HSK 7-9
竭力
jiélì
With all one's might; to do one's utmost
Structure
Subject + 竭力 + Verb / Verb Phrase
How it works
The word '竭力' is an adverb meaning to do something with all of one's strength or to the best of one's ability. It is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a person's intense commitment to completing a task or preventing an outcome.
Examples
为了达成协议，双方代表都在竭力寻找共同点。
Wèile dáchéng xiéyì, shuāngfāng dàibiǎo dōu zài jiélì xúnzhǎo gòngtóng diǎn.
In order to reach an agreement, representatives from both sides are doing their utmost to find common ground.
尽管陷入困境，他仍竭力保持冷静。
Jǐnguǎn xiànrù kùnjìng, tā réng jiélì bǎochí lěngjìng.
Despite being in a difficult situation, he still tried his best to stay calm.
志愿者们正竭力抢救受灾群众。
Zhìyuànzhěmen zhèng jiélì qiǎngjiù shòuzāi qúnzhòng.
The volunteers are doing everything in their power to rescue the affected masses.
Common mistakes
Do not confuse '竭力' with '努力'. While both mean 'to make an effort,' '竭力' implies using 100% of one's energy (exhausting all resources), whereas '努力' is a general term for working hard.
Tip
Think of '竭' as 'exhausting' (like in 枯竭 - dried up). Use '竭力' when the action involves an extreme degree of effort or a sense of urgency.
More HSK 7-9 grammar
See 竭力 in real Chinese
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