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B2 noun 11 min read

脑力

nǎo lì
Examples 脑力 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 脑力 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use '脑力' (nǎolì) often, but it's helpful to know it means 'brain power.' Think of it as 'brain' (脑 - nǎo) + 'power/strength' (力 - lì). You might hear it when people talk about games or hard work. For example, if a teacher says a puzzle is for your 'nǎolì,' they mean you have to think hard. It is like the word 'physical strength' (体力 - tǐlì), but for your head. Just remember: nǎo = head/brain, lì = power. When you combine them, you get the power of the head!
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At the A2 level, you can start using '脑力' (nǎolì) to describe simple activities. You can say '脑力游戏' (nǎolì yóuxì) for a brain game or puzzle. You are learning to distinguish between 'working with your body' and 'working with your mind.' If you spend all day studying, you can say you are using your '脑力.' It’s a useful noun to describe why you are tired even if you didn't run or exercise. You are 'mentally' tired. Try to pair it with '很多' (hěnduō - a lot) or '没有' (méiyǒu - don't have).
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At the B1 level, you should use '脑力' (nǎolì) in more professional or academic contexts. You can talk about '脑力劳动' (nǎolì láodòng - mental labor) vs. '体力劳动' (tǐlì láodòng - manual labor). This is a common topic in conversations about jobs and society. You can also use the verb '耗费' (hàofèi - to consume/spend) with '脑力' to say a task is mentally draining. For example, '学习汉语很耗费脑力' (Learning Chinese takes a lot of brainpower). You are moving beyond simple descriptions to discussing the effort involved in tasks.
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At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '脑力' (nǎolì) in abstract discussions and idiomatic phrases like '脑力激荡' (nǎolì jīdàng - brainstorming). You understand that '脑力' refers to a cognitive resource. You can use it to discuss education (脑力开发 - developing brainpower) or aging (脑力衰退 - mental decline). You should also be able to distinguish '脑力' from '智力' (intelligence) and '精神' (spirit/energy). You can use it to qualify the intensity of a competition or the difficulty of a professional project.
At the C1 level, '脑力' (nǎolì) becomes part of your sophisticated vocabulary for discussing human capital, cognitive science, and social trends. You can use it in formal writing to describe the 'knowledge economy' or 'intellectual competition.' You might discuss how '脑力资源' (brainpower resources) are distributed in a company or a country. You are expected to use it with precise verbs like '挖掘' (wājué - to tap into/excavate) or '透支' (tòuzhī - to overdraw/exhaust). You understand the nuance of how '脑力' reflects a person's functional capacity at a given moment.
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At the C2 level, you use '脑力' (nǎolì) with native-like precision in complex philosophical or technical discourses. You might use it to compare human cognition with artificial intelligence or to discuss the neurobiological limits of '脑力.' You can weave it into high-level metaphors or use it in legal and economic contexts (e.g., intellectual property as a product of '脑力劳动'). Your usage reflects a deep understanding of its contrast with '体力' and its role as a fundamental pillar of human civilization and personal identity.
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Examples

脑力 in 30 Seconds

  • 脑力 (nǎolì) refers to mental power or brainpower, focusing on the cognitive energy required for thinking, learning, and solving complex problems in various contexts.
  • It is the direct antonym of 体力 (tǐlì - physical strength) and is used to categorize types of labor and individual intellectual capacity.
  • Commonly used in phrases like 脑力劳动 (mental labor), 脑力激荡 (brainstorming), and 耗费脑力 (consuming brainpower), showing its versatility in professional and casual speech.
  • While related to intelligence (智力), it specifically emphasizes the functional 'power' or 'effort' of the brain as a usable and depletable resource.

The term 脑力 (nǎolì) is a foundational concept in the Chinese language that specifically refers to 'mental power,' 'intellectual capacity,' or 'brainpower.' At its core, it is the counterpart to 体力 (tǐlì), which refers to physical strength. In the modern Chinese-speaking world, where the knowledge economy dominates, 脑力 has become a ubiquitous term used to describe the cognitive effort required for professional success, academic achievement, and personal problem-solving. It encompasses everything from analytical reasoning and memory to creative synthesis and strategic planning. When a Chinese speaker uses this word, they are often emphasizing the internal, cognitive strain or potential of the human mind rather than just the act of thinking itself.

The Duality of Labor
In sociological and economic discussions, Chinese frequently distinguishes between 脑力劳动 (nǎolì láodòng)—mental labor—and 体力劳动 (tǐlì láodòng)—manual labor. This distinction is crucial for understanding job classifications and social structures in China.
Cognitive Resource Management
People often speak of 耗费脑力 (hàofèi nǎolì), which means 'consuming brainpower.' This reflects a cultural understanding that mental energy is a finite resource that can be depleted, much like physical stamina.

这项工作非常耗费脑力，我需要休息一下。(Zhè xiàng gōngzuò fēicháng hàofèi nǎolì, wǒ xūyào xiūxí yīxià.)

Translation: This task is very mentally taxing; I need to take a break.

The usage of 脑力 extends beyond just work. It is also used in the context of games, puzzles, and education. For instance, a 'brain teaser' is often referred to as a 脑力游戏 (nǎolì yóuxì). This implies that the game is a workout for the mind. In competitive environments, such as the famous 'Super Brain' (最强大脑) television show, the focus is entirely on the limits of human 脑力. It suggests a measurable, almost tangible force that can be trained, sharpened, and exhausted.

通过不断的学习，我们可以提升自己的脑力水平。(Tōngguò bùduàn de xuéxí, wǒmen kěyǐ tíshēng zìjǐ de nǎolì shuǐpíng.)

Translation: Through continuous learning, we can improve our level of mental power.
Colloquial Usage
In casual conversation, you might hear someone say 脑力不够 (nǎolì bùgòu), which literally means 'brainpower is not enough.' This is a self-deprecating way to say they are struggling to understand a complex concept or solve a difficult problem.

Furthermore, 脑力 is often paired with verbs like 开发 (kāifā - develop) or 激荡 (jīdàng - surge/agitate). 脑力激荡 is the standard translation for 'brainstorming,' emphasizing the active, energetic collision of ideas within the mind. This shows that 脑力 is not just a static capacity but a dynamic resource that can be stimulated and harnessed through collaboration and effort.

这场辩论赛是一场真正的脑力角逐。(Zhè chǎng biànlùn sài shì yī chǎng zhēnzhèng de nǎolì juézhú.)

Translation: This debate competition is a true contest of brainpower.

Using 脑力 (nǎolì) correctly requires understanding its role as a noun that often functions as the object of a verb or as part of a compound noun phrase. It describes the 'what' of mental effort. In sentence construction, it frequently interacts with verbs that describe consumption, development, or competition. Because it is an abstract noun representing a resource, it is often quantified or qualified by adjectives describing intensity or sufficiency.

Verb + 脑力 (Consumption and Effort)
The most common way to use 脑力 is with verbs like 耗费 (hàofèi - consume/waste), 花费 (huāfèi - spend), or 使用 (shǐyòng - use). This highlights the effortful nature of thinking.

编写这个软件需要耗费大量的脑力。(Biānxiě zhège ruǎnjiàn xūyào hàofèi dàliàng de nǎolì.)

Translation: Writing this software requires a massive amount of brainpower.

Another significant pattern involves describing the type of labor or activity. By placing 脑力 before other nouns, you create specific terms that define the nature of the work. For example, 脑力劳动 (nǎolì láodòng) is the standard term for 'intellectual work' or 'white-collar labor.' Similarly, 脑力激荡 (nǎolì jīdàng) is the term for 'brainstorming.' These compound structures are essential for professional and academic Chinese.

我们下午进行了一次脑力激荡会议，想出了很多好点子。(Wǒmen xiàwǔ jìnxíngle yīcì nǎolì jīdàng huìyì, xiǎng chūle hěnduō hǎo diǎnzi.)

Translation: We had a brainstorming session this afternoon and came up with many good ideas.
Adjective + 脑力 (Describing Capacity)
You can describe the state of one's brainpower using adjectives like 过人 (guòrén - extraordinary), 有限 (yǒuxiàn - limited), or 惊人 (jīngrén - amazing). This is often used when praising someone's intellect or discussing human limitations.

即使是脑力过人的天才，也需要勤奋努力。(Jíshǐ shì nǎolì guòrén de tiāncái, yě xūyào qínfèn nǔlì.)

Translation: Even a genius with extraordinary brainpower needs to work hard.

In more formal or scientific contexts, 脑力 is used to discuss cognitive health and development. Phrases like 开发脑力 (kāifā nǎolì - develop brainpower) or 脑力衰退 (nǎolì shuāituì - mental decline) are common in medical and educational literature. This demonstrates the word's versatility, ranging from casual workplace complaints to serious clinical discussions.

适当的益智游戏可以延缓老年人的脑力衰退。(Shìdàng de yìzhì yóuxì kěyǐ yánhuǎn lǎonián rén de nǎolì shuāituì.)

Translation: Appropriate puzzle games can delay the mental decline of the elderly.
Comparison Structures
When comparing two people's intellectual abilities, you can use the 比 (bǐ) structure: 他的脑力比我强 (His brainpower is stronger than mine). This is a very natural way to express intellectual competition.

You will encounter 脑力 (nǎolì) in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from high-stress corporate offices to primary school classrooms. Understanding where this word pops up helps in grasping its cultural weight. In the modern Chinese workplace, especially in 'Tier 1' cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, the term is synonymous with the demands of the '996' work culture (working 9 am to 9 pm, 6 days a week). Here, 脑力 is seen as a capital asset that employees 'sell' to their companies.

In the Office
Managers might say, 'We need to use our 脑力 to solve this client's problem,' or employees might complain at lunch about how 'Today's meeting really drained my 脑力.' It’s a way to validate the exhaustion that comes from non-physical work.

长时间的脑力劳动后，应该出去走走，放松一下。(Cháng shíjiān de nǎolì láodòng hòu, yīnggāi chūqù zǒuzǒu, fàngsōng yīxià.)

Translation: After long hours of mental labor, one should go for a walk and relax.

In educational settings, teachers and parents frequently use 脑力 when discussing a child's development. There is a massive industry in China dedicated to 脑力开发 (nǎolì kāifā - brainpower development) for toddlers and students. You will see advertisements for training centers promising to 'unlock your child's hidden 脑力' through abacus mental math, memory techniques, or coding classes. This reflects the intense academic competition where 'brainpower' is the primary weapon.

这个谜题非常考验玩家的脑力。(Zhège mítí fēicháng kǎoyàn wánjiā de nǎolì.)

Translation: This puzzle really tests the players' brainpower.
News and Academia
In news reports about the economy, you'll hear about 'brain drain'—expressed as 脑力外流 (nǎolì wàiliú) or more commonly 人才流失 (réncái liúshī). When discussing artificial intelligence, experts often compare 'AI' to 'Human Brainpower' (人类脑力).

Finally, in the gaming community, 'brainpower' is a common metric. Strategy games like Go (围棋) or Chess, and even modern esports like StarCraft or League of Legends, are described as 脑力竞技 (nǎolì jìngjì - mental sports/competitions). In these contexts, 脑力 is used to elevate the activity from a mere 'game' to a serious intellectual pursuit worthy of respect.

围棋不仅是体力的较量，更是脑力的博弈。(Wéiqí bùjǐn shì tǐlì de jiàoliàng, gèng shì nǎolì de bóyì.)

Translation: Go is not just a contest of physical stamina, but even more a gamble of brainpower.

While 脑力 (nǎolì) seems straightforward, English speakers often make subtle errors by using it where other terms like 智力 (zhìlì), 精神 (jīngshén), or 头脑 (tóunǎo) would be more appropriate. Understanding these nuances is the key to reaching a B2/C1 level of fluency. The most common mistake is using 脑力 to describe a person's character or personality rather than their cognitive capacity or effort.

Mistake 1: Confusing 脑力 with 智力 (Intelligence)
If you want to say someone is 'smart' or has a high IQ, use 智力. 脑力 is the 'power' or 'energy' the brain uses. 智力测试 is an 'IQ test,' while 脑力测试 might be a test of how much mental work you can handle or a puzzle game.

❌ 他的脑力很高，考试总是第一。(His brainpower is high...)
✅ 他的智力很高，考试总是第一。(His intelligence is high...)

Note: Use 'zhìlì' for innate intelligence.

Another error is confusing 脑力 with 精神 (jīngshén). While 脑力 refers to cognitive capacity, 精神 refers to 'spirit,' 'energy levels,' or 'mental state' (in a psychological sense). If you are tired and can't focus, you might lack 精神 (energy) which results in a lack of 脑力 (available brainpower) for a specific task.

❌ 我今天没有脑力去参加聚会。(I don't have brainpower to go to the party...)
✅ 我今天没有精神去参加聚会。(I don't have the energy/spirit to go to the party...)

Note: Use 'jīngshén' for general energy or mood.
Mistake 2: Overusing it for 'Mind'
English speakers often say 'It's in my mind.' In Chinese, you would use 脑子里 (nǎozi lǐ) or 心里 (xīn lǐ). Using 脑力 here would sound very strange, as 脑力 is a capacity, not a physical or metaphorical location.

Lastly, be careful with the verb 锻炼 (duànliàn - to exercise). While you can 锻炼脑力 (exercise your brainpower), it is more common to say 动脑筋 (dòng nǎojīn - use one's head) for the act of thinking hard. 脑力 is the resource you are exercising, but 动脑筋 is the action you are taking.

❌ 这个数学题需要很多脑子。(This math problem needs many brains...)
✅ 这个数学题需要很多脑力。(This math problem needs a lot of brainpower.)

Note: 'Nǎozi' refers to the physical brain or 'smarts' in a slangy way; 'nǎolì' is the formal term for the power required.

To truly master 脑力 (nǎolì), you must be able to distinguish it from its synonyms and related terms. Chinese has a rich vocabulary for describing the mind, and choosing the right word depends entirely on the context—whether you are talking about innate ability, current energy, physical organs, or psychological states.

脑力 (nǎolì) vs. 智力 (zhìlì)
脑力 is the 'power' or 'capacity' of the brain, often used in terms of labor or effort (e.g., 耗费脑力). 智力 is 'intelligence' or 'IQ,' referring to the innate ability to learn and understand (e.g., 智力开发).
脑力 (nǎolì) vs. 体力 (tǐlì)
These are direct opposites. 脑力 is mental power; 体力 is physical strength. They are often used together to describe a person's total capabilities: 脑力与体力并重 (equal importance to mental and physical power).
脑力 (nǎolì) vs. 心力 (xīnlì)
心力 refers to 'mental and physical effort' but with a focus on 'heart' or 'willpower.' While 耗费脑力 means you are thinking hard, 耗费心力 means you are putting your whole soul/effort into something, often involving emotional strain.

为了完成这个项目，他付出了巨大的心力。(To complete this project, he put in enormous effort [heart and soul].)

Contrast: Using 'nǎolì' would just mean he thought about it a lot.

In informal settings, people often use 脑子 (nǎozi) or 脑筋 (nǎojīn). For example, instead of saying 'I need to use my 脑力,' a person might say 我得动动脑筋 (Wǒ děi dòngdong nǎojīn). 脑筋 implies 'smarts' or 'wit' in a more flexible, everyday sense. 脑子 is the physical brain but is also used to mean 'intellect' in phrases like 他脑子很快 (He is quick-witted).

这种游戏不仅好玩，还能锻炼脑筋。(This kind of game is not only fun but also exercises your wits.)

Note: 'Nǎojīn' is more casual than 'nǎolì'.
Formal Alternatives
In academic writing, you might see 认知能力 (rènzhī nénglì), which means 'cognitive ability.' This is the scientific version of 脑力. If you are writing a paper, 认知能力 is often preferred over the more general 脑力.
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Examples by Level

1

这是脑力游戏。

This is a brain game.

Noun + Noun structure.

2

他很有脑力。

He has a lot of brainpower (meaning he is smart).

Basic Subject + Adverb + Noun.

3

脑力很重要。

Brainpower is important.

Simple Subject + Adjective.

4

我不喜欢脑力劳动。

I don't like mental labor.

Negative 'don't like' + compound noun.

5

你有脑力吗？

Do you have brainpower?

Basic question with 'ma'.

6

用你的脑力。

Use your brainpower.

Imperative sentence using 'yòng' (use).

7

脑力好的人很酷。

People with good brainpower are cool.

Attributive clause with 'de'.

8

学习需要脑力。

Learning requires brainpower.

Verb 'xūyào' (need) + Noun.

1

下象棋很费脑力。

Playing chess is very mentally taxing.

Using 'fèi' (consume) with 'nǎolì'.

2

我现在的脑力不够了。

My brainpower is not enough right now.

Using 'bùgòu' (not enough).

3

脑力劳动也很累。

Mental labor is also tiring.

Using 'yě' (also) and 'lèi' (tired).

4

这个题考察你的脑力。

This question tests your brainpower.

Verb 'kǎochá' (examine/test).

5

我们要开发孩子的脑力。

We want to develop children's brainpower.

Verb 'kāifā' (develop).

6

他的脑力比我强。

His brainpower is stronger than mine.

Comparison structure 'bǐ'.

7

多看书可以增加脑力。

Reading more books can increase brainpower.

Verb 'zēngjiā' (increase).

8

脑力游戏很有趣。

Brain games are very interesting.

Compound noun as subject.

1

长期从事脑力劳动的人需要运动。

People engaged in mental labor for a long time need exercise.

Complex subject with 'de'.

2

这篇文章非常耗费脑力。

This article is very mentally draining.

Adverb 'fēicháng' + verb 'hàofèi'.

3

我们需要进行一次脑力激荡。

We need to have a brainstorming session.

Idiomatic phrase 'nǎolì jīdàng'.

4

他的脑力在同龄人中是出众的。

His brainpower is outstanding among his peers.

Prepositional phrase 'zài...zhōng'.

