难怪

• Pinyin: nán guài
• Hanzi breakdown: 难 = 又 + 隹 (difficult bird); 怪 = 忄+ 圣 (strange)

Meaning

No wonder; it is not surprising that. As an adverb, expressing understanding of a previously puzzling situation.

Similar to 怪不得, used when new information explains a previously confusing observation. Indicates that something which seemed unusual now makes complete sense given the circumstances.

Examples

1. 难怪他这么瘦原来一直在节食。 No wonder he’s so thin—turns out he’s been dieting.
2. 难怪销量下降原来竞争对手降价了。 No wonder sales have dropped—turns out the competitor lowered their prices.
3. 难怪她不接电话原来手机没电了。 No wonder she didn’t answer the phone—turns out her phone ran out of battery.

Usage Guide

Context: explanation, realization, analysis

Tone: understanding

Do Say

• 难怪项目进展缓慢，原来人手不够。(No wonder the project is progressing slowly; there aren't enough people.)
• 难怪价格这么贵，原来是进口的。(No wonder the price is so expensive; it turns out to be imported.)

Don't Say

• 这很难怪 — use 难以解释 for 'hard to explain'; 难怪 is a fixed expression meaning 'no wonder'

Origin & History

难 (hard) + 怪 (strange) — hard to find strange

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal