仍需努力

You usually place this at the end of a sentence. It often follows a compliment or a self-assessment. If someone says your Chinese is amazing, you say this. It shows you are modest. In a professional setting, it shows you have a growth mindset. You can also use it to encourage others gently. It sounds much more sophisticated than just saying 'I'm bad at this.'

Use it when you receive praise from a boss or teacher. It works perfectly after finishing a big project at work. Text it to a friend when you're practicing a new hobby. It’s great for fitness goals, like after a tough workout. Use it in a speech to show you are grounded. It’s a very 'safe' phrase for almost any social situation.

Avoid using this if someone is genuinely upset about a major failure. It might sound like you are downplaying their struggle. Don't use it if you've actually reached the absolute peak. In that case, it might sound like 'fake humility.' Also, don't use it for things that don't require effort. You wouldn't say it after eating a sandwich, for example.

This phrase has deep roots in modern Chinese history. It is famously associated with Sun Yat-sen, the 'Father of the Nation.' His famous last words included: 'The revolution is not yet successful; comrades, still need to work hard' (革命尚未成功，同志仍须努力). Because of this, the phrase carries a weight of perseverance. It transitioned from a revolutionary slogan to an everyday expression of grit.

You might see 仍须努力 in more formal writing. The character 须 also means 'must' or 'need.' In casual conversation, people might say 还需要努力. If you want to be very casual, you can just say 还要加油. However, 仍需努力 remains the most classic and balanced version.