Meaning
难受 describes a feeling of physical or emotional discomfort. It can refer to physical illness (feeling sick, unwell) or emotional distress (feeling upset, sad, or troubled). This word captures the subjective experience of being in an uncomfortable state, whether bodily or mentally.
Usage
Native speakers commonly use 难受 to express both physical ailments (like nausea, pain, or general unwellness) and emotional pain (sadness, disappointment, heartache). It's informal and natural in everyday conversation. Often used with 很 (hěn) or 特别 (tèbié) for emphasis. Can be used as a predicate after 觉得 (juéde, to feel) or standalone.
Examples
- 01我今天身体很难受，想早点回家休息。, .I feel very unwell today and want to go home early to rest.
- 02听到这个坏消息，她心里特别难受。, .Hearing this bad news, she felt very distressed.
Characters
Common collocations
- 很难受very uncomfortable/distressed
- 觉得难受to feel uncomfortable
- 心里难受to feel bad in one's heart
- 身体难受body feels unwell
Antonyms
Origin
The word literally means 'difficult to bear/endure,' combining 难 (difficult) with 受 (to receive/bear), reflecting the idea that the discomfort is hard to tolerate.