困难

• Pinyin: kùn nan
• Hanzi breakdown: 困 = 囗 (enclosure) + 木 (tree), meaning trapped; 难 = 又 (again) + 隹 (bird), meaning difficult

Meaning

Difficulty; difficult. Describes hardships, obstacles, or situations that are hard to deal with.

As a noun, 困难 refers to a difficulty, hardship, or obstacle. As an adjective, it means difficult or tough. Can refer to both practical challenges and financial hardship. One of the most common words for expressing that something is hard.

Examples

1. 学中文的时候，你遇到了什么困难？ What difficulties did you encounter when learning Chinese?
2. 虽然困难很多，但是他没有放弃。 Although there were many difficulties, he did not give up.
3. 如果你有困难，可以来找我帮忙。 If you have any difficulties, you can come to me for help.

Usage Guide

Context: study, work, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个问题太困难了，我需要帮助。(This problem is too difficult. I need help.)
• 遇到困难的时候不要害怕。(Don't be afraid when you encounter difficulties.)

Don't Say

• 今天的天气很困难。(Don't use 困难 to describe weather — it only applies to situations, tasks, or conditions. Say 今天天气很不好)

Origin & History

Compound of 困 (to be trapped, enclosed) and 难 (difficult). Together they express being trapped in a difficult situation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal