不堪

• Pinyin: bù kān
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 = 不 (not); 堪 = 土 + 甚 (able to endure)

Meaning

Unable to bear; unbearable. As an adjective, utterly, extremely (in a negative sense).

Indicates inability to endure something or reaching an extreme negative state. Often used in literary contexts and set phrases to describe dire conditions, overwhelming pressure, or complete inadequacy.

Examples

1. 他被工作压力折磨得不堪重负。 He was crushed by work pressure.
2. 战争过后，城市满目疮痍，不堪入目。 After the war, the city was in ruins—too terrible to look at.
3. 那段回忆不堪回首。 Those memories are too painful to revisit.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, descriptions, criticism

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 企业在经济危机中不堪一击。(The enterprise was unable to withstand a single blow during the economic crisis.)
• 他的处境已经不堪设想。(His situation is already unimaginable.)

Don't Say

• 这个食物不堪好吃 — 不堪 is for negative extremes, not for negating positive qualities

Origin & History

不 (not) + 堪 (able to bear)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal