徒劳无功
他徒劳无功地试图说服父母让他出国留学。
He tried in vain to persuade his parents to let him study abroad.
to make a futile effort that yields no results; to work hard for nothing
经过多年研究，他的理论最终徒劳无功，没有得到任何认可。
After years of research, his theory proved to be in vain and received no recognition.
警方徒劳无功地搜查了整个城市，最终也没有找到嫌疑人。
The police searched the entire city in vain but never found the suspect.
Often used to describe efforts that fail despite hard work or preparation.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid literal translation
Do not translate '徒劳无功' word-for-word as 'labor in vain without achievement.' Instead, use idiomatic English phrases like 'in vain,' 'for nothing,' or 'a waste of effort' to convey the intended meaning naturally.
Gold Rule
Context matters
Use '徒劳无功' when the effort is not just unsuccessful but also lacks any redeeming value or learning outcome. It implies a sense of frustration or disappointment in the wasted effort.
Word Origin
The idiom originates from the Confucian classic '论语' (The Analects), where Confucius warns against '劳而不获' (working hard without gain). The phrase combines '徒劳' (fruitless effort) and '无功' (no achievement) to emphasize the futility of one's actions.
Usage Notes
This idiom is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to describe situations where someone's hard work or efforts do not lead to any meaningful outcome. It carries a slightly formal tone and is often used in narratives or critical reflections.