Definition
工夫 (gōng fu) refers to a period of time or the amount of time/effort put into something. Unlike 空 (kòng), which only means spare/free time, or 劳动 (láodòng) 'physical labor', 工夫 emphasizes the duration or energy invested. It overlaps with 功夫 (gōng fu) but 功夫 also specifically means 'kung fu' and 'skill'.
noun
timeperiod of timespare timeeffortlaborskill
Easily confused
- 功夫gōng fusound-aliketime and effort (spent on something)
Examples
- 工夫。Zhè duàn shíjiān wǒ huā le hěn dà gōng fu cái wánchéng.I spent a lot of time and effort on this period to finish it.
- ，工夫。Tā měitiān dōu hěn máng, méiyǒu gōng fu xiūxi.He is very busy every day and has no spare time to rest.
- 工夫。Zuò zhège cài xūyào hěnduō gōng fu.Making this dish requires a lot of time and effort.
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