刻苦 kèkǔ hardworking
hardworking; assiduous
How to remember 刻苦: 刻 quarter (hour) + 苦 bitter = hardworking.
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How it is used
- Praises hard, self-denying effort, esp. in study or training - 他学习很刻苦 (tā xuéxí hěn kèkǔ) he studies diligently.
- Note 苦: it implies enduring hardship, not just 努力 (effort) - 刻苦钻研 (study assiduously), 刻苦训练.
- Positive, admiring; pairs with study, practice, research, not with fun activities.