Definition
攻 (gōng) means 'to attack' (physically or verbally) or 'to study intensively' (as in 攻读). For physical attack, 攻 is more general and often appears in compounds like 进攻, while 攻击 is a direct synonym but less versatile and 进攻 emphasizes going on the offensive. In the study sense, 攻 (攻读) specifically means to work hard for a degree, unlike 钻 (zuān), which means to dig into a topic deeply.
verb
to attack (physically)to accuseto attack verballyto study intensively (in 攻读)
Easily confused
- 左zuǒlook-alikeleft (direction, side)
- 共gòngsound-alike(adverb) in total, altogether (used before a number to indicate the sum)
- 枚méilook-alike(classifier) for small, flat, or round objects (coins, rings, badges, medals, pearls, etc.)
- 供gōngsound-aliketo provide, to supply
- 宫gōngsound-alikepalace
- 公gōngsound-alikepublic; common; collectively owned
- 功gōngsound-alikeachievement; meritorious deed; contribution
- 弓gōngsound-alike(noun) bow (weapon)
- 拱gǒngsound-aliketo arch (the back, a bridge, etc.)
Examples
- 。Tāmen liányè gōng zhàn le dírén de yàosài.They attacked and captured the enemy's fortress overnight.
- 。Fǎnduìpài zài biànlùn zhōng měngliè gōng jī zhèngfǔ zhèngcè.The opposition fiercely attacked the government's policies during the debate.
- ，。Tā zhèngzài gōng dú bóshì xuéwèi, fēicháng yònggōng.He is studying intensively for his PhD, very diligently.
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