勤勉 is an adjective meaning 'diligent' or 'industrious,' describing someone who works hard, shows steady effort, and perseveres without laziness. The character 勤 (qín) means 'diligent' or 'attentive to duty,' while 勉 (miǎn) conveys 'to exert oneself' or 'to strive.' Together, they form a compound that emphasizes persistent, conscientious effort—especially in study, work, or self-cultivation. It carries a positive, slightly formal tone and is often used in written Chinese, educational contexts, or moral encouragement.

This word frequently appears in descriptions of students, scholars, or professionals known for their dedication. Unlike more colloquial terms like 用功 (yònggōng), 勤勉 suggests a deeper, habitual commitment—not just focused effort in one task, but an enduring work ethic. It’s commonly paired with nouns like 态度 (attitude), 精神 (spirit), or 品质 (quality), and rarely used predicatively without modification (e.g., you’d say 他很勤勉, but more naturally 他为人勤勉 or 他具有勤勉的品质).