Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
困境 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
困境kùnjìngpredicamentHSK 7, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #4827, Very Hard
困境kùnjìngplightHSK 7, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #4827, Very Hard
kùnjìng(kun4jing4)kun jing T4
  1. 1predicament
  2. 2plight
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

困境kùnjìng(kun4jing4)

困境 (kùn jìng) refers to a difficult or challenging situation, often characterized by a lack of options or resources. Commonly used in contexts such as personal struggles, financial difficulties, or moral dilemmas, it conveys a sense of being trapped or in a bind.

Strokes21Frequency#4827DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, discussing one's '困境' can indicate a need for assistance, reflecting the value placed on community support during tough times. It's common to hear this term in social and business contexts.

Memory tip

Imagine being in a dark room (困) with no way out (境), symbolizing a predicament. The '困' character resembles a person surrounded by walls, emphasizing the feeling of entrapment.

Meanings of 困境

kùnjìng(kun4jing4)
1predicament
2plight
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 困境 means.

About 困境

困境Simplified
21Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 困境

JasonAmy

Podcast: 困境

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 困境

Quick Contrast

困境 (kùnjìng) vs 逆境 (nìjìng): Use 困境 for situations with a sense of being trapped, while 逆境 emphasizes adverse conditions or unfavorable circumstances without the implication of being stuck.

Usage Notes

Be cautious when using '困境' in formal contexts, as it may sound overly dramatic. It's often paired with verbs like '面临' (to face) and '摆脱' (to escape) in sentences. Ensure you're using the correct tones to avoid confusion.

HSK Study Tips

Although '困境' is not an HSK word, it connects with HSK level 4 vocabulary related to challenges and emotions. Focus on usage in phrases and practice with synonyms to broaden your understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '困境' with '困难' (difficulty), which is a broader term. For example, saying '我有一个困难' (I have a predicament) is incorrect; it should be '我处于困境中' (I am in a predicament).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 困境

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 困境 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 困境 to you

Let me explain 困境 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 困境 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

How well do you know 困境?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 困境 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component characters

困kùnto trap
HSK 47 strokes囗
View full entry
境jìngborder
HSK 314 strokes土
View full entry

How to say predicament in Chinese

“predicament” in Chinese is困境kùnjìng

困境 (kùn jìng) refers to a difficult or challenging situation, often characterized by a lack of options or resources. Commonly used in contexts such as personal struggles, financial difficulties, or moral dilemmas, it conveys a sense of being trapped or in a bind.

When to use 困境

Be cautious when using '困境' in formal contexts, as it may sound overly dramatic. It's often paired with verbs like '面临' (to face) and '摆脱' (to escape) in sentences. Ensure you're using the correct tones to avoid confusion.

困境 or something close to it

困境 (kùnjìng) vs 逆境 (nìjìng): Use 困境 for situations with a sense of being trapped, while 逆境 emphasizes adverse conditions or unfavorable circumstances without the implication of being stuck.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '困境' with '困难' (difficulty), which is a broader term. For example, saying '我有一个困难' (I have a predicament) is incorrect; it should be '我处于困境中' (I am in a predicament).

Write 困境

困
境

Practice writing 困境 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 困境?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.

Frequently asked questions about 困境

'困境' can be used as follows: '他面临着经济困境' (He is facing a financial predicament).

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 困境?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab