下 (xià): The character's primary meaning is “down” or “under.” However, as a verb, it can mean “to put in,” “to apply,” or “to issue.” In `下功夫`, it functions as “to put in” or “to apply.”
功 (gōng): This character means “skill,” “merit,” “achievement,” or “effort.” It's the “gong” in the famous martial art, Gongfu (Kung Fu).
夫 (fū): Originally meaning “man” or “husband,” in this context, it's part of the compound word `功夫`.
The two characters 功夫 (gōngfu) combine to mean “skill acquired through time and effort.” So, `下功夫` literally translates to “to put in skill-building effort.” It's important to note that the martial art “Kung Fu” gets its name from this very concept—it is a skill that requires immense dedication to master. The term `功夫` existed long before it was exclusively associated with martial arts.
`下功夫` is a common and versatile term used in many aspects of daily life. It's formal enough for a business setting but personal enough for a conversation between friends.
Education: This is one of the most common contexts. A teacher might tell a student, “你在数学上要多下功夫” (Nǐ zài shùxué shàng yào duō xià gōngfu) - “You need to put more effort into your math.”
Workplace: A manager might praise a team member: “为了这个项目，他真的下功夫了” (Wèile zhège xiàngmù, tā zhēn de xià gōngfu le) - “He really put in a lot of effort for this project.”
Hobbies & Skills: It's used for any skill that requires practice, from cooking and calligraphy to sports and music. “她做的菜这么好吃，肯定下了不少功夫” (Tā zuò de cài zhème hǎochī, kěndìng xià le bùshǎo gōngfu) - “Her cooking is so delicious, she must have put in a lot of effort.”
Relationships: It can even be used for intangible things, like building a relationship. “维持一段好的关系是需要下功夫的” (Wéichí yīduàn hǎo de guānxì shì xūyào xià gōngfu de) - “Maintaining a good relationship requires effort.”
Its connotation is almost always positive, either as praise for effort made or as encouragement to apply more effort.