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noun HSK 4
gōng jù
tool · instrument · implement · means

Meaning

工具 refers to any tool, instrument, or implement used to accomplish a task. It can be physical tools like hammers and wrenches, or abstract tools like software programs or methods. The word combines 工 (work/labor) and 具 (tool/utensil), literally meaning 'work implement.'

Usage

Used in both concrete contexts (physical tools) and abstract contexts (methods, software, resources). Common in everyday conversation, technical writing, and business settings. Often paired with verbs like 用 (use) or 需要 (need). Can refer to a single tool or tools collectively.

Examples

  1. 01
    修理汽车需要很多专业工具。
    Xiūlǐ qìchē xūyào hěn duō zhuānyè gōngjù.
    Repairing cars requires many specialized tools.
  2. 02
    电脑是现代工作中不可缺少的工具。
    Diànnǎo shì xiàndài gōngzuò zhōng bù kě quēshǎo de gōngjù.
    Computers are indispensable tools in modern work.

Characters

Measure words

  • 个gè一个工具
  • 件jiàn两件工具
  • 种zhǒng这种工具

Common collocations

  • 工具箱
    gōng jù xiāng
    toolbox
  • 使用工具
    shǐ yòng gōng jù
    to use tools
  • 学习工具
    xué xí gōng jù
    learning tool
  • 生产工具
    shēng chǎn gōng jù
    means of production, production tools

Origin

The word combines 工 (work) with 具 (tool/implement), creating a compound that literally means 'work tool.' This formation reflects classical Chinese word-building patterns where nouns are created by combining related concepts.

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