磨难

• Pinyin: mó nàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 磨 = 石 (stone) + 麻 (hemp) — a grinding stone; 难 = 又 (again) + 隹 (bird) — originally 'a difficult bird to catch,' extended to mean difficulty

Meaning

Hardship; ordeal; tribulation. Severe difficulties and suffering that test a person's endurance and shape their character.

Carries a literary and philosophical weight. Often used to convey that suffering is character-building. Common in biographical writing, religious discourse, and literature. 历经磨难 (having endured many ordeals) is a common phrase. The Buddhist concept of 磨难 as a test on the path to spiritual growth adds cultural depth.

Examples

1. 她历经无数磨难，终于凭借坚韧的意志走到了今天这个位置。 After countless hardships, she finally reached where she is today through sheer determination.
2. 这部传记详细记述了主人公早年所经历的种种磨难与挫折。 This biography details the many hardships and setbacks the main character endured in his early years.
3. 人只有经历过真正的磨难，才能深刻体会到平凡生活的珍贵。 Only after experiencing real hardship can a person truly understand how precious ordinary life is.

Usage Guide

Context: biography, philosophy, religion, literature, personal growth

Tone: serious, sympathetic

Do Say

• 正是那段艰难的岁月和无数次磨难，锻造了他面对困境时钢铁般的意志与坚韧。(It was precisely that difficult period and countless ordeals that forged his iron will and resilience in the face of adversity.)
• 故事的主人公历经磨难后终于找到了内心真正的平静与人生的归宿。(After enduring many hardships, the protagonist finally found genuine inner peace and a true sense of belonging in life.)

Don't Say

• 把'磨难'用于轻微的日常不便 (磨难 implies serious, testing hardship; for minor inconveniences use 麻烦 or 困难)

Origin & History

磨 (to grind, to wear down) + 难 (difficulty, hardship). Together convey the image of being worn down by difficulties — enduring grinding trials.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal