nèigōng

内功

Word · NounTraditional內功

internal training; inner strength; intrinsic competence

Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma

Meanings

2 senses · 7 examples
1.

noun

internal martial arts; neigong

formal

A concept in traditional Chinese martial arts (e.g., Tai Chi, Qigong) referring to training that focuses on cultivating qi, breath control, and strengthening internal organs, as opposed to '外功' (external physical techniques).

Liàn练
xí习
tài太
jí极
quán拳
xū需
yào要
xiū修
liàn炼
nèi内
gōng功
 ,
yǐ以
qì气
yùn运
shēn身
 。

Practicing Tai Chi requires cultivating internal power, using qi to move the body.

Wǔ武
xiá侠
xiǎo小
shuō说
zhōng中
de的
gāo高
shǒu手
wǎng往
wǎng往
nèi内
wài外
jiān兼
xiū修
 ,
nèi内
gōng功
shēn深
hòu厚
 。

Masters in wuxia novels often train both internally and externally, possessing profound internal strength.

Show 1 more example
Nèi内
gōng功
de的
xiū修
liàn炼
zhòng重
zài在
tiáo调
xī息
hé和
yǎng养
qì气
 。

The cultivation of internal martial arts focuses on breath regulation and nurturing qi.

2.

noun

inner strength; intrinsic competence; core capability

neutral

A metaphorical extension, widely used in modern contexts (business, education, personal development) to refer to one's foundational skills, moral character, or an organization's essential competencies.

Jià驾
yù驭
zhòng重
dà大
lì历
shǐ史
tí题
cái材
 ,
biān编
jù剧
 、
dǎo导
yǎn演
shǒu首
xiān先
yào要
liàn练
hǎo好
nèi内
gōng功
 。

To handle major historical themes, screenwriters and directors must first hone their inner craft.

Gōng公
sī司
kǔ苦
liàn练
nèi内
gōng功
 ,
chóng重
xīn新
yíng赢
dé得
le了
shì市
chǎng场
 。

The company worked hard on strengthening its core capabilities and regained its market share.

Show 2 more examples
Yī一
gè个
yōu优
xiù秀
de的
guǎn管
lǐ理
zhě者
 ,
chú除
le了
jīng经
yàn验
 ,
gèng更
xū需
yào要
zhā扎
shi实
de的
nèi内
gōng功
 。

An excellent manager, beyond experience, requires solid intrinsic competence.

Dǎ打
tiě铁
hái还
xū需
zì自
shēn身
yìng硬
 ,
liàn练
hǎo好
nèi内
gōng功
shì是
guān关
jiàn键
 。

To forge iron, you must be hard yourself; honing one's inner strength is key.