Meanings of 为难
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Podcast: 为难
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AI Study Notes for 为难
尴尬 (gāngà) refers specifically to feeling awkward, while 为难 (wéinán) can also imply creating difficulties for someone.
Learners often confuse 为难 with 困难 (kùn nán), which also means 'difficult' but is used in different contexts. 为难 is more about personal embarrassment or social awkwardness. Be mindful of tone; the second character 难 should be pronounced with a falling tone.
As an HSK 6 word, 为难 connects well with other advanced vocabulary around interpersonal communication, such as 交流 (jiāo liú - communication) and 处理 (chǔ lǐ - to handle). Focus on using it in sentences that describe social scenarios to enhance fluency.
A common mistake is to use 为难 in contexts that do not involve social embarrassment, such as saying '这道题很为难' (This question is very embarrassing), which should be corrected to '这道题很难' (This question is very difficult).
Pronunciation of 为难
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Component Characters
How to say to feel embarrassed or awkward in Chinese
“to feel embarrassed or awkward” in Chinese is为难
为难 refers to the feeling of embarrassment or awkwardness, often in social situations. It can also mean to create difficulties for someone or to find oneself in a challenging predicament. This term is commonly used when discussing interpersonal relationships or situations where someone feels pressured or uncomfortable.
When to use 为难
Learners often confuse 为难 with 困难 (kùn nán), which also means 'difficult' but is used in different contexts. 为难 is more about personal embarrassment or social awkwardness. Be mindful of tone; the second character 难 should be pronounced with a falling tone.
为难 or something close to it
尴尬 (gāngà) refers specifically to feeling awkward, while 为难 (wéinán) can also imply creating difficulties for someone.
What learners get wrong
A common mistake is to use 为难 in contexts that do not involve social embarrassment, such as saying '这道题很为难' (This question is very embarrassing), which should be corrected to '这道题很难' (This question is very difficult).
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Practice writing 为难 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 为难
为难 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他不去算了，不要____他了。
If he doesn't want to go, then forget it — don't put him in a difficult position.
Example Sentences for 为难 (5)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 为难
You might say, '他让我很为难' (Tā ràng wǒ hěn wéi nán), meaning 'He makes me feel very awkward.'
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