徒劳 túláo futile
How to remember 徒劳: 徒 disciple + 劳 to labor = futile.
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How it is used
- Wasted effort, in vain - 一切努力都是徒劳 (yíqiè nǔlì dōu shì túláo) all the effort was for nothing.
- Stresses effort that yields no result; common set phrase 徒劳无功 (túláo-wúgōng, laboring to no avail).
- Written register; describes futile toil, not merely a plan that failed.