Meaning
艰苦 describes conditions, work, or life that are physically or mentally challenging, requiring great effort and endurance. It emphasizes both difficulty (艰) and bitterness or hardship (苦), often referring to tough living conditions, demanding work environments, or periods of struggle.
Usage
Commonly used to describe difficult working conditions, harsh living environments, or challenging periods in life. Often appears in formal contexts or when discussing hardships overcome. Frequently paired with words like 环境 (environment), 条件 (conditions), 生活 (life), or 奋斗 (struggle). Native speakers use it to convey respect for people who endure difficult circumstances.
Examples
- 01他们在艰苦的条件下完成了这个项目。.They completed this project under difficult conditions.
- 02那个年代,农村的生活非常艰苦。, .In those days, life in the countryside was very harsh.
Characters
Common collocations
- 艰苦奋斗to struggle arduously
- 艰苦的环境harsh environment
- 艰苦的条件difficult conditions
- 生活艰苦life is hard
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters independently carry meanings of difficulty and suffering. 艰 originally depicted being surrounded by difficulties, while 苦 shows a bitter plant, symbolizing suffering or hardship.