Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
难得(難得)nándé(nan2de2)
The term 难得 (nán dé) refers to something that is rare, hard to come by, or seldom encountered. It is often used to describe opportunities, experiences, or moments that are valuable due to their infrequency. Common contexts include expressing appreciation for rare events or the scarcity of certain qualities.
Frequency#6692DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of rarity often connotes not just scarcity but also value and appreciation, such as in art or family gatherings, where special moments are cherished because they do not happen often.
Memory Tip
Imagine a rare treasure chest (难) that is hard to open (得). The chest only reveals its contents once in a blue moon, reminding you of how seldom you find such treasures in life, linking the pronunciation 'nán' with '难' and 'dé' with '得'.
Meanings of 难得
nándé(nan2de2)
1seldom
2rare
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 难得
难得Simplified
難得Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
副形词xíngróngcíadj-adverb (adj.-adv.)Part of Speech
#6692Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 难得
Podcast: 难得
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 难得
Quick Contrast
稀有 (xīyǒu) — use 难得 when emphasizing the value of the rarity, while 稀有 focuses more on the state of being rare.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a rare treasure chest (难) that is hard to open (得). The chest only reveals its contents once in a blue moon, reminding you of how seldom you find such treasures in life, linking the pronunciation 'nán' with '难' and 'dé' with '得'.
Usage Notes
Learners should note that 难得 is often used in positive contexts, emphasizing the value of rarity. It is generally informal, but can fit in semi-formal contexts. Be careful with tones; mispronouncing the second tone can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 难得 connects with other advanced vocabulary describing rarity or value. Students should focus on using it in sentences that highlight the significance of unique opportunities or experiences.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of rarity often connotes not just scarcity but also value and appreciation, such as in art or family gatherings, where special moments are cherished because they do not happen often.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is to use 难得 in a negative context, such as saying '这件事很难得' when referring to something unpleasant. The correct form would be to use it with positive connotations, focusing on the value of rarity.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 难得
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 难得 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 难得 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 难得
难得 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. 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.
I must admit, it's more difficult than I thought it would be.
9
坐失这个良机, 那是太傻了,这是一生中难得的机会.
zuò shī zhè gè liáng jī, , nà shì tài shǎ, le , zhè shì yī shēng zhōng nán dé de.
It would be foolish to let such an opportunity slip; it's a chance of a lifetime.
10
机会难得,幸勿失之交臂.
jī huì nán dé, , xìng wù shī zhī jiāo.
Don't let slip such a golden opportunity.
Cultural Notes for 难得
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of rarity often connotes not just scarcity but also value and appreciation, such as in art or family gatherings, where special moments are cherished because they do not happen often.
Frequently Asked Questions about 难得
While 难得 is primarily used in informal contexts, it can appear in semi-formal writing when discussing valuable opportunities.
You can say, '这次旅行真是难得的经历' (This trip is truly a rare experience).
Yes, you can use 罕见 (hǎn jiàn) or 稀有 (xī yǒu) which also convey the meaning of rarity.
