Meanings of 艱
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About 艱
Podcast: 艱
Podcast: 艱
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AI study notes for 艱
艱 (jiān) vs 难 (nán): use 艱 (jiān) for a more severe or grave sense of difficulty, while 难 (nán) is more general.
This character is often used in formal contexts or literature, so be cautious using it in casual conversation. Common collocations include 艱難 (jiān nán - difficult) and 艱苦 (jiān kǔ - hardship). Ensure you pronounce it with the correct tone, as mispronunciation can change the meaning.
Though not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding 艱 can enhance your comprehension of complex texts, especially those discussing challenges. Focus on connecting it to related words like 困难 (kùn nán - difficulty) to build a richer vocabulary around hardship.
Learners often confuse 艱 with simpler characters like 难 (nán - difficult) and may use it inappropriately in casual settings. For example, saying '这道题艱' (This problem is difficult) is overly formal; instead, say '这道题难'.
Pronunciation of 艱
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Etymology of 艱
tough
Origin
艱 = 艮 + 堇. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 艱
Parts
Which of these is part of 艱?
How to say difficult, hard; hardship in Chinese
“difficult, hard; hardship” in Chinese is艱
The character 艱 (jiān) signifies something that is difficult or hard, often referring to challenges or hardships one may encounter in life. It is typically used in contexts discussing obstacles, struggles, or the burdens of life, conveying a sense of severity and gravity.
When to use 艱
This character is often used in formal contexts or literature, so be cautious using it in casual conversation. Common collocations include 艱難 (jiān nán - difficult) and 艱苦 (jiān kǔ - hardship). Ensure you pronounce it with the correct tone, as mispronunciation can change the meaning.
艱 or something close to it
艱 (jiān) vs 难 (nán): use 艱 (jiān) for a more severe or grave sense of difficulty, while 难 (nán) is more general.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 艱 with simpler characters like 难 (nán - difficult) and may use it inappropriately in casual settings. For example, saying '这道题艱' (This problem is difficult) is overly formal; instead, say '这道题难'.
Write 艱
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Word Family of 艱
Words with 艱
What does 艰难 mean?
Frequently asked questions about 艱
You can use it in a sentence like: 这条路艱难行走 (This road is difficult to walk on).
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