吃苦 chīkǔ to bear hardships
How to remember 吃苦: 吃 eat + 苦 bitter = to bear hardships.
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How it is used
- 'To bear hardship / endure suffering' - 吃苦耐劳 (chīkǔ-nàiláo) hardworking and able to endure hardship, 能吃苦 tough and willing to suffer for a goal.
- A culturally prized virtue: willingness to endure toil and privation. The 吃苦耐劳 collocation is a stock compliment for a diligent worker.