻克难题，他废寝忘食地在实验室里工作。

Literary

"手不释卷"

— To be so diligent in study that one never puts down their book.

他从小就手不释卷，非常勤奋。

Literary

"脚踏实地"

— To be down-to-earth and work steadily.

做人要脚踏实地，通过辛勤劳动获得成功。

Common

"任劳任怨"

— To work hard without complaint despite criticism or hardship.

他在工作中任劳任怨，深受同事好评。

Formal

"夜以继日"

— To work day and night.

工人们夜以继日地施工，确保大桥按时完工。

Formal

"汗流浃背"

— Sweat streaming down one's back; working extremely hard.

农民们在烈日下辛勤劳作，个个汗流浃背。

Descriptive

"分秒必争"

— To count every second; to be extremely diligent with time.

高三学生都在分秒必争地复习功课。

Common

Easily Confused

辛勤 vs 勤奋

Both mean hardworking.

勤奋 is more academic and attitude-based. 辛勤 is more about labor and endurance of toil.

勤奋的学习态度 vs. 辛勤的劳动。

辛勤 vs 勤恳

Both are formal.

勤恳 adds a layer of 'conscientiousness' and 'sincerity' to the hard work.

他工作勤恳，从不偷懒。

辛勤 vs 卖力

Both describe working hard.

卖力 is informal and can sometimes imply a temporary burst of energy or working hard just for show.

他在老板面前干得很卖力。

辛勤 vs 刻苦

Both imply hardship.

刻苦 is specifically about 'gritting one's teeth' to learn or train. 辛勤 is broader and applied to general labor.

刻苦训练 vs. 辛勤工作。

辛勤 vs 精进

Both relate to progress through work.

精进 is a more spiritual or high-level professional term meaning 'to make progress through diligent pursuit.'

他在琴艺上日益精进。

Sentence Patterns

S + 很 + 辛勤。

爸爸很辛勤。

辛勤的 + N + V...

辛勤的农民在种地。

感谢 + Person + 的 + 辛勤 + N.

感谢老师的辛勤教导。

正是由于 + 辛勤，才 + Result.

正是由于他的辛勤，才有了公司的今天。

以...为...的辛勤精神

他以厂为家，这种辛勤精神值得学习。

辛勤之...，...之源

辛勤之汗水，乃成功之源。

S + 辛勤地 + V + 了 + Time.

他辛勤地工作了一整天。

把 + 辛勤 + 融入 + N.

他把辛勤融入到了每一个细节中。

Word Family

Nouns

勤劳 (qínláo - industriousness)

勤奋 (qínfèn - diligence)

勤务 (qínwù - service/duty)

Verbs

勤 (qín - to be diligent in)

勤学 (qínxué - to study diligently)

Adjectives

勤快 (qínkuai - quick and diligent in chores)

勤恳 (qínkěn - diligent and conscientious)

辛苦 (xīnkǔ)

劳动 (láodòng)

付出 (fùchū)

耕耘 (gēngyún)

奉献 (fèngxiàn)

How to Use It

frequency

High in formal and educational contexts; medium in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Using '辛勤' as a verb. → 他辛勤地工作。
辛勤 is an adjective or adverb, not a verb. You cannot say '他辛勤了三年'. You must say '他辛勤地工作了三年'.
Saying '你辛勤了' to thank someone. → 你辛苦了。
‘辛苦了’ is the fixed expression for thanking someone for their hard work. ‘辛勤’ describes the manner of working, not the state of having worked.
Using '辛勤' for small, easy tasks. → 我努力地打扫了房间。
‘辛勤’ implies significant toil or long-term dedication. Using it for washing dishes or a quick tidy-up sounds strange or sarcastic.
Confusing '辛勤' with '勤快'. → 这孩子干活很勤快。
‘勤快’ is used for being quick and diligent with chores or small tasks. ‘辛勤’ is for more serious, significant labor.
Omitting the '的' in '辛勤的+Noun'. → 辛勤的汗水。
Except in established set phrases like '辛勤劳动', you usually need the '的' to connect the adjective to the noun.

Tips

Particle Choice

Always use '的' when 辛勤 is an adjective (辛勤的老师) and '地' when it is an adverb (辛勤地工作). This is a hallmark of good grammar.

Contextual Honor

Save '辛勤' for people you truly respect. Using it for a lazy person sarcastically is possible, but its primary use is to honor genuine toil.

The Bitter Flavor

Remember the '辛' (bitter) component. It helps you understand that this word isn't just about 'doing a lot,' but about 'enduring a lot' to get the job done.

Stroke Order

The character '勤' has 13 strokes. Practice the left side '堇' carefully to ensure the balance of the character is correct.

Formal Tone

When using '辛勤' in a speech, slow down slightly. It’s a 'heavy' word that carries emotional and moral weight.

Speech Markers

In news broadcasts, '辛勤' often precedes '劳动者' (laborers). It's a set phrase you should learn to recognize instantly.

Don't Overuse 努力

If you are writing a formal essay, replace some instances of '努力' with '辛勤' to vary your vocabulary and increase the formality level.

The Bee Association

Link '辛勤' with '蜜蜂' (mìfēng - bee). The phrase '辛勤的小蜜蜂' is so common that it will help you remember the word's meaning and tone.

Professionalism

In a LinkedIn profile or a Chinese CV, use '辛勤' to describe your work history to sound like a dedicated and reliable professional.

Ancient Roots

Knowing that '辛' was a torture tool makes the word's emphasis on 'endurance' much more vivid and easy to remember.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'XIN' as 'SIN' (hardship/bitterness) and 'QIN' as 'CHIN' (keeping your chin up). To be 辛勤, you endure the 'SIN' of hard work with your 'CHIN' up!

Visual Association

Imagine a farmer in a conical hat, sweating under a bright yellow sun, holding a hoe. The '辛' looks a bit like a person standing under a heavy bar, and '勤' has the 'strength' (力) radical on the right.

Word Web

劳动 (Labor) 汗水 (Sweat) 老师 (Teacher) 农民 (Farmer) 成功 (Success) 付出 (Dedication) 园丁 (Gardener) 收获 (Harvest)

Challenge

Try to describe three people in your life using '辛勤.' One must be a family member, one a professional, and one a historical figure. Write one sentence for each using the '辛勤的 + Noun' pattern.

Word Origin

The word is a compound of two ancient Chinese characters. '辛' (xīn) dates back to the Shang Dynasty oracle bone script, where it represented a knife used for punishing or marking criminals, leading to the meaning of 'pain' or 'bitterness.' '勤' (qín) appears later, combining the 'clay/earth' radical with 'strength,' symbolizing the effort required to work the land.

Original meaning: The combination of 'bitter/painful' and 'diligent strength' originally described the arduous physical labor of farming.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use 辛勤 as a way to glorify exploitative labor conditions. While it is a positive word, in modern social discussions, it can sometimes be used sarcastically to describe 'overwork culture'.

In English, we might say 'industrious' or 'hardworking,' but we lack a single word that specifically combines the idea of 'suffering/bitterness' with 'diligence.'

The poem '悯农' (Sympathy for the Farmers) which describes the toil of farming. The official title 'National Model Worker' (全国劳动模范) often cites 辛勤 as a key trait. Graduation speeches across the Sinosphere.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Professional Appraisals

工作辛勤
辛勤付出
态度端正
业绩优秀

Educational Tributes

辛勤的园丁
感谢恩师
辛勤教导
桃李满天下

Agricultural Descriptions

辛勤耕耘
日出而作
辛勤劳作
五谷丰登

Family Life

辛勤养育
操持家务
辛勤的母亲
持家有道

National Holidays (May Day)

劳动最光荣
辛勤的劳动者
致敬辛勤
建设祖国

Conversation Starters

"你觉得在你的工作中，最需要‘辛勤’的那个部分是什么？"

"你认为‘聪明’和‘辛勤’哪个对成功更重要？"

"在你的国家，人们通常怎么赞美辛勤工作的人？"

"你见过最辛勤的人是谁？他/她做了什么？"

"你认为现在的年轻人还像老一辈那样辛勤吗？"

Journal Prompts

写一封感谢信给一位曾经对你很辛勤的老师，描述他/她是如何帮助你的。

反思一下你最近的一次‘辛勤付出’。你觉得值得吗？为什么？

描述一个你认为最能体现‘辛勤’二字的职业，并解释原因。

如果你将来有了孩子，你会如何教育他们理解‘辛勤’的价值？

讨论一下在科技高度发达的今天，‘辛勤’这个词的含义是否发生了变化。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it might sound a bit boastful or overly formal. In Chinese culture, it's more common for others to describe you as '辛勤.' If you want to say you work hard, '我很努力' is more natural and humble.

This is the most common confusion. '辛苦' (xīnkǔ) is about the *feeling* of being tired or the *state* of a task being hard. You say '辛苦了' to thank someone. '辛勤' (xīnqín) is an adjective describing the *quality* of being industrious. You cannot say '你辛勤了'.

It can be, but '勤奋' (qínfèn) is much more common for academic diligence. '辛勤' is better suited for the teacher's work or a student who is working a job to support their family while studying.

It consists of '革' (leather) on the left, '口' (mouth) in the middle, and '力' (strength) on the right. Actually, the modern standard form is '堇' (jǐn) on the left and '力' (lì) on the right. Focus on the '力' radical to remember it's about strength!

It's grammatically correct, but '勤奋的学习' sounds more native. '辛勤' usually pairs with '劳动' (labor) or '付出' (dedication).

It is overwhelmingly positive. Even though '辛' means bitter, the word as a whole represents a noble and virtuous trait that is highly respected in Chinese society.

Yes, specifically animals known for hard work like bees (蜜蜂) or oxen (老牛). It's a common personification in fables and children's literature.

Yes, very often in formal contexts like year-end reviews, speeches by the CEO, or letters of recommendation to describe a dedicated employee's work ethic.

The most direct opposite is '懒惰' (lǎnduò), which means lazy. Another common one is '懈怠' (xièdài), meaning to slack off or be negligent.

The phrase '辛勤的园丁' is a standard metaphor for teachers. Just as a gardener carefully nurtures plants to bloom, a teacher industriously nurtures students to succeed.