躬耕

gōnggēng

躬耕 — gōnggēng

1. to till or cultivate the land with one's own hands; to farm personally

   祖父一生躬耕，不曾倚靠他人。 zǔfù yīshēng gōnggēng bùcéng yǐkào tārén — My grandfather tilled the land himself all his life and never relied on others.

2. fig. to apply oneself diligently to work or study; to take a hands-on approach

   身为领导者，应躬耕业务，了解基层情况。 shēnwèi lǐngdǎozhě yīng gōnggēng yèwù liǎojiě jīcéng qíngkuàng — As a leader, one should work hands-on in the business and understand grassroots conditions.