困扰

• Pinyin: kùn rǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 困 = 囗 (enclosure) + 木 (tree), a tree enclosed = trapped; 扰 = 扌(hand) + 尤 (especially)

Meaning

To trouble; to perplex; to bother. Describes something that causes ongoing worry or distress.

Used for problems or issues that persistently occupy one's mind and cause distress. Stronger than simple 烦恼, implying that the issue is difficult to resolve and causes real mental burden. Common in discussing personal problems, health issues, or complex situations.

Examples

1. 失眠问题困扰了他好几年，什么方法都试过了。 Insomnia has troubled him for years; he has tried every method.
2. 这个技术难题一直困扰着整个研发团队。 This technical problem has been troubling the entire R&D team.
3. 不要让这些小事困扰你，放轻松点。 Don't let these small things bother you; relax a bit.

Usage Guide

Context: personal, professional, academic

Tone: concerned

Do Say

• 这件事一直困扰着我。(This matter has been troubling me.)
• 他被健康问题困扰多年。(He has been troubled by health problems for years.)

Don't Say

• 今天下雨困扰我。(For minor inconveniences, use 麻烦 or 影响 — 困扰 implies persistent mental distress)

Origin & History

困 (kùn, trapped/difficult) + 扰 (rǎo, disturb). Together they convey being troubled or mentally trapped by disturbances.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal