立功 lìgōng to render meritorious service
to render meritorious service (one the three imperishables 三不朽); to make worthy contributions; to distinguish oneself
How to remember 立功: 立 to stand + 功 achievement = to render meritorious service.
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How it is used
- To render meritorious service / earn distinction - 为国立功 (wèi guó lìgōng) to do meritorious deeds for the country.
- Especially military and legal: 立功受奖 to be rewarded for merit; 立功赎罪 (lìgōng shúzuì) to atone through good service.
- Positive, somewhat formal; 立 here means 'to establish (a merit)'.