How do you interpret Kung fu in Chinese?

Kung fu or Gongfu or Gung fu (功夫) refers to one's expertise in any skill achieved through hard work and practice, not necessarily martial.

What are the basics of Chinese Kung Fu?

Chinese kung-fu is a combination of techniques comprising of self –defense and health-keeping. Chinese martial arts on the whole pursues the effect of wrestling and exercise with the use of one’s arms and. Related to each style are basic forms, or sequences, which may involve defense strategies, offense, retreat, mobility and immobility, speed and slowness, hard or soft postures, emptiness and fullness, with or without weapons.

It is probably one of the earliest and longest lasting sports which utilize both brawn

and brain, and the theory of Kung Fu is based upon classical Chinese philosophy. Over its long history it has developed as a unique combination of exercise, practical self-defense, self-discipline and art. In Chinese Kung fu, a distinction is made between "external" and "internal" kung fu. It is said that "In external kung fu, you exercise your tendons, bones, and skin; in internal kung fu, you train your spirit your qi, and your mind."

How has Chinese Kung Fu evolved in history?
It is estimated that the beginning of Chinese Kung Fu started long before history was recorded. During that time, there were conflicts between humanity and beasts, and between different tribes of humans themselves. In the ruthlessness and complexity of the struggle, people naturally developed some basic offensive and defensive movements like kicking, seizing, striking, rolling and jumping for survival. Later, people gradually learnt to make and use stone and wood tools as weapons, and some fighting and hunting skills with or without weapons were developed.

When Shang Dynasty began, hunting was considered as an important measure of Kung Fu training. During Shang and Zhou Dynasties, Kung Fu evolved to be a kind of dancing. Starting from Tang Dynasty, Kung Fu examination was proposed and implemented. Chinese Kung Fu achieved larger development in Ming and Qing Dynasties, and with the development and heritage of Chinese Kung Fu, there come out many kinds of Chinese Kung Fu.