用力

• Pinyin: yòng lì
• Hanzi breakdown: 用 = 甬 (vessel in use — apply, use); 力 = muscular arm pictograph (strength, physical force)

Meaning

To exert force; to apply strength; to put in physical effort. Describes the deliberate application of physical or muscular energy.

Functions as a verb (用力推 — to push with force) or adverb modifying an action (用力地拉 — to pull hard). Implies intentional, focused physical exertion. Contrasts with 随意 (casually). Common in physical therapy, sports, manual tasks, and expressive descriptions of effort. Can also be used figuratively for mental or emotional exertion in literary contexts.

Examples

1. 外科手术中，用力必须极其精准，医生要在切除病变和保护神经血管之间保持微妙平衡。 In surgery, force must be applied with extreme precision, and the doctor must keep a delicate balance between removing diseased tissue and protecting nerves and blood vessels.
2. 这位三届残奥举重冠军每次举杠铃时都屏息用力，展现了突破身体局限的顽强精神。 This three-time Paralympic weightlifting champion always holds his breath and uses all his strength when lifting the barbell, showing a tenacious spirit that breaks through physical limits.
3. 发现生命迹象后，抢险队立刻停用大型机械，改为徒手用力清理掩埋物，以减少二次伤害。 After signs of life were found, the rescue team immediately stopped using heavy machinery and switched to clearing debris by hand with force to reduce the risk of secondary injury.

Usage Guide

Context: physical, sports, medicine, manual work

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 膝关节重建后，训练师强调在肌力未达健侧85%前，任何单腿用力训练都必须禁止。(After knee reconstruction, the trainer stressed that until muscle strength reaches 85% of the healthy side, any single-leg force-bearing training must be forbidden.)
• 这台弓弩拉弦时要求双臂均匀用力，任何偏侧发力都会影响弩臂受力和箭道稳定。(This crossbow requires both arms to apply force evenly when drawing the string; any uneven exertion will affect the stress on the bow arms and the stability of the bolt's flight.)

Don't Say

• 他用力地思考 — 用力 refers to physical force; for mental effort or concentration, use 努力思考 or 用心思考; 用力思考 sounds literal and odd, as if thinking requires muscular strength

Origin & History

用 (to use/apply — vessel in use, practical application) + 力 (strength/force — pictograph of a muscular arm, representing physical strength)

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal