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March 24, 2026
勉强(勉強)miǎnqiǎng(mian3qiang3)
勉强 (miǎnqiǎng) means to do something with difficulty or reluctance. It can also imply forcing someone to do something against their will or doing something that is barely sufficient. This term is commonly used in contexts where effort is required despite a lack of desire or ability.
Frequency#6122DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 勉强 often reflects the importance of social harmony and obligation, where individuals may feel compelled to act against their wishes to maintain relationships or fulfill expectations.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person trying to lift a heavy weight (勉) while feeling exhausted (强). The weight represents the difficulty of the task, and the character's components can remind you of the struggle to do something reluctantly or with effort. Think of 'managing to lift it' as a way to remember the pronunciation and meaning.
Meanings of 勉强
miǎnqiǎng(mian3qiang3)
1to do with difficulty
2to force sb to do sth
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About 勉强
勉强Simplified
勉強Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#6122Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 勉强
Podcast: 勉强
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AI Study Notes for 勉强
Quick Contrast
勉强 (miǎnqiǎng) vs 强迫 (qiǎngpò) — use 勉强 when referring to doing something reluctantly, while 强迫 implies forcing someone against their will.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person trying to lift a heavy weight (勉) while feeling exhausted (强). The weight represents the difficulty of the task, and the character's components can remind you of the struggle to do something reluctantly or with effort. Think of 'managing to lift it' as a way to remember the pronunciation and meaning.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 勉强 with similar terms like 强迫 (qiángpò), which means to force someone more aggressively. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious of its connotation of reluctance. A common collocation is 勉强同意 (miǎnqiǎng tóngyì), meaning to agree reluctantly.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 勉强 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to emotions and obligations. Focus on how it can express nuances of reluctance and the implications of being forced, which can enrich your conversational skills at this level.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 勉强 often reflects the importance of social harmony and obligation, where individuals may feel compelled to act against their wishes to maintain relationships or fulfill expectations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 勉强 in contexts where 强迫 would be more appropriate, such as saying '他勉强我去' instead of '他强迫我去' (He forced me to go). Remember that 勉强 implies a sense of reluctance rather than outright coercion.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 勉强
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Grammar Patterns of 勉强
勉强 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 4 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.
An all-star game might scare up a little interest.
10
借着起居室的灯光，勉强能看见她的手。
jiè zháo qǐ jū shì de dēng guāng， ， miǎn qiáng néng kàn jiàn tā de。
Her hand was just visible by the light from the sitting room.
Cultural Notes for 勉强
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 勉强 often reflects the importance of social harmony and obligation, where individuals may feel compelled to act against their wishes to maintain relationships or fulfill expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions about 勉强
Generally, 勉强 carries a negative connotation of reluctance or difficulty, so it's not commonly used in positive situations.
Yes, 勉强 is primarily used as a verb, but it can also function as an adjective when describing a situation that is barely sufficient.
Use 勉强 when the emphasis is on reluctance or difficulty, while 强迫 is more about coercion or force.
