Definitions

1. Verb phrase:
   • To make an effort; to try hard; to exert oneself: "cố công" describes the act of putting in deliberate effort, striving, or attempting something with determination, often implying overcoming difficulty or requiring persistence.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Anh ấy đã cố công học tiếng Anh mỗi ngày. (He made an effort to study English every day.)
  • Cô ấy cố công giải bài toán khó này. (She tried hard to solve this difficult math problem.)
  • Chúng tôi phải cố công rất nhiều để hoàn thành dự án đúng hạn. (We had to exert ourselves a great deal to complete the project on time.)

Advanced Usage

• "cố công + Verb": This is the most common structure, where "cố công" is followed by another verb to specify the action one is striving to do.
  • Hãy cố công luyện tập để cải thiện kỹ năng. (Try hard to practice to improve your skills.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cố gắng (v): To try, to strive. This is a very close synonym and is often more commonly used in everyday speech than "cố công".
  • Tôi sẽ cố gắng hết sức. (I will try my best.)
• Nỗ lực (v/n): To endeavor; effort. This word carries a similar meaning but can sound slightly more formal or literary.
  • Sự nỗ lực của anh ấy thật đáng khâm phục. (His endeavor is truly admirable.)

Synonyms

• Gắng sức: To exert strength, to strive.
• Ra sức: To put forth effort.

Notes on Usage

• Formality: "Cố công" is a standard term but can sound slightly more formal or emphatic than the very common "cố gắng". It strongly emphasizes the deliberate application of effort.
• Nuance: It often implies that the task requires significant or sustained effort. It is not typically used for casual, easy attempts.