Definition
苦难 (kǔ nàn) refers to deep, prolonged suffering or hardship, often experienced over time or by a group (e.g., war, poverty). It differs from 磨难 (mó nàn), which focuses on the trials and tribulations one endures as a process; and from 逆境 (nì jìng), which stresses difficult external circumstances rather than internal pain.
noun
sufferinghardshipmisery
Examples
- ,苦难。Zài zhànzhēng niándài, rénmen jīnglì le jùdà de kǔ nàn.During the war years, people experienced tremendous suffering.
- 苦难。Tā yìshēng dōu zài yǔ kǔ nàn zuò dòuzhēng.He struggled against hardship all his life.
- 苦难。Zhè bù xiǎoshuō miáoxiě le dǐcéng rénmín de kǔ nàn.This novel depicts the suffering of the lower-class people.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.