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艰险 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
艰险jiānxiǎndifficult and dangerousHSK 7, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #27496, Very Hard
艰险jiānxiǎnhardships and perilsHSK 7, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #27496, Very Hard
jiānxiǎn(jian1xian3)jian xian T1
  1. 1difficult and dangerous
  2. 2hardships and perils
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March 24, 2026

艰险(艱險)jiānxiǎn(jian1xian3)

艰险 (jiānxiǎn) refers to situations that are both difficult and dangerous. It is often used to describe challenging circumstances that pose significant risks, such as during difficult journeys or perilous missions.

Strokes17Frequency#27496DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

艰险 is often used in Chinese literature and historical accounts, particularly in describing the struggles faced by historical figures during wars or significant events. The term encapsulates the perseverance valued in Chinese culture.

Memory tip

Imagine a 'giant' (sounds like '艰') holding a 'spear' (sounds like '险') in a treacherous landscape. This giant represents the heavy burden of hardship and danger, making it easier to remember the word's meaning.

Meanings of 艰险

jiānxiǎn(jian1xian3)
1difficult and dangerous
2hardships and perils
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About 艰险

艰险Simplified
艱險Traditional
17Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2

Podcast: 艰险

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Podcast: 艰险

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AI study notes for 艰险

Quick Contrast

艰难 (jiānnán) refers to situations that are difficult but not necessarily dangerous; use 艰险 when the element of danger is significant.

Usage Notes

艰险 is typically used in formal contexts and can describe both physical dangers and metaphorical challenges in life. Be cautious with tone; the first character (艰) and the second character (险) both have falling tones that can change the meaning if mispronounced.

HSK Study Tips

While 艰险 is not explicitly listed in current HSK levels, it connects well with words at HSK 4 and above that deal with challenges and difficulties. Focus on using it in sentences that discuss experiences of overcoming obstacles.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 艰险 with similar words like 困难 (kùnnán, difficulty) and may use them interchangeably; however, 艰险 specifically implies an element of danger. For example, saying '这件事很困难' (This matter is very difficult) may not fully convey the risk implied by 艰险.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 艰险

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Component characters

艰jiāndifficult
8 strokes又
View full entry
险xiǎndanger
HSK 69 strokes阝
View full entry

How to say difficult and dangerous in Chinese

“difficult and dangerous” in Chinese is艰险jiānxiǎn

艰险 (jiānxiǎn) refers to situations that are both difficult and dangerous. It is often used to describe challenging circumstances that pose significant risks, such as during difficult journeys or perilous missions.

When to use 艰险

艰险 is typically used in formal contexts and can describe both physical dangers and metaphorical challenges in life. Be cautious with tone; the first character (艰) and the second character (险) both have falling tones that can change the meaning if mispronounced.

艰险 or something close to it

艰难 (jiānnán) refers to situations that are difficult but not necessarily dangerous; use 艰险 when the element of danger is significant.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 艰险 with similar words like 困难 (kùnnán, difficulty) and may use them interchangeably; however, 艰险 specifically implies an element of danger. For example, saying '这件事很困难' (This matter is very difficult) may not fully convey the risk implied by 艰险.

Write 艰险

艰
险

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Frequently asked questions about 艰险

Yes, 艰险 can describe emotional hardships, but it is more commonly associated with physical dangers or challenging situations.

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