Meaning
艰难 describes situations, tasks, or periods that are extremely difficult, challenging, or full of hardship. It emphasizes both the difficulty and the struggle involved, often implying a sense of suffering or adversity that must be endured or overcome.
Usage
艰难 is more formal and serious than 难 (nán) and emphasizes prolonged difficulty or hardship. It's commonly used to describe difficult life circumstances, challenging journeys, or demanding processes. Often appears in written language or formal speech when discussing struggles, hardships, or adverse conditions.
Examples
- 01在那个艰难的岁月里，他们一家人相互支持，终于渡过了难关。, , .During those difficult years, their family supported each other and finally overcame the hardship.
- 02创业的过程非常艰难，但我们没有放弃。, .The process of starting a business was very difficult, but we didn't give up.
Characters
Common collocations
- 艰难困苦hardships and difficulties
- 艰难时期difficult period, hard times
- 艰难的决定difficult decision
- 处境艰难in a difficult situation
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters independently mean 'difficult,' so 艰难 is a compound that intensifies the meaning. 艰 originally depicted difficulties in farming or labor, while 难 represents obstacles or calamities.