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HSK 7-9
hàn汗sweatmǎ马horsegōng功achievementláo劳merit
Merit for distinguished service; contribution in war or work.

Literal meaning

sweat (汗) — horse (马) — achievement (功) — merit (劳)

Origin

Refers to the contributions made through hard work, especially in military or significant projects. A classical four-character phrase.

Examples

Tā他wèi为gōng公sī司de的fā发zhǎn展lì立xià下le了hàn汗mǎ马gōng功láo劳。
He has made great contributions to the development of the company.
Zhè这xiē些lǎo老bīng兵wèi为guó国jiā家de的jiě解fàng放jiàn建lì立le了hàn汗mǎ马gōng功láo劳。
These veterans made great contributions to the liberation of the country.

Usage & nuances

Often used to recognize significant contributions and achievements.

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