5

在这个岗位上，脑力比体力更重要。

In this position, brainpower is more important than physical strength.

Contrastive comparison.

6

这种训练能有效提升脑力水平。

This training can effectively improve brainpower levels.

Adverb 'yǒuxiào' (effectively).

7

他因为过度透支脑力而病倒了。

He fell ill because of overdrawing his brainpower.

Causal structure 'yīnwèi...ér'.

8

脑力竞争在现代社会非常激烈。

Brainpower competition is very intense in modern society.

Abstract noun as subject.

1

教育的本质是开发人的脑力潜能。

The essence of education is to develop human brainpower potential.

Abstract philosophical statement.

2

这款软件的设计极大地节省了用户的脑力。

The design of this software greatly saves the user's brainpower.

Verb 'jiéshěng' (save).

3

脑力衰退是老年人普遍面临的问题。

Mental decline is a common problem faced by the elderly.

Noun phrase 'nǎolì shuāituì'.

4

我们应该珍惜每一分脑力，用在刀刃上。

We should cherish every bit of brainpower and use it where it counts.

Metaphorical phrase 'yòng zài dāorèn shàng'.

5

这场辩论不仅仅是口才的较量，更是脑力的对决。

This debate is not just a contest of eloquence, but a duel of brainpower.

Correlative 'bùjǐnjiǔ... gèngshì'.

6

他在处理复杂数据时展现了惊人的脑力。

He showed amazing brainpower when handling complex data.

Verb 'zhǎnxiàn' (demonstrate).

7

脑力劳动者往往更容易感到心理压力。

Mental workers often tend to feel psychological pressure more easily.

Noun 'nǎolì láodòngzhě' (brain worker).

8

通过合理的饮食，我们可以维持良好的脑力状态。

Through a reasonable diet, we can maintain a good state of brainpower.

Prepositional phrase 'tōngguò...'.

1

脑力外流对发展中国家的经济造成了负面影响。

Brain drain has had a negative impact on the economies of developing countries.

Economic terminology 'nǎolì wàiliú'.

2

人工智能是否会最终取代人类的脑力劳动？

Will artificial intelligence eventually replace human mental labor?

Rhetorical question in formal context.

3

这种复杂的逻辑推理超出了大多数人的脑力极限。

This complex logical reasoning exceeds the brainpower limits of most people.

Noun 'nǎolì jíxiàn' (brainpower limit).

4

企业应该注重挖掘员工的脑力资源。

Enterprises should focus on tapping into the brainpower resources of their employees.

Formal verb 'wājué' (excavate/tap into).

5

脑力的差异往往决定了职场竞争的终极结果。

Differences in brainpower often determine the ultimate outcome of workplace competition.

Abstract causality.

6

他对于抽象概念的理解力证明了他卓越的脑力。

His understanding of abstract concepts proves his outstanding brainpower.

Complex noun phrase.

7

脑力活动的强度与大脑的代谢率密切相关。

The intensity of brainpower activity is closely related to the brain's metabolic rate.

Scientific terminology.

8

在这个信息爆炸的时代，过滤信息也需要极大的脑力。

In this era of information explosion, filtering information also requires immense brainpower.

Gerund-like phrase as subject.

1

脑力乃人类文明进步之源泉，不可等闲视之。

Brainpower is the source of human civilization's progress and should not be taken lightly.

Classical Chinese style 'nǎi' and 'zhī'.

2

其脑力之深邃，非常人所能揣测。

The depth of his brainpower is beyond what ordinary people can fathom.

Literary structure '...zhī..., fēi...suǒnéng...'.

3

脑力劳动与体力劳动的界限在数字时代日趋模糊。

The boundary between mental labor and manual labor is increasingly blurred in the digital age.

Sophisticated social analysis.

4

唯有不断挑战脑力之极限，方能实现自我超越。

Only by constantly challenging the limits of brainpower can one achieve self-transcendence.

Correlative 'wéiyǒu... fāngnéng...'.

5

脑力资源的优化配置是提升国家竞争力的关键。

The optimized allocation of brainpower resources is key to enhancing national competitiveness.

Political/Economic jargon.

6

他毕生致力于脑力开发的研究，取得了举世瞩目的成就。

He dedicated his life to the study of brainpower development and achieved world-renowned success.

Formal biographical description.

7

脑力之于人类，犹电力之于机器。

Brainpower is to humans what electricity is to machines.

Analogy structure '...zhīyú..., yóu...zhīyú...'.

8

在这场无声的脑力博弈中，每一个细节都至关重要。

In this silent gamble of brainpower, every detail is crucial.

Metaphorical use of 'bóyì' (gamble/game theory).

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