Meanings of 伤脑筋
By ear
Play it, then pick what 伤脑筋 means.
About 伤脑筋
Podcast: 伤脑筋
Podcast: 伤脑筋
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 伤脑筋
烦恼 (fánnǎo) - use 伤脑筋 for situations that require mental effort, while 烦恼 refers more to emotional distress.
Be cautious when using this term; it's often informal, so it may not be suitable for formal writing. Common collocations include '伤脑筋的问题' (a troublesome problem) or '伤脑筋的事情' (a bothersome matter). Avoid mixing it with other similar phrases that convey less intensity.
As a level 6 vocabulary word, 伤脑筋 connects with other HSK 6 terms related to problem-solving and mental challenges. Students should focus on context and usage in conversation to convey the appropriate sentiment.
Learners often misuse 伤脑筋 in contexts where a milder term would suffice, such as saying '这件事真的很伤脑筋' when something is merely annoying. A better choice in such cases might be '麻烦' (máfan).
Pronunciation of 伤脑筋
Drill the tone of 伤脑筋 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 伤脑筋 to you
Let me explain 伤脑筋 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 伤脑筋 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 伤脑筋?
Learning Lab
Knowing 伤脑筋 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
Component characters
How to say knotty in Chinese
“knotty” in Chinese is伤脑筋
伤脑筋 refers to something that is troublesome or bothersome, often causing stress or frustration. It is used to describe situations that require significant mental effort or create a headache, whether literal or metaphorical.
When to use 伤脑筋
Be cautious when using this term; it's often informal, so it may not be suitable for formal writing. Common collocations include '伤脑筋的问题' (a troublesome problem) or '伤脑筋的事情' (a bothersome matter). Avoid mixing it with other similar phrases that convey less intensity.
伤脑筋 or something close to it
烦恼 (fánnǎo) - use 伤脑筋 for situations that require mental effort, while 烦恼 refers more to emotional distress.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 伤脑筋 in contexts where a milder term would suffice, such as saying '这件事真的很伤脑筋' when something is merely annoying. A better choice in such cases might be '麻烦' (máfan).
Write 伤脑筋
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 伤脑筋 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 伤脑筋
伤脑筋 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 6 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.
对我来说,这节课很____.
This has been a painful lesson to me.
Example sentences for 伤脑筋 (1)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 伤脑筋?
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 伤脑筋
It's generally more informal, so it's best reserved for casual conversations or personal reflections.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 伤脑筋?
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.