# 鞠躬尽瘁

jū gōng jìn cuì

Devote oneself with utmost effort

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Bend oneself to the task until exhausted

**Traditional Chinese:** 鞠躬盡瘁

**Register:** Formal · literary

[Effort & growth](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/effort)

## When to use it

Praise sustained, wholehearted service.

Solemn praise; not ordinary casual effort.

## Understanding the expression

Bending toward a task suggests earnest service, while giving every last measure of energy makes the commitment total. The expression praises people who devote themselves deeply to a responsibility, often over many years. It carries a solemn tone in accounts of public service, education, or care. The praise concerns dedication, not a requirement that everyone work until collapse. A person can serve conscientiously while also needing rest and support.

## Examples

她为乡村教育鞠躬尽瘁。

### Traditional Chinese

她為鄉村教育鞠躬盡瘁。

tā wèi xiāng cūn jiào yù jū gōng jìn cuì 。

She devoted herself fully to rural education.

老医生一生鞠躬尽瘁。

### Traditional Chinese

老醫生一生鞠躬盡瘁。

lǎo yī shēng yi shēng jū gōng jìn cuì 。

The old doctor gave a lifetime of devoted service.

他为社区鞠躬尽瘁，深受敬重。

### Traditional Chinese

他為社區鞠躬盡瘁，深受敬重。

tā wèi shè qū jū gōng jìn cuì ， shēn shòu jìng zhòng 。

His wholehearted service to the community earned deep respect.

碑文赞扬了他鞠躬尽瘁的精神。

### Traditional Chinese

碑文讚揚了他鞠躬盡瘁的精神。

bēi wén zàn yáng le tā jū gōng jìn cuì de jīng shén 。

The inscription praised his spirit of tireless dedication.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E9%9E%A0%E8%BA%AC%E7%9B%A1%E7%98%81)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=729&webMd=1&la=0)

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