Definition
卖力 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to put forth great effort' or 'to work hard'. It is formed from 卖 (to sell) and 力 (strength). When you need to add a complement, aspect marker, or measure word, you split the characters: 卖了不少力 (put in a lot of effort), 卖过力 (have exerted effort). It is often used with 很 to mean 'very hardworking': 很卖力. The literal sense 'to work as a laborer' is rare in modern usage.
v.o.
to spare no effortto work hard
Examples
- 卖力。Tā zuòshì zǒngshì hěn mài lì.He always works very hard in everything he does.
- ，。Wèile wánchéng zhège xiàngmù, tā mài le bù shǎo lì.To complete this project, he put in a lot of effort.
- 卖力，。Tā mài lì de gōngzuò, zhōngyú dédào le lǎobǎn de rènkě.He worked hard and finally got the boss's approval.
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