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March 24, 2026
难过(難過)nánguò(nan2guo4)
The term 难过 (nán guò) primarily means to feel sad or distressed, often in response to a specific event or circumstance. It can also express a sense of discomfort or difficulty in life situations. Commonly used in emotional contexts, it conveys a deep sense of sorrow or unease.
Frequency#1677DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing feelings of sadness openly is often less common than in Western cultures, making the usage of 难过 significant in terms of emotional expression and social interaction. It reflects the importance of emotional well-being in personal relationships.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person who finds it 'hard to pass' (难过) through a narrow path filled with obstacles, symbolizing their emotional struggles. The character 难 combines the radical for 'difficult' and 'crossing,' suggesting the challenge of moving through tough times.
Meanings of 难过
nánguò(nan2guo4)
1to feel sad
2to feel unwell
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About 难过
难过Simplified
難過Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#1677Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 难过
Podcast: 难过
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AI Study Notes for 难过
Quick Contrast
难受 (nán shòu) — use 难过 when emphasizing sadness due to an event; use 难受 for general discomfort or distress.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person who finds it 'hard to pass' (难过) through a narrow path filled with obstacles, symbolizing their emotional struggles. The character 难 combines the radical for 'difficult' and 'crossing,' suggesting the challenge of moving through tough times.
Usage Notes
This word is generally used in informal contexts when discussing feelings. Be careful not to confuse 难过 with 伤心 (shāng xīn), which also means sad but can imply a more intense emotional pain. Common phrases include '我很难过' (wǒ hěn nán guò) meaning 'I am very sad.'
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 3 word, 难过 connects with other emotional vocabulary, helping learners express feelings. Focus on using it in context with other related terms, like 开心 (kāi xīn) for happy, to form contrasting sentences about emotions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing feelings of sadness openly is often less common than in Western cultures, making the usage of 难过 significant in terms of emotional expression and social interaction. It reflects the importance of emotional well-being in personal relationships.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 难过 with 觉得难 (jué de nán), which means 'to feel difficult,' leading to incorrect usage. For example, saying '我觉得难过' instead of '我很难过' is incorrect; the correct phrase emphasizes the feeling directly.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 难过
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Grammar Patterns of 难过
难过 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 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.
They have both behaved very badly and I am very hurt.
4
戴利主教说他听到红衣主教去世的消息后感到极为震惊和难过。
dài lì zhǔ jiào shuō tā tīng dào hóng yī zhǔ jiào qù shì de xiāo xī hòu gǎn dào jí wéi zhèn jīng hé nán guò。
Bishop Daly said he was devastated by news of the Cardinal's death.
5
乔很难过,因为他刚被他的女朋友甩了.
qiáo hěn nán guò, , yīn wéi tā gāng bèi tā de nǚ péng yǒu shuǎi.
Joe is sad because he just got the gate from his girlfriend.
6
你刚才看上去挺难过的。
nǐ gāng cái kàn shàng qù tǐng nán guò de。
You looked pretty upset just now.
7
死了？嗯，我不觉得难过。
sǐ le？ ？， ňg ， wǒ bù jué dé。
Dead? Well, I can't say I'm sorry.
8
我最好的朋友说我要是为这事而沮丧难过就真够傻的。
wǒ zuì hǎo de péng yǒu shuō wǒ yào shì wéi zhè shì ér jǔ sāng nán guò jiù zhēn gòu shǎ de。
My best friend tells me that I am silly to be upset about this.
9
邮差难过地摇了摇头。
yóu chà nán guò dì yáo le yáo tóu。
The postmaster shook his head sorrowfully.
10
帕尔默难过地摇了摇头。
pà ěr mò nán guò dì yáo le yáo tóu。
Palmer gave a sad shake of his head.
Cultural Notes for 难过
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, expressing feelings of sadness openly is often less common than in Western cultures, making the usage of 难过 significant in terms of emotional expression and social interaction. It reflects the importance of emotional well-being in personal relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions about 难过
Yes, while primarily emotional, 难过 can also describe feeling unwell or uncomfortable.
No, it is typically used in informal contexts when talking about feelings.
You might respond with comforting phrases like '不要难过' (don't be sad) or offer support.
