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B2 noun 11 min read

不辞辛劳

buci xinlao
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 不辞辛劳 in 30 Seconds
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

不辞辛劳 in 30 Seconds

  • Work tirelessly, spare no effort.
  • Willingly face and overcome hardship.
  • No complaints about toil.
  • Shows dedication and perseverance.

Understanding 不辞辛劳 (bù cí xīn láo)

The idiom 不辞辛劳 (bù cí xīn láo) is a powerful expression in Chinese that conveys a deep sense of dedication and perseverance. It literally translates to 'not decline toil and hardship.' When someone is described as 不辞辛劳, it means they willingly undertake difficult tasks, work extremely hard, and do not complain about the effort or challenges involved. This phrase is often used to praise individuals who show remarkable commitment and resilience in their endeavors, whether in their professional lives, academic pursuits, or personal projects. It highlights a positive attitude towards hard work and a willingness to go the extra mile without seeking recognition or avoiding difficulties.

Breakdown
不 (bù): not
辞 (cí): to decline, to refuse, to resign
辛劳 (xīn láo): toil, hard work, hardship

The essence of 不辞辛劳 lies in the proactive embrace of challenges. It's not just about enduring hardship, but about actively choosing to face it and overcome it with a positive and determined spirit. This idiom is frequently employed in contexts where great effort has been expended for a noble cause or a significant achievement. It’s a testament to the character of the person, emphasizing their diligence, selflessness, and unwavering commitment. You'll often encounter this phrase in formal speeches, commendations, and narratives that aim to inspire or acknowledge extraordinary effort.

Our teachers always 不辞辛劳 to help us with our studies.

Consider the dedication of volunteers working in disaster relief, scientists tirelessly pursuing a cure, or parents raising their children. These are all examples of people who embody the spirit of 不辞辛劳. The phrase acknowledges their sacrifices and the immense effort they put forth, often without expecting anything in return. It’s a powerful descriptor that elevates the act of hard work from mere labor to a virtue, highlighting the strength of character and the depth of commitment involved.

The engineers 不辞辛劳 to complete the bridge on time.

Usage Contexts
Praising dedication in work or study.
Acknowledging effort in challenging projects.
Describing volunteers or selfless individuals.
Highlighting perseverance in the face of adversity.

Constructing Sentences with 不辞辛劳

Using 不辞辛劳 (bù cí xīn láo) effectively in sentences requires understanding its role as an adverbial phrase, typically modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It emphasizes that the action is done without regard for hardship or difficulty. The structure often involves placing it before the verb it modifies, or sometimes at the beginning of a clause for emphasis.

Basic Sentence Structure
Subject + 不辞辛劳 + Verb + Object/Complement

Let's explore various sentence patterns to illustrate its usage. The key is to pair it with actions that inherently involve effort or challenge. For instance, completing a complex project, undertaking a difficult journey, or providing extensive care are all suitable actions to be described with 不辞辛劳.

The rescue team 不辞辛劳, working day and night to save those trapped.

Example Sentences and Analysis
Example 1: 医生们不辞辛劳地为病人治疗。(Yīshēngmen bù cí xīn láo de wèi bìngrén zhìliáo.) - The doctors tirelessly treated the patients.
Analysis: Here, 不辞辛劳地 acts as an adverb modifying '治疗' (to treat), emphasizing the doctors' unwavering effort despite the demanding nature of their work.
Example 2: 为了完成这个艰巨的任务，他不辞辛劳地付出了巨大的努力。(Wèile wánchéng zhège jiānjù de rènwù, tā bù cí xīn láo de fùchūle jùdà de nǔlì.) - To complete this arduous task, he tirelessly put in tremendous effort.
Analysis: The phrase modifies '付出' (to put in/contribute), highlighting the significant and ungrudging effort made.
Example 3: 志愿者们不辞辛劳，为灾区人民提供了宝贵的支持。(Zhìyuànzhěmen bù cí xīn láo, wèi zāiqū rénmín tígōngle bǎoguì de zhīchí.) - The volunteers worked tirelessly, providing valuable support to the people in the disaster area.
Analysis: This sentence uses 不辞辛劳 as a descriptive phrase for the volunteers' actions, emphasizing their dedication and lack of complaint.

When constructing your own sentences, think about situations where someone is going above and beyond. For instance, you might say:

  • 'My parents不辞辛劳地工作，为我提供了良好的教育。' (My parents worked tirelessly to provide me with a good education.)
  • 'The researchers不辞辛劳，在实验室里度过了无数个夜晚。' (The researchers worked tirelessly, spending countless nights in the lab.)
  • 'She不辞辛劳地照顾生病的母亲。' (She tirelessly took care of her sick mother.)

The construction workers 不辞辛劳 to build the new stadium.

Remember to use this idiom when you want to highlight extreme dedication and a willingness to endure hardship. It adds a layer of respect and admiration to your description of someone's efforts.

Real-World Contexts for 不辞辛劳

The idiom 不辞辛劳 (bù cí xīn láo) is not confined to textbooks; it's a living expression frequently used in various real-world scenarios, particularly in contexts that involve recognition, praise, or description of significant effort. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp its practical application and natural usage.

Formal Occasions and Speeches
In award ceremonies, graduation speeches, or public commendations, 不辞辛劳 is often used to honor individuals or groups who have demonstrated exceptional dedication. For example, a principal might thank teachers for their 不辞辛劳 in educating students, or a politician might praise volunteers for their 不辞辛劳 during a crisis.

You'll frequently hear this idiom in media reports, especially when covering stories about individuals who have made significant contributions or overcome great obstacles. News articles about humanitarian efforts, scientific breakthroughs, or community service often employ this phrase to describe the tireless work of those involved.

The documentary highlighted the 不辞辛劳 efforts of the conservationists.

Workplace and Professional Settings
In performance reviews or when discussing team achievements, managers might commend employees for their 不辞辛劳. It's a way to acknowledge that an individual has gone above and beyond their typical duties, putting in extra hours and effort without complaint.
For instance, a project leader might say, 'I want to thank the entire team for their 不辞辛劳 in meeting the project deadline.' This conveys appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

Educational institutions are another common place where this idiom is heard. When discussing the commitment of educators, researchers, or even dedicated students, teachers or administrators might use 不辞辛劳. It’s a way to express admiration for those who dedicate themselves to learning and teaching, often involving significant personal sacrifice.

Even in more personal contexts, such as family discussions or when friends are recounting achievements, 不辞辛劳 can be used to describe someone's remarkable effort. For example, one might say, 'My grandmother 不辞辛劳, cooking for the entire family every holiday.' This adds a touch of respect and acknowledges the labor involved.

The farmers 不辞辛劳 to cultivate their land.

Examples in Literature and Media
Books, movies, and historical accounts often use 不辞辛劳 to describe characters who exhibit great fortitude and dedication. It’s a common way to portray heroic figures, dedicated professionals, or exemplary individuals.

In summary, you'll encounter 不辞辛劳 most often in settings where effort, dedication, and perseverance are being acknowledged and praised. It's a term that carries weight and respect, signifying a deep appreciation for hard work in the face of adversity.

Avoiding Pitfalls with 不辞辛劳

While 不辞辛劳 (bù cí xīn láo) is a widely understood and appreciated idiom, learners can sometimes make mistakes in its usage, leading to awkward phrasing or misinterpretation. Understanding these common pitfalls will help you use the idiom more accurately and naturally.

Mistake 1: Overusing it in casual conversation
Incorrect: 'I 不辞辛劳 to go to the supermarket today.'

Correct: 'I worked hard to go to the supermarket today.' (Or use a simpler phrase if the effort wasn't extraordinary.)

Explanation: 不辞辛劳 implies significant, often selfless, effort in the face of hardship. Describing a routine task like going to the supermarket with this idiom can sound exaggerated or even sarcastic. It's best reserved for situations where considerable toil or dedication is involved.

Another common error is misplacing the idiom within a sentence or using it as a standalone descriptor without a clear action to modify. Remember that 不辞辛劳 describes *how* something is done.

He is 不辞辛劳.

Mistake 2: Using it for minor inconveniences
Incorrect: 'My internet was slow, so I 不辞辛劳 to fix it.'

Correct: 'I worked hard to fix my slow internet.'

Explanation: The effort involved in fixing slow internet might be frustrating, but it usually doesn't rise to the level of 'toil and hardship' that 不辞辛劳 implies. The idiom is best suited for situations where significant labor, sacrifice, or perseverance is genuinely demonstrated.

Mistake 3: Incorrect placement or grammatical structure
Incorrect: 'He is 不辞辛劳 his work.'

Correct: 'He 不辞辛劳地完成他的工作。' (He tirelessly completes his work.) or 'He works 不辞辛劳.' (He works tirelessly.)

Explanation: 不辞辛劳 typically functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It describes the manner of the action. Simply stating 'He is 不辞辛劳' is grammatically incomplete. You need to connect it to an action. Adding '地' (de) after 不辞辛劳 is common when it directly precedes a verb, turning it into an adverbial modifier.

By being mindful of the context and the grammatical function of 不辞辛劳, you can avoid these common errors and use the idiom with greater confidence and accuracy.

Exploring Alternatives to 不辞辛劳

While 不辞辛劳 (bù cí xīn láo) is a powerful and evocative idiom, there are other words and phrases in Chinese that convey similar meanings, each with its own nuances in terms of register, emphasis, and specific application. Understanding these alternatives can enrich your vocabulary and allow you to express yourself with greater precision.

1. 努力 (nǔ lì) - Effort, to strive
Comparison: 努力 is a very general term for 'effort' or 'to strive.' It's much broader than 不辞辛劳 and doesn't necessarily imply enduring hardship or a lack of complaint. You can 努力 towards a goal without facing significant difficulties.

Example: 他很努力学习。(Tā hěn nǔ lì xuéxí.) - He studies very hard. (This doesn't imply he finds it hard or complains.)

When to use: Use 努力 for general hard work and effort.

The choice between these words depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Do you want to emphasize the sheer quantity of work, the willingness to endure difficulties, or the relentless pursuit of a goal?

2. 辛勤工作 (xīn qín gōng zuò) - To work diligently/assiduously
Comparison: 辛勤工作 is very close in meaning to the 'hard work' aspect of 不辞辛劳. It emphasizes diligence and assiduity. However, it doesn't explicitly carry the 'not declining hardship' nuance as strongly.

Example: 农民们辛勤工作，才有了丰收。(Nóngmínmen xīn qín gōng zuò, cái yǒule fēngshōu.) - The farmers worked diligently, leading to a bumper harvest.

When to use: Use 辛勤工作 when you want to highlight diligent and assiduous labor.

Consider the context: if you are praising someone for their unwavering commitment despite facing adversity, 不辞辛劳 is the most fitting. If you are simply describing someone who works very hard, 辛勤工作 or 努力 might suffice.

3. 废寝忘食 (fèi qǐn wàng shí) - To neglect sleep and forget to eat
Comparison: This idiom describes someone so engrossed in their work or study that they forget basic needs like sleep and food. It emphasizes the intensity and absorption in the task, often implying a great deal of effort.

Example: 他为了准备考试，废寝忘食。(Tā wèile zhǔnbèi kǎoshì, fèi qǐn wàng shí.) - He neglected sleep and forgot to eat in order to prepare for the exam.

When to use: Use 废寝忘食 when the focus is on the extreme dedication leading to the neglect of personal needs.

While 不辞辛劳 focuses on the willingness to endure hardship, 废寝忘食 highlights the intensity of focus and the resulting neglect of basic needs. They can sometimes overlap but have distinct emphases.

4. 竭尽全力 (jié jìn quán lì) - To do one's utmost; to spare no effort
Comparison: 竭尽全力 is very similar to 不辞辛劳 in that it signifies putting in maximum effort. It is a strong expression of commitment and determination.

Example: 我们要竭尽全力完成这个项目。(Wǒmen yào jié jìn quán lì wánchéng zhège xiàngmù.) - We must do our utmost to complete this project.

When to use: Use 竭尽全力 when you want to emphasize that all possible effort is being exerted.

Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the most appropriate phrase for the specific context, making your Chinese communication more nuanced and effective.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '辛' (xīn) originally depicted a type of farming tool, hence its association with agriculture and hard labor. The character '劳' (láo) also directly relates to labor and exertion. Together, they form a powerful combination to describe difficult work.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /buː t͡sʰɨ ɕɪn ˈlɑʊ/
US /bu t͡sʰɪ ʃɪn ˈlɑʊ/
There is no strong syllable stress in the English sense. The rhythm is more evenly distributed, with tonal changes indicating word meaning.
Rhymes With
lao (劳) gao (高) dao (道) pao (跑) rao (绕) xiao (笑) shao (少) nao (闹)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'bù' with aspiration like 'pù'.
  • Confusing the 'c' sound with an English 'c'.
  • Incorrectly pronouncing the tones, which can change the meaning of the word.
  • Aspirating the 'x' sound too much, making it sound like 'shh'.
  • Applying English stress patterns to the idiom.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Understanding the idiom requires grasping the meanings of individual characters and how they combine to form a figurative meaning. Recognition is moderate for B2 learners, but full comprehension and correct usage might take more practice.

Writing 4/5

Correctly integrating 不辞辛劳 into writing requires understanding its grammatical function and appropriate contexts. Overuse or misuse in informal settings is a common pitfall.

Speaking 4/5

Using the idiom spontaneously in conversation requires confidence and a good sense of appropriate contexts. Learners might hesitate to use it for fear of sounding unnatural or exaggerated.

Listening 3/5

With exposure to Chinese media and conversations, learners can become familiar with the sound and common contexts of the idiom, making it relatively easier to comprehend when heard.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

不 (bù) 辞 (cí) 辛劳 (xīn láo) 工作 (gōngzuò) 努力 (nǔlì) 辛苦 (xīnkǔ) 劳累 (láolèi)

Learn Next

任劳任怨 (rèn láo rèn yuàn) 竭尽全力 (jié jìn quán lì) 披荆斩棘 (pī jīng zhǎn jí) 呕心沥血 (ǒu xīn lì xuè)

Advanced

坚韧不拔 (jiānrèn bù bá) 持之以恒 (chí zhī yǐ héng) 精益求精 (jīng yì qiú jīng)

Grammar to Know

Using 地 (de) as an adverbial particle

不辞辛劳地 (bù cí xīn láo de) - tirelessly. This particle connects the adverbial phrase (不辞辛劳) to the verb it modifies, indicating the manner of the action.

Idiomatic expressions as adverbial phrases

不辞辛劳 can function as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, describing the way an action is performed. For example, '他不辞辛劳地工作' (He works tirelessly).

Sentence structure with adverbial phrases

Adverbial phrases like 不辞辛劳 often appear before the verb they modify, or sometimes at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis: '不辞辛劳，他完成了任务。' (Tirelessly, he completed the task.)

The use of 'not' (不) in negating verbs or adjectives

In 不辞辛劳, '不' negates '辞' (to decline), meaning 'not to decline' or 'to not refuse'.

Nominalization of adjectives/phrases

While 不辞辛劳 is primarily adverbial, phrases like '他的不辞辛劳' (his tireless effort) can function nominally, referring to the effort itself.

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Examples by Level

1

老师不辞辛苦教我们。

The teacher teaches us tirelessly.

Simple sentence structure, subject + 不辞辛苦 + verb.

2

他做事情不辞劳累。

He works without complaining about fatigue.

不辞劳累 is a common variation, emphasizing lack of complaint about tiredness.

3

妈妈不辞辛苦地做饭。

Mom cooks tirelessly.

Adding '地' (de) after the idiom makes it an adverb modifying the verb.

4

我们不辞劳苦地学习。

We study diligently, not minding the hardship.

不辞劳苦 is another similar variant emphasizing lack of complaint about hard labor.

5

他帮助我不辞辛劳。

He helps me tirelessly.

The idiom can sometimes appear after the verb for emphasis.

6

农民不辞辛苦地种地。

Farmers work the land tirelessly.

Commonly used for manual labor.

7

她不辞劳累地照顾病人。

She takes care of the patient tirelessly.

Highlights dedication in caregiving roles.

8

我们不辞辛苦地完成任务。

We complete the task without complaining about the effort.

Emphasizes successful completion through hard work.

1

工程师们不辞辛劳地设计新产品。

The engineers tirelessly design new products.

Used for professional dedication and innovation.

2

志愿者们不辞辛劳地为灾区人民服务。

The volunteers tirelessly serve the people in the disaster area.

Highlights selfless service in challenging circumstances.

3

她为了梦想，不辞辛劳地工作。

She works tirelessly for her dream.

Connects hard work with personal aspirations.

4

这个项目需要大家不辞辛劳地合作。

This project requires everyone to cooperate tirelessly.

Emphasizes collaborative effort and perseverance.

5

老人们不辞辛劳地操持家务。

The elderly people tirelessly manage household chores.

Acknowledges the effort of elders in maintaining a home.

6

为了孩子的教育，父母不辞辛劳。

Parents spare no effort for their children's education.

A common expression of parental sacrifice.

7

运动员们不辞辛劳地训练。

Athletes train tirelessly.

Describes dedication in sports and physical training.

8

他对待工作一丝不苟，不辞辛劳。

He approaches his work meticulously and tirelessly.

Combines meticulousness with tireless effort.

1

科研人员不辞辛劳，致力于寻找治愈疾病的方法。

Researchers tirelessly work to find ways to cure diseases.

Used in contexts of scientific research and medical advancement.

2

在偏远地区，医护人员不辞辛劳地为当地居民提供医疗服务。

In remote areas, medical staff tirelessly provide healthcare services to local residents.

Highlights dedication in challenging geographical and social contexts.

3

这位艺术家为了创作出杰作，不辞辛劳，付出了无数心血。

This artist spared no effort, pouring countless hours into creating a masterpiece.

Appreciates the artistic process and dedication involved.

4

消防员们不辞辛劳地冲进火场，拯救生命。

Firefighters tirelessly rush into the burning building to save lives.

Illustrates bravery and tireless effort in dangerous situations.

5

尽管条件艰苦，他们依然不辞辛劳地继续勘探。

Despite the harsh conditions, they continued their exploration tirelessly.

Emphasizes perseverance in exploration and fieldwork.

6

她不辞辛劳地整理了大量的历史文献，为研究奠定了基础。

She tirelessly organized a large volume of historical documents, laying the foundation for research.

Applies to meticulous and time-consuming research tasks.

7

为了保护濒危物种，动物保护者们不辞辛劳地奔走呼吁。

To protect endangered species, animal conservationists tirelessly advocate.

Highlights dedication in environmental and animal protection efforts.

8

公司的成功离不开每一位员工不辞辛劳的付出。

The company's success is inseparable from the tireless contributions of every employee.

Used in business contexts to praise collective hard work.

1

这位传记作家不辞辛劳地搜集了海量的资料，力求还原人物最真实的一面。

This biographer tirelessly gathered a massive amount of material, striving to present the most authentic side of the person.

Highlights meticulous research and dedication in biography writing.

2

在极其恶劣的天气条件下，搜救队依然不辞辛劳地搜寻失踪人员。

Under extremely adverse weather conditions, the search and rescue team still tirelessly searched for the missing persons.

Emphasizes perseverance and dedication in life-saving operations.

3

为了传承濒临失传的传统技艺，老艺人不辞辛劳地收徒授艺。

To pass on the nearly lost traditional craftsmanship, the old artisan tirelessly takes on apprentices and teaches them.

Appreciates the effort involved in preserving cultural heritage.

4

尽管面临重重困难，他仍然不辞辛劳地推进一项可能改变世界的科技项目。

Despite facing numerous difficulties, he still tirelessly pushed forward a technological project that could change the world.

Used for ambitious projects with significant potential impact.

5

社区组织者不辞辛劳地协调各方资源，为改善居民生活条件而努力。

Community organizers tirelessly coordinate various resources, working to improve the living conditions of residents.

Highlights dedication in community development and social work.

6

这位历史学家不辞辛劳地跋涉于各地古迹，解读那些被遗忘的史实。

This historian tirelessly travels to ancient sites everywhere, deciphering forgotten historical facts.

Applies to the arduous fieldwork of historians and archaeologists.

7

为了确保食品安全，质检员们不辞辛劳地进行着严格的检查。

To ensure food safety, quality inspectors tirelessly conduct strict checks.

Emphasizes diligence in regulatory and safety roles.

8

他虽然身处逆境，但依然不辞辛劳地追求自己的艺术理想。

Although in adversity, he still tirelessly pursues his artistic ideals.

Shows resilience and unwavering commitment to personal goals.

1

这位社会活动家不辞辛劳地奔走于各个阶层，为弱势群体的权益发声。

This social activist tirelessly moves between different social strata, speaking out for the rights of vulnerable groups.

Highlights dedication in advocating for social justice and marginalized communities.

2

面对前所未有的挑战，领导团队不辞辛劳地制定应对策略，带领企业走出困境。

Facing unprecedented challenges, the leadership team tirelessly formulated response strategies, guiding the enterprise out of difficulty.

Used for leadership perseverance and strategic planning in difficult times.

3

为了还原历史真相，考古学家不辞辛劳地在极端环境下进行发掘工作。

To restore historical truth, archaeologists tirelessly conduct excavation work in extreme environments.

Emphasizes the arduous nature of archaeological fieldwork.

4

这位作家不辞辛劳地深入田野，采访了无数普通人，写出了反映时代变迁的鸿篇巨制。

This writer tirelessly ventured into the field, interviewing countless ordinary people, and wrote a monumental work reflecting the changes of the times.

Appreciates the depth of research and commitment to capturing societal narratives.

5

在漫长的谈判过程中，外交官们不辞辛劳地寻求共识，化解分歧。

During the long negotiation process, diplomats tirelessly sought consensus and resolved differences.

Highlights dedication and patience in diplomatic efforts.

6

他以不辞辛劳的精神，在信息技术领域不断探索创新，最终取得了突破性进展。

With a spirit of sparing no effort, he continuously explored and innovated in the field of information technology, eventually achieving breakthroughs.

Connects tireless effort with innovation and technological advancement.

7

面对复杂的社会问题，研究机构的学者们不辞辛劳地进行实地调研，寻求解决方案。

Facing complex social issues, scholars from research institutions tirelessly conduct field research to find solutions.

Applies to the rigorous and dedicated research undertaken for societal improvement.

8

这位音乐家不辞辛劳地改编和演绎古典乐曲，使其焕发出新的生命力。

This musician tirelessly adapted and performed classical music, breathing new life into it.

Highlights dedication and creativity in artistic interpretation.

1

面对全球性的生态危机，科学家们不辞辛劳地探索可持续发展的路径，力求为子孙后代留下一个更美好的地球。

Facing a global ecological crisis, scientists tirelessly explore paths to sustainable development, striving to leave a better planet for future generations.

Used in contexts of profound global challenges and long-term vision.

2

这位哲学家不辞辛劳地梳理人类思想史的脉络，试图揭示文明演进的深层逻辑。

This philosopher tirelessly untangles the threads of human intellectual history, attempting to reveal the deep logic of civilizational evolution.

Highlights the profound and arduous nature of philosophical inquiry.

3

在动荡不安的时代，人道主义者不辞辛劳地穿越战火，为受难者提供援助，彰显了人性的光辉。

In turbulent times, humanitarians tirelessly cross war zones to provide aid to the suffering, demonstrating the brilliance of humanity.

Emphasizes extraordinary courage and dedication in humanitarian crises.

4

这位艺术家不辞辛劳地将抽象的哲学概念转化为具象的视觉语言，引发了深刻的社会反思。

This artist tirelessly translated abstract philosophical concepts into concrete visual language, provoking profound social reflection.

Appreciates the effort in translating complex ideas into impactful artistic expressions.

5

面对历史的复杂性与多重解读，史学家不辞辛劳地考证每一个细节，力图构建更为客观公正的历史叙事。

Faced with the complexity and multiple interpretations of history, historians tirelessly verify every detail, striving to construct a more objective and fair historical narrative.

Highlights the rigorous and often painstaking work of historical scholarship.

6

这位社会改革家不辞辛劳地推动制度性变革，尽管面临巨大的阻力，但他始终坚信其长远价值。

This social reformer tirelessly pushed for institutional change; despite immense resistance, he always believed in its long-term value.

Illustrates dedication to systemic change against strong opposition.

7

在探索宇宙奥秘的征途中，科学家们不辞辛劳地进行着艰苦卓绝的观测和计算。

On the journey to explore the mysteries of the universe, scientists tirelessly conduct arduous observations and calculations.

Applies to the vast and demanding efforts in fundamental scientific research.

8

这位教育家不辞辛劳地革新教育理念，旨在培养出能够适应未来社会挑战的下一代。

This educator tirelessly innovated educational philosophies, aiming to cultivate the next generation capable of adapting to future societal challenges.

Highlights dedication to educational reform and future-oriented development.

Common Collocations

不辞辛劳地工作
不辞辛劳地付出
不辞辛劳地服务
不辞辛劳地教导
不辞辛劳地奔波
不辞辛劳地奉献
不辞辛劳地钻研
不辞辛劳地建设
不辞辛劳地支持
不辞辛劳地帮助

Common Phrases

不辞辛劳地工作

— To work tirelessly and without complaint.

这位工程师不辞辛劳地工作，为公司创造了巨大价值。

不辞辛劳地付出

— To contribute effort tirelessly and without reservation.

志愿者们不辞辛劳地付出，只为帮助更多的人。

不辞辛劳地服务

— To serve others tirelessly and without complaint.

在偏远地区，医护人员不辞辛劳地服务着当地居民。

不辞辛劳地教导

— To teach and guide tirelessly and patiently.

我的老师不辞辛劳地教导我们知识和做人的道理。

不辞辛劳地奔波

— To travel and work tirelessly, often for a specific purpose.

为了完成这个项目，他不辞辛劳地奔波于全国各地。

不辞辛劳地奉献

— To dedicate oneself tirelessly and selflessly.

他将自己的一生不辞辛劳地奉献给了科学研究。

不辞辛劳地钻研

— To study or research diligently and tirelessly.

科学家们不辞辛劳地钻研，试图解决复杂的科学难题。

不辞辛劳地支持

— To provide support tirelessly and without reservation.

父母不辞辛劳地支持着我的每一个决定。

不辞辛劳地帮助

— To help others tirelessly and without expecting reward.

她总是不辞辛劳地帮助那些需要帮助的人。

不辞辛劳地追求

— To pursue goals or ideals tirelessly and with great determination.

他不辞辛劳地追求着自己的艺术梦想。

Often Confused With

不辞辛劳 vs 竭尽全力

Both mean to spare no effort. 不辞辛劳 emphasizes the willingness to endure hardship and the lack of complaint, while 竭尽全力 focuses more on the maximum exertion of effort itself.

不辞辛劳 vs 任劳任怨

Very similar, but 任劳任怨 specifically includes enduring criticism (怨) alongside hardship (劳), whereas 不辞辛劳 primarily focuses on not declining toil and hardship.

不辞辛劳 vs 辛苦 (xīnkǔ)

辛苦 means 'hardship' or 'toil.' 不辞辛劳 uses 辛劳 (similar to 辛苦) as part of the idiom, meaning 'not to decline hardship.'

Idioms & Expressions

"不辞辛苦"

— This is a very common variation of 不辞辛劳, emphasizing the lack of complaint about hard work and tiredness.

妈妈不辞辛苦地为我们做晚饭。

Neutral
"不辞劳苦"

— Similar to 不辞辛劳, this idiom highlights not declining hard labor and toil. It strongly emphasizes the physical aspect of the work.

农民不辞劳苦地耕种土地。

Neutral
"不辞劳怨"

— This idiom emphasizes not declining hard work (劳) and not complaining about grievances (怨). It's a strong indication of accepting both the effort and any associated difficulties or criticisms.

他是一个不辞劳怨的好员工。

Neutral/Slightly Formal
"任劳任怨"

— This idiom means to bear hardship and criticism without complaint. It's very similar to 不辞辛劳 but specifically includes the aspect of enduring criticism.

他做事总是任劳任怨，从不计较个人得失。

Neutral/Formal
"披荆斩棘"

— This idiom means to cut through brambles and thorns; to overcome difficulties. While it focuses on overcoming obstacles, it doesn't necessarily imply the 'not complaining' aspect as directly as 不辞辛劳.

创业之路需要披荆斩棘的勇气。

Formal
"栉风沐雨"

— This idiom means to comb wind and bathe in rain; to endure hardships on a journey or in one's work. It emphasizes enduring harsh conditions.

探险家们栉风沐雨，终于到达了目的地。

Formal
"呕心沥血"

— This idiom means to pour out one's heart and blood; to exhaust oneself. It emphasizes the immense effort and dedication put into something, often intellectual or creative work.

他为这部小说呕心沥血。

Formal
"鞠躬尽瘁"

— This idiom means to bend oneself to the task and exert oneself to the utmost; to devote one's life to a cause. It implies complete dedication and sacrifice.

这位领导鞠躬尽瘁，为国家做出了巨大贡献。

Formal
"夜以继日"

— This idiom means from night to day; day and night. It emphasizes working continuously without rest.

科学家们夜以继日地工作，希望找到治愈疾病的方法。

Neutral
"风雨无阻"

— This idiom means to proceed rain or shine; regardless of the weather. It emphasizes determination and persistence despite adverse conditions.

无论天气如何，我们都会风雨无阻地进行训练。

Neutral

Easily Confused

不辞辛劳 vs 竭尽全力

Both phrases imply maximum effort and dedication.

不辞辛劳 specifically highlights the aspect of willingly accepting and enduring hardship without complaint. 竭尽全力 focuses more on the complete exertion of one's capabilities, regardless of the nature of the effort.

为了赢得比赛，他<strong>竭尽全力</strong>。(Tā jié jìn quán lì.) - He exerted his utmost to win the competition. (Focus on maximum effort.) <br> 老师<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>地教导我们。(Lǎoshī bù cí xīn láo de jiàodǎo wǒmen.) - The teacher tirelessly taught us. (Focus on enduring the effort of teaching.)

不辞辛劳 vs 任劳任怨

Both phrases convey the idea of working hard without complaint.

不辞辛劳 emphasizes not declining hardship and toil. 任劳任怨 adds the element of enduring criticism or grievances (怨) along with the hardship (劳). It implies a stoic acceptance of both the work and any negative feedback or difficulties associated with it.

他<strong>任劳任怨</strong>地完成了所有任务，即使有人误解他。(Tā rèn láo rèn yuàn de wánchéngle suǒyǒu rènwù, jíshǐ yǒurén wùjiě tā.) - He completed all tasks bearing hardship and criticism, even when misunderstood. (Includes enduring criticism.) <br> 消防员<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>地救火。(Xiāofángyuán bù cí xīn láo de jiùhuǒ.) - Firefighters tirelessly put out fires. (Focus on the hard work of firefighting.)

不辞辛劳 vs 辛勤

The character 辛 (xīn) meaning 'hardship' or 'laborious' is present in both.

辛勤 is an adjective or adverb meaning 'diligent,' 'industrious,' or 'assiduous.' It describes the quality of hard work. 不辞辛劳 is an idiom meaning 'to spare no effort; to work tirelessly,' emphasizing the act of not declining hardship.

他是一个<strong>辛勤</strong>的园丁。(Tā shì yīgè xīnqín de yuángōng.) - He is a diligent gardener. (Describes the gardener's quality.) <br> 园丁<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>地照料花草。(Yuángōng bù cí xīn láo de zhàolìng huācǎo.) - The gardener tirelessly tends to the plants. (Describes the action of tending.)

不辞辛劳 vs 吃苦

Both relate to enduring hardship.

吃苦 literally means 'to eat bitterness,' signifying enduring hardship or suffering. It's a more direct description of the experience of hardship. 不辞辛劳 means 'not to decline hardship,' implying a positive and willing attitude towards facing and enduring it.

为了学好中文，他愿意<strong>吃苦</strong>。(Tā yuànyì chīkǔ.) - He is willing to endure hardship to learn Chinese well. (Focus on accepting suffering.) <br> 他<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>地学习中文，终于流利了。(Tā bù cí xīn láo de xuéxí Zhōngwén, zhōngyú liúlìle.) - He tirelessly studied Chinese and finally became fluent. (Focus on the tireless effort and lack of complaint.)

不辞辛劳 vs 劳累

Both relate to tiredness and effort.

劳累 means 'tired,' 'weary,' or 'fatigued.' It describes the state of being tired from work. 不辞辛劳 means 'not declining hardship/toil,' focusing on the willingness to undertake the effort despite potential tiredness.

长时间工作后，他感到很<strong>劳累</strong>。(Cháng shíjiān gōngzuò hòu, tā gǎndào hěn láolèi.) - After working for a long time, he felt very tired. (Describes his physical state.) <br> 他<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>地工作，即使感到劳累。(Tā bù cí xīn láo de gōngzuò, jíshǐ gǎndào láolèi.) - He worked tirelessly, even when feeling tired. (Describes his attitude towards work despite tiredness.)

Sentence Patterns

A2

Subject + 不辞辛劳 + Verb

妈妈<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>做饭。(Māmā bù cí xīn láo zuòfàn.) - Mom cooks tirelessly.

A2

Subject + 不辞辛劳地 + Verb

他<strong>不辞辛劳地</strong>学习。(Tā bù cí xīn láo de xuéxí.) - He studies tirelessly.

B1

为了 [Goal], Subject + 不辞辛劳 + Verb

为了成功，她<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>地努力。(Wèile chénggōng, tā bù cí xīn láo de nǔlì.) - To succeed, she worked tirelessly.

B1

不辞辛劳, Subject + Verb

<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>，志愿者们帮助了很多人。(Bù cí xīn láo, zhìyuànzhěmen bāngzhùle hěnduō rén.) - Tirelessly, the volunteers helped many people.

B2

Subject + [Action] + 不辞辛劳

他付出了很多，<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>。(Tā fùchūle hěnduō, bù cí xīn láo.) - He put in a lot of effort, tirelessly.

B2

X 的成功离不开 Y 的不辞辛劳

公司的成功离不开员工的<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>。(Gōngsī de chénggōng lí bù kāi yuángōng de bù cí xīn láo.) - The company's success is inseparable from the employees' tireless efforts.

C1

面对 [Challenge], Subject + 依然不辞辛劳地 + Verb

面对挑战，他<strong>依然不辞辛劳地</strong>前进。(Miàn duì tiǎozhàn, tā yīrán bù cí xīn láo de qiánjìn.) - Facing challenges, he still moved forward tirelessly.

C1

Subject + 以不辞辛劳的精神 + Verb

他<strong>以不辞辛劳的精神</strong>不断探索。(Tā yǐ bù cí xīn láo de jīngshén bùduàn tànsuǒ.) - He continuously explored with a spirit of sparing no effort.

Word Family

Related

辛劳 toil, hard work, hardship
辞 to decline, to resign, to resign oneself to
不 not, no
竭尽全力 to do one's utmost
任劳任怨 to bear hardship and criticism without complaint
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How to Use It

frequency

High in contexts of praise and acknowledgement of significant effort.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 不辞辛劳 for minor, everyday tasks. → Use simpler phrases like '努力工作' (nǔlì gōngzuò - work hard) or '很累' (hěn lèi - very tired).

    不辞辛劳 implies significant hardship and dedication. Applying it to routine activities can sound exaggerated or insincere.

  • Incorrect placement in a sentence. → Place it before the verb it modifies, often with '地' (de), or at the beginning of a clause for emphasis. Example: '他<strong>不辞辛劳地</strong>工作。' (Tā bù cí xīn láo de gōngzuò.)

    不辞辛劳 functions as an adverbial phrase describing the manner of an action. Incorrect placement can make the sentence grammatically awkward.

  • Confusing it with similar idioms like 竭尽全力 or 任劳任怨. → Understand the nuances: 竭尽全力 focuses on maximum effort; 任劳任怨 includes enduring criticism; 不辞辛劳 emphasizes not declining hardship.

    While related, each idiom has a slightly different emphasis. Using the wrong one can subtly alter the intended meaning.

  • Pronouncing the tones incorrectly. → Practice the tones: bù (4th), cí (2nd), xīn (1st), láo (2nd).

    Incorrect tones can change the meaning of the characters and make the idiom difficult to understand.

  • Assuming it means just 'working hard'. → Recognize that it specifically includes the element of 'not declining hardship' and 'no complaints'.

    The idiom carries a deeper meaning than simple hard work; it implies a positive acceptance of difficulty.

Tips

Master the Tones

Correct pronunciation, especially the tones of 'bù' (4th tone), 'cí' (2nd tone), 'xīn' (1st tone), and 'láo' (2nd tone), is crucial for clear communication and understanding in Chinese.

Adverbial Function

Remember that 不辞辛劳 often acts as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. Adding '地' (de) after it is common when it directly precedes a verb, indicating the manner of action.

Visual Association

Create a vivid mental image, like someone cheerfully accepting a thorny path, to help remember the meaning of 'not declining hardship.'

Explore Synonyms

Familiarize yourself with related idioms like '任劳任怨' and '竭尽全力' to understand the nuances and choose the most precise word for different situations.

Use It in Sentences

Practice constructing sentences using 不辞辛劳 in various contexts. Try describing historical figures, dedicated professionals, or personal experiences where great effort was involved.

Cultural Value

Understand that Chinese culture highly values diligence and perseverance. 不辞辛劳 reflects this cultural emphasis, making it a term of respect and admiration.

Listen Actively

Pay attention to how native speakers use 不辞辛劳 in conversations, dramas, or news reports. Observing the context will significantly improve your understanding and usage.

Avoid Overuse

While powerful, overuse can diminish its impact. Reserve it for situations where the effort and hardship are genuinely significant and worthy of such strong praise.

Compare with Antonyms

Understanding antonyms like '好逸恶劳' (love ease and hate work) can further solidify the meaning of 不辞辛劳 by highlighting what it is not.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine someone saying 'Boo! (不) to declining (辞) my hard work (辛劳)!' They are enthusiastically accepting the challenge.

Visual Association

Picture a person willingly walking into a thorny bush (辛劳) and smiling, refusing to turn back (不辞).

Word Web

不辞辛劳 hard work dedication perseverance no complaints effort hardship tireless

Challenge

Describe a time you or someone you know had to '不辞辛劳' to achieve something important. Focus on the specific efforts made and why the idiom is fitting.

Word Origin

The idiom 不辞辛劳 is a classical Chinese expression formed by combining characters with specific meanings to create a concise and impactful phrase. The components '不' (not), '辞' (to decline/refuse), and '辛劳' (toil/hardship) directly convey the meaning of not refusing or shying away from hard work and difficulties.

Original meaning: Literally, 'not decline toil and hardship.'

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

This idiom is generally positive and used for praise. However, be mindful that overuse or applying it to trivial tasks might sound insincere or exaggerated. It's best used when genuine, significant effort and hardship are involved.

In English-speaking cultures, similar sentiments are expressed through phrases like 'spare no effort,' 'work tirelessly,' 'go the extra mile,' or 'put one's heart and soul into it.' These phrases also convey a strong sense of dedication and hard work, though the specific nuance of 'not declining hardship' might be more implicit.

Stories of historical figures who dedicated their lives to their work despite immense personal hardship. The tireless efforts of volunteers in disaster relief or community service. The dedication of scientists and researchers pursuing breakthroughs.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Praising someone's dedication in their job or studies.

  • 他<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>地工作。
  • 她<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>地学习。
  • 为了项目，他<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>地付出。

Describing the efforts of volunteers or people in service roles.

  • 志愿者们<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>地服务。
  • 医护人员<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>地照顾病人。
  • 老师<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>地教导学生。

Acknowledging effort in challenging projects or tasks.

  • 这项工程需要<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>的努力。
  • 他<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>地解决了这个难题。
  • 为了完成任务，大家<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>地加班。

Commending perseverance in the face of adversity.

  • 面对困难，他<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>地坚持。
  • 尽管条件艰苦，他们依然<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>地进行。
  • 她<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>地克服了重重障碍。

Expressing gratitude for someone's tireless support.

  • 父母<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>地支持我。
  • 他<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>地帮助了我很多。
  • 感谢你<strong>不辞辛劳</strong>的付出。

Conversation Starters

"Can you think of someone you know who truly embodies the spirit of '不辞辛劳'?"

"What are some situations where you've seen people '不辞辛劳' to achieve a goal?"

"How does the concept of '不辞辛劳' relate to the values you admire in people?"

"When is it appropriate to use the idiom '不辞辛劳' to describe someone's efforts?"

"Are there any English phrases that you feel capture the essence of '不辞辛劳'?"

Journal Prompts

Reflect on a time you had to '不辞辛劳' to achieve something important. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?

Describe a person you admire who consistently demonstrates the quality of '不辞辛劳'. What specific actions do they take?

How can cultivating the attitude of '不辞辛劳' benefit your personal and professional life?

Consider a goal you are currently working towards. How can you apply the spirit of '不辞辛劳' to reach it more effectively?

Think about the cultural significance of hard work and perseverance in your own background. How does it compare to the concept of '不辞辛劳' in Chinese culture?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The literal meaning of 不辞辛劳 (bù cí xīn láo) is 'not to decline toil and hardship.' '不' means 'not,' '辞' means 'to decline' or 'to refuse,' and '辛劳' means 'toil,' 'hard work,' or 'hardship.'

You should use 不辞辛劳 when you want to praise someone for their exceptional dedication, willingness to work very hard, and their positive attitude towards overcoming difficulties without complaining. It's often used in formal or appreciative contexts.

Yes, 不辞辛劳 is generally a positive idiom used to commend someone's effort and character. It highlights admirable qualities like perseverance, diligence, and a selfless attitude towards work.

It's generally not recommended to use 不辞辛劳 for everyday, mundane tasks like going to the supermarket or making a simple phone call. The idiom implies significant effort and hardship, so using it for trivial matters can sound exaggerated or insincere.

Common variations include '不辞辛苦' (bù cí xīn kǔ) and '不辞劳苦' (bù cí láo kǔ). These phrases convey very similar meanings, emphasizing the avoidance of complaining about hard work and toil.

While both imply maximum effort, 不辞辛劳 specifically emphasizes the willingness to endure hardship and the lack of complaint, highlighting the attitude towards the effort. 竭尽全力 focuses more on the absolute maximum of one's capability being used, regardless of the nature of the effort.

Yes, you can use it to describe yourself, but it's often more humble and impactful when used to praise others. If used for oneself, it should be in a context where significant, undeniable effort has been made, and perhaps even then, it might be perceived as self-aggrandizing depending on the situation.

不辞辛劳 typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It is often followed by '地' (de) when preceding a verb, e.g., '不辞辛劳地工作' (to work tirelessly).

Yes, similar English phrases include 'spare no effort,' 'work tirelessly,' 'go the extra mile,' 'put one's heart and soul into it,' and 'burn the midnight oil.' These convey a strong sense of dedication and hard work.

The idiom is composed of '不' (bù - not), '辞' (cí - to decline/refuse), and '辛劳' (xīn láo - toil/hardship). Together, they mean not declining or refusing hard work and hardship.

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