Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
艰难(艱難)jiānnán(jian1nan2)
艰难 (jiān nán) means difficult, hard, or challenging. It is often used to describe situations or tasks that require significant effort or face numerous obstacles. This word carries a connotation of struggle and perseverance in overcoming difficulties.
Frequency#2157DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
艰难 is often used in Chinese literature and speeches to highlight the resilience of the Chinese people through historical struggles, such as during wars or natural disasters. This word reflects the cultural value placed on perseverance and hard work.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant '艰' (jian) mountain that is hard to climb, representing the difficulty of the task ahead. The character '难' (nan) looks like a person struggling at the top of the mountain, emphasizing the challenge. Together, they remind you that achieving your goal will require effort and resilience.
Meanings of 艰难
jiānnán(jian1nan2)
1difficult
2hard
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 艰难
艰难Simplified
艱難Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#2157Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 艰难
Podcast: 艰难
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 艰难
Quick Contrast
困难 (kùnnán) - use 艰难 when emphasizing the struggle involved, while 困难 focuses more on the state of being difficult.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant '艰' (jian) mountain that is hard to climb, representing the difficulty of the task ahead. The character '难' (nan) looks like a person struggling at the top of the mountain, emphasizing the challenge. Together, they remind you that achieving your goal will require effort and resilience.
Usage Notes
艰难 is typically used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in written language. A common mistake is to confuse it with '困难' (kùn nán), which is more general for 'difficult.' Be mindful of tone; '艰难' is pronounced with a high first tone and a rising second tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 艰难 connects with other vocabulary related to challenges and perseverance, such as '克服' (kè fú, to overcome) and '努力' (nǔ lì, to strive). Focus on using it in sentences describing personal or societal challenges to strengthen your context understanding.
Cultural Note
艰难 is often used in Chinese literature and speeches to highlight the resilience of the Chinese people through historical struggles, such as during wars or natural disasters. This word reflects the cultural value placed on perseverance and hard work.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 艰难 (jiān nán) with 困难 (kùn nán), using them interchangeably. For instance, saying '这个问题很艰难' (This problem is very difficult) is correct, but using '艰难' to describe a simple task is inappropriate; instead, use '困难' in such cases.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 艰难
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 艰难 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 艰难 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 艰难
艰难 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. 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.
In the past this process of transition has often proven difficult.
8
他描述了被俘4个月里挣扎求生的艰难岁月。
tā miáo shù le bèi fú4 4 gè yuè lǐ zhèng zā qiú shēng de jiān nán suì。
He described the difficulties of surviving for four months as a captive.
9
斯潘塞艰难地迈过一堆破椅子和碎啤酒瓶。
sī pān sāi jiān nán dì mài guò yī duī pò yǐ zǐ hé suì pí jiǔ píng。
Spencer waded through the debris of broken chairs and beer bottles.
10
这一年半以来，她度过了一段非常艰难的时期。
zhè yī nián bàn yǐ lái， ， tā dù guò le yī duàn fēi cháng jiān nán de shí。
She's had a really tough time the last year and a half.
Cultural Notes for 艰难
🏮Cultural insight
艰难 is often used in Chinese literature and speeches to highlight the resilience of the Chinese people through historical struggles, such as during wars or natural disasters. This word reflects the cultural value placed on perseverance and hard work.
Frequently Asked Questions about 艰难
You can say '这项任务非常艰难' (This task is very difficult).
Yes, but it is more commonly found in written contexts or formal discussions.
艰难 emphasizes the struggle involved, while 困难 is more general for anything that is difficult.
