Usage of 使劲
The adverb 使劲 means 'with all one's strength' or 'to exert oneself fully.' It is commonly used to describe physical effort, such as pushing, pulling, or running hard. When someone uses 使劲, they imply putting maximum energy into an action.
Common Collocations
- 使劲推 (push hard): used when describing forceful pushing.
- 使劲拉 (pull hard): used when describing forceful pulling.
- 使劲跑 (run hard): used to describe running with full effort.
Nuances and Register
使劲 is informal and often used in spoken Chinese. It emphasizes the intensity of physical effort. It can also be used metaphorically to describe trying hard in non-physical contexts but is most natural with physical actions.
Avoiding Confusion
Do not confuse 使劲 with 使 (to make) alone. 使劲 specifically conveys exerting strength. Also, it differs from 努力 (nǔlì), which means 'to strive' or 'to work hard' but is more general and less about physical force.