为难

• Pinyin: wéi nán
• Hanzi breakdown: 为 = simplified from 為, to do/for; 难 = 堇 + 隹, difficult

Meaning

To make things difficult for someone; to feel embarrassed or in a difficult position; awkward.

Can be used as verb (to put someone in a difficult position) or adjective (feeling embarrassed or awkward). Describes situations where someone faces a dilemma or is made uncomfortable by circumstances or requests. Implies social or emotional difficulty rather than physical hardship.

Examples

1. 这个问题让我很为难，我不知道该怎么回答。 This question really puts me in a difficult position — I don't know how to answer.
2. 别为难他了，他已经尽力了。 Stop making things difficult for him — he's already done his best.
3. 她一脸为难的表情，显然不想答应这个请求。 She had an awkward expression on her face, clearly not wanting to agree to this request.

Usage Guide

Context: social, workplace, personal

Tone: sympathetic

Do Say

• 真是为难你了。(I'm really putting you in a difficult position.)
• 不要为难自己。(Don't make things hard for yourself.)

Don't Say

• 这道题很为难 — use 难 or 困难 for difficult tasks; 为难 is for social/emotional difficulty involving people

Origin & History

Compound of 为 (for/because of) + 难 (difficult), meaning causing difficulty or feeling difficult.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal