艰苦

• Pinyin: jiān kǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 艰 = 艮 (stubborn) + 难 component, meaning difficult; 苦 = 艹 (grass) + 古 (old), meaning bitter

Meaning

Arduous; difficult; hard. Involving severe hardship or difficulty.

Describes difficult conditions or hard work, especially involving physical hardship. Often used for working conditions, environments, or life circumstances. Carries a tone of endurance and perseverance.

Examples

1. 老一辈人在艰苦的环境中奋斗，才有了我们今天的幸福生活。 The older generation struggled in arduous conditions, which is why we have our happy lives today.
2. 边疆地区条件艰苦，但志愿者们依然坚守岗位。 Conditions in the border regions are harsh, but the volunteers still hold their posts.
3. 艰苦的训练让运动员们具备了顽强的意志。 The rigorous training gave the athletes an indomitable will.

Usage Guide

Context: history, work, motivation, descriptions

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 那是一段艰苦的岁月。(Those were arduous years.)
• 艰苦奋斗是成功的关键。(Hard struggle is the key to success.)

Don't Say

• 这道数学题很艰苦 (For academic difficulty, use 难 or 困难 — 艰苦 implies physical/material hardship)

Origin & History

Compound of 艰 (difficult) + 苦 (bitter, hard), meaning bitter hardship.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal