Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Industrious; Diligent: Describes a person who works hard with consistent effort and dedication. It implies a positive character trait of being hardworking and persistent.
   • Laborious: Can describe work or an activity that requires and demonstrates great effort and care.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Người nông dân Việt Nam rất cần cù. (Vietnamese farmers are very industrious.)
  • Cô ấy có tinh thần cần cù và kiên nhẫn. (She has a diligent and patient spirit.)
  • Đó là một công việc cần cù đòi hỏi sự tỉ mỉ. (That is a laborious task requiring meticulousness.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "cần cù" often carries a cultural connotation, highly valued in Vietnamese society, suggesting not just hard work but also virtuous perseverance and thrift.
• It is commonly used in formal praise, educational contexts, and descriptions of national character.

Variants and Related Words

• Chăm chỉ (adj): Hardworking, studious. A very close synonym, though "cần cù" often implies a deeper, more enduring quality of diligence.
• Siêng năng (adj): Assiduous, diligent. Another near synonym emphasizing consistent activity.
• Cần mẫn (adj): Sedulous, industrious. Similar to "cần cù", often used interchangeably.

Synonyms

• Diligent: Having or showing care in one's work or duties.
• Industrious: Diligent and hard-working.
• Assiduous: Showing great care and perseverance.
• Hardworking: Tending to work with energy and commitment.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Cần cù bù thông minh: Diligence compensates for a lack of intelligence. This common proverb highlights the cultural value placed on hard work.
  • Cậu ấy luôn tin vào câu "cần cù bù thông minh". (He always believes in the saying "diligence compensates for a lack of intelligence.")

adj

1. Laborious, industrious