At the A1 level, '困境' (kùnjìng) is a very advanced word that you usually won't need. However, you can think of it as a 'very, very big problem.' Imagine you are in a room and the door is locked, and you don't have the key. That feeling of being stuck is what this word describes. For now, it is better to use the simple word '困难' (kùnnán), which means 'difficult' or 'hard.' Just remember that '困' (kùn) looks like a tree in a box, which means 'trapped.' If you see this word in a book, just know it means someone is in a very tough spot and doesn't know what to do next. You don't need to use it in your own speaking yet, but recognizing the 'tree in a box' character will help you later when you learn about feeling 'sleepy' or 'tired' (which also uses the character 困). Think of it as a 'big trouble' word that adults use in the news.
For A2 learners, '困境' (kùnjìng) is a noun that means a 'predicament.' You might start seeing this word in short stories or simple news clips. It's different from '困难' (kùnnán) because '困难' is an adjective (like 'this homework is hard'), while '困境' is a thing you are 'in.' You will often see it with the verb '在' (zài - in) or '陷入' (xiànrù - fall into). For example, '他在困境中' (He is in a predicament). It's a useful word if you want to describe a situation where there isn't an easy answer. If you are lost in a city without a phone and it's raining, you are in a '困境.' It’s a good word to learn to help you move from basic sentences to more descriptive ones. Try to remember the phrase '生活困境' (shēnghuó kùnjìng), which means 'difficulties in life' or 'life's predicament.' It sounds much more professional than just saying 'my life is hard.'
At the B1 level, you should start actively using '困境' (kùnjìng) to describe complex situations. This is a key vocabulary item for discussing social issues, personal challenges, and work-related problems. At this stage, you should distinguish it from '困难' (difficulty). '困境' implies a dilemma—a situation where you are stuck between choices, or where external factors are pressing in on you. You should learn common collocations like '陷入困境' (to fall into a predicament) and '摆脱困境' (to break out of a predicament). For example, if you are talking about a company that is losing money and can't find new customers, you would say '这家公司陷入了经济困境' (This company has fallen into an economic predicament). It is also very common in B1 reading materials that discuss environmental protection or social changes. Using this word shows that you can think about problems as 'situations' rather than just 'tasks that are hard to do.' It adds a layer of sophistication to your Chinese.
B2 learners are expected to use '困境' (kùnjìng) with precision across various registers. You should be able to discuss 'moral dilemmas' (道德困境) or 'diplomatic predicaments' (外交困境) with ease. At this level, you should also be familiar with synonyms like '窘境' (jiǒngjìng - awkward predicament) and '窘迫' (jiǒngpò - poverty-stricken or embarrassed). You should be able to use '困境' in a metaphorical sense, such as 'thought predicament' (思维困境). In writing, you might use it to structure an argument: '面对目前的困境,我们有三个选择...' (Facing the current predicament, we have three choices...). You should also recognize it in formal speeches and editorials. It is a word that carries a certain weight; using it correctly suggests you understand the gravity of the topic. You should also be able to use it with resultative complements or complex modifiers, such as '难以摆脱的困境' (a predicament that is hard to break free from). This level requires you to understand not just the definition, but the 'vibe' of the word—which is serious, formal, and analytical.
For C1 learners, '困境' (kùnjìng) is a foundational term used to explore deep philosophical and structural issues. You should be able to analyze the 'human condition' or 'human predicament' (人类困境) in the context of literature or sociology. At this level, you are expected to understand the subtle nuances between '困境', '绝境' (desperate situation), and '逆境' (adversity). You might use '困境' to describe the limitations of a particular ideology or the structural failures of a system. For instance, '这种制度性的困境导致了资源的浪费' (This institutional predicament led to a waste of resources). You should also be comfortable using it in highly formal written Chinese (书面语), perhaps pairing it with four-character idioms (成语) to describe the nature of the predicament, such as '进退维谷的困境' (a predicament of being stuck between a rock and a hard place). Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's ability to encapsulate a multifaceted crisis into a single concept. You should also be able to critique how different characters in a novel respond to their '困境', using the word as a thematic anchor for your analysis.
At the C2 level, you should have a native-like command of '困境' (kùnjìng), using it effortlessly in high-level academic, political, or literary contexts. You will encounter this word in complex legal documents, philosophical treatises, and deep-dive economic analyses. You should be able to use it to describe abstract concepts like 'the predicament of modernism' or 'epistemological dilemmas.' At this stage, you might even use it with a touch of literary flair or irony. You should understand how '困境' functions within the broader landscape of Chinese rhetoric—how it is used to build tension in a narrative or to justify a radical change in policy. You should be able to discuss the 'historical predicament' (历史困境) of a nation or a movement, showing how past choices have limited present options. Your ability to use '困境' should be so natural that it fits perfectly into the flow of a sophisticated argument, providing a precise label for the complex web of constraints you are describing. At C2, you don't just know the word; you know its history, its weight, and its power to define a situation.

困境 در ۳۰ ثانیه

  • 困境 means a predicament or a difficult situation where one feels trapped or stuck.
  • It is a formal noun, often used with verbs like '陷入' (fall into) or '摆脱' (break out of).
  • Unlike '困难' (difficulty), it describes the overall state of the environment rather than a single task.
  • It is commonly used in news, business, and literature to describe serious, complex problems.

The Chinese word 困境 (kùnjìng) is a powerful and evocative term used to describe a state of being trapped in a difficult situation. Etymologically, it is composed of two characters: 困 (kùn), which depicts a tree inside an enclosure, symbolizing restriction or being hemmed in, and 境 (jìng), which refers to a boundary, environment, or state. Together, they create a vivid image of a 'trapped environment.' Unlike a simple challenge or a minor inconvenience, a 困境 implies a sense of being stuck or facing a dilemma where no clear path forward exists. It is the linguistic equivalent of being 'between a rock and a hard place' or in a 'predicament.'

Emotional Resonance
When a speaker uses this word, they are often conveying a sense of helplessness or the need for significant effort to break free. It carries more weight than just having a 'problem' (问题).
Social and Economic Use
In news reports, you will frequently hear about 'economic predicaments' (经济困境) or 'diplomatic dilemmas' (外交困境). It is a formal yet deeply descriptive term.
Personal Application
Individuals use it to describe life crises, such as being in a career rut or facing a moral choice that seems impossible to resolve without loss.

面对经济下行,许多小企业陷入了生存困境。 (Facing an economic downturn, many small businesses have fallen into a survival predicament.)

Understanding the nuance of kùnjìng requires recognizing that it is not just about the difficulty itself, but the surrounding circumstances that make escape difficult. It is a spatial metaphor applied to abstract problems. For example, if you lose your keys, that is a 困难 (kùnnán - difficulty). If you lose your keys while in the middle of a desert with a storm approaching, you are in a 困境. The word demands a broader perspective on the situation. It is also common in literature and philosophy to discuss the 'human predicament' (人类的困境), touching upon the inherent struggles of existence.

我们必须团结一致,才能走出目前的困境。 (We must unite as one to walk out of the current predicament.)

In professional settings, kùnjìng is used to describe stagnant projects or markets. A manager might say, 'We are in a competitive predicament' (竞争困境), implying that every move the company makes is countered by a rival, leaving them with no easy options. This word is essential for B1 learners who want to move beyond basic descriptions of problems and start expressing complex environmental or systemic challenges. It provides a more sophisticated way to talk about life's inevitable roadblocks.

Using 困境 correctly involves pairing it with the right verbs. The most common verb used with it is 陷入 (xiànrù - to fall into). This reinforces the idea of the predicament being like a pit or a trap. Conversely, to resolve the situation, one uses 摆脱 (bǎituō - to break away from) or 走出 (zǒuchū - to walk out of). These verbs treat the predicament as a physical space.

Verb Pairing: 陷入 (Fall Into)
Used when the situation becomes difficult, often unexpectedly or due to external forces. Example: '陷入财务困境' (Falling into financial predicament).
Verb Pairing: 摆脱 (Break Away)
Used when actively working to free oneself from the constraints of the situation. Example: '摆脱目前困境的唯一方法' (The only way to break away from the current predicament).

他正在努力寻找摆脱生活困境的出路。 (He is working hard to find a way out to break free from his life predicament.)

Adjectives also play a key role in modifying 困境. You can describe the intensity of the situation using 重重 (chóngchóng - layer upon layer) to mean 'beset with difficulties,' or 尴尬 (gāngà - awkward) to describe a socially difficult position. For instance, '尴尬的困境' (an awkward predicament) might be used if you are invited to two weddings on the same day and can't choose between them. It turns a simple scheduling conflict into a localized dilemma.

面对这种两难的困境,他不知道该如何抉择。 (Facing this catch-22 predicament, he doesn't know how to make a choice.)

Furthermore, 困境 is often used in the context of 'moral dilemmas' (道德困境). This is a frequent topic in Chinese high school essays and university discussions. When debating ethics, students will analyze the 困境 of a character in a story. This usage highlights that the 'trap' isn't just physical or financial, but can be internal and psychological. By mastering these patterns, you can discuss not only what is happening but also the complex constraints governing those events.

The word 困境 is a staple of news media, literature, and formal speeches in the Chinese-speaking world. If you watch CCTV or read the People's Daily, you will encounter this word almost daily. It is the preferred term for discussing large-scale problems that have systemic roots. For example, journalists often talk about the 'predicament of the elderly living alone' (独居老人的困境) or the 'predicament of traditional industries in the digital age' (传统产业在数字时代的困境).

News Media
Headlines use 困境 to summarize complex crises. It sounds more objective and serious than just saying things are 'hard' (难).
Literature and Film
In movie reviews or book analysis, the 'protagonist's predicament' (主角的困境) is a core element of the narrative arc. It is used to describe the internal and external conflicts that drive the plot.

这部电影深刻地展现了现代人在职场中的困境。 (This movie profoundly shows the predicament of modern people in the workplace.)

In everyday conversation, while less common than in writing, it is used when people want to sound serious or when they are reflecting on their lives. A friend might say, 'I've really fallen into a predicament lately' (我最近真的陷入了困境) when they are dealing with a combination of health, work, and family issues. It signals to the listener that the problem is not a simple fix and requires empathy and perhaps deep advice. It is also used in political discourse to describe a 'diplomatic impasse' or 'policy dilemma.'

面对全球气候变化的困境,各国必须加强合作。 (Facing the predicament of global climate change, all countries must strengthen cooperation.)

Furthermore, in the business world, 'breakthrough' (突破) is the natural antonymous action to 困境. You will hear consultants talk about 'breaking the predicament' (突破困境) through innovation. This context is highly motivational. In summary, whether you are reading a high-brow novel, watching the evening news, or listening to a CEO’s keynote speech, 困境 is the word of choice for describing the complex, multi-faceted walls that people and societies run into.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is confusing 困境 (kùnjìng) with 困难 (kùnnán). While both involve difficulty, 困难 is much broader and functions as both a noun and an adjective. You can say 'This task is very difficult' (这个任务很困难), but you cannot say '这个任务很困境.' 困境 is strictly a noun referring to the situation itself, not the degree of difficulty of an action.

Mistake: Using as an Adjective
Incorrect: 我的生活很困境 (My life is very predicament). Correct: 我的生活陷入了困境 (My life has fallen into a predicament).
Mistake: Confusing with 'Dilemma' (两难)
While a 困境 can be a dilemma, a dilemma specifically involving two choices is often called 两难 (liǎngnán). Use 困境 for the overall state of being stuck.

不要把困难等同于困境;前者是阻碍,后者是处境。 (Don't equate 'difficulty' with 'predicament'; the former is an obstacle, the latter is a situation.)

Another mistake is using the wrong verb. Beginners often say 'have a predicament' (有一个困境), which is grammatically okay but sounds unnatural. Native speakers prefer 'be in' or 'fall into' (处于 or 陷入). Also, be careful not to use 困境 for trivial matters. Saying you are in a 困境 because the coffee shop ran out of oat milk sounds overly dramatic and might be interpreted as sarcasm. Reserve it for genuine, complex problems.

由于缺乏资金,这个项目目前处于困境。 (Due to lack of funds, this project is currently in a predicament.)

Lastly, ensure you don't confuse 困境 (kùnjìng) with 窘境 (jiǒngjìng). While very similar, 窘境 leans more towards 'embarrassment' or 'awkwardness.' If you rip your pants at a party, that's a 窘境. If you lose your job and can't pay rent, that's a 困境. Distinguishing these nuances will make your Chinese sound much more native and precise. Remember: 困境 usually implies a serious, often systemic, lack of options.

In Chinese, there are several words that occupy the same semantic space as 困境. Choosing the right one depends on the intensity and the nature of the 'trap.' For instance, 逆境 (nìjìng) refers specifically to 'adversity' or 'unfavorable circumstances'—it's like swimming against the current. 绝境 (juéjìng) is much stronger, meaning a 'dead end' or a 'desperate situation' where there is absolutely no hope.

困境 vs. 困难 (Difficulty)
困难 is a general term for an obstacle. 困境 is the state of being surrounded by obstacles with no clear exit.
困境 vs. 窘境 (Embarrassing Predicament)
窘境 has a nuance of being 'shameful' or 'awkward.' Use it for social blunders or minor financial embarrassments.
困境 vs. 危局 (Dangerous Situation)
危局 emphasizes danger and instability. It is often used in political or military contexts.

逆境中成长,在困境中寻求突破。 (Grow in adversity, seek breakthroughs in predicaments.)

If you want to sound more literary, you can use idioms like 进退两难 (jìntuì liǎngnán), which literally means 'difficult to move forward or backward.' This is a perfect synonym for a dilemma. Another alternative is 泥潭 (nítán), which means 'quagmire' or 'muddy pit.' This is used metaphorically for a situation that is hard to get out of and just keeps pulling you deeper, such as '陷入战争的泥潭' (falling into the quagmire of war).

他用智慧化解了公司的危局。 (He used wisdom to resolve the company's dangerous situation.)

When writing, varying your vocabulary between these terms makes your prose more engaging. Use 困境 as your baseline for serious problems, but upgrade to 绝境 for high-stakes drama, or downgrade to 窘境 for personal anecdotes. This nuanced understanding of 'difficulty' is a hallmark of an advanced learner. By contrasting these words, you show that you understand not just the meaning of the word, but the feeling of the situation being described.

چقدر رسمی است؟

نکته جالب

The character 困 (kùn) is also the word for 'sleepy.' This is because when you are exhausted, you feel 'trapped' by your fatigue. In the context of 困境, it's the 'situation' that traps you rather than sleep.

راهنمای تلفظ

UK /kʊn dʒɪŋ/
US /kʊn dʒɪŋ/
Both syllables carry equal stress as they are both fourth tones, which are inherently strong.
هم‌قافیه با
境 (jìng) rhymes with: 净 (jìng - clean), 竞 (jìng - compete), 敬 (jìng - respect), 静 (jìng - quiet), 镜 (jìng - mirror), 劲 (jìng - strength), 径 (jìng - path), 靖 (jìng - pacify)
خطاهای رایج
  • Pronouncing 'kùn' with a flat tone (kūn), making it sound like 'sleepy' or 'tired' in some dialects.
  • Confusing 'jìng' with 'jìn' (close), losing the 'ng' nasal sound.
  • Pronouncing 'kùn' like 'kun' in 'kung fu' (first tone) instead of the falling fourth tone.
  • Under-emphasizing the falling tone, which makes it sound like a question.
  • Mixing up 'jìng' (situation) with 'jīng' (capital/essence).

سطح دشواری

خواندن 3/5

The characters are relatively simple, but the abstract meaning requires context to fully grasp.

نوشتن 4/5

Writing '境' (jìng) correctly requires attention to the right-hand side components.

صحبت کردن 3/5

Fourth tones are easy to pronounce but must be sharp to avoid sounding like other words.

گوش دادن 3/5

Common in news and movies; easy to recognize once you know the 'kùn' sound.

بعداً چه یاد بگیریم؟

پیش‌نیازها

困难 (kùnnán) 环境 (huánjìng) 陷入 (xiànrù) 摆脱 (bǎituō) 面临 (miànlín)

بعداً یاد بگیرید

窘境 (jiǒngjìng) 逆境 (nìjìng) 绝境 (juéjìng) 突破 (tūpò) 化解 (huàjiě)

پیشرفته

进退维谷 (jìntuì wéigǔ) 束手无策 (shùshǒu wúcè) 山穷水尽 (shānqióng shuǐjìn) 囚徒困境 (qiútú kùnjìng) 存在主义 (cúnzài zhǔyì)

گرامر لازم

Noun as Object of '陷入' (xiànrù)

他陷入了(困境)。 (He fell into a predicament.)

Noun modified by '重重' (chóngchóng)

(重重)困境让他很累。 (Layer upon layer of predicaments made him tired.)

Using '在...中' (zài...zhōng) for state

他在(困境中)学到了很多。 (He learned a lot while in a predicament.)

Abstract Noun + '的' (de) + 困境

道德(的)困境。 (A moral predicament.)

Resultative Verb '走出' (zǒuchū)

他们终于(走出了)困境。 (They finally walked out of the predicament.)

مثال‌ها بر اساس سطح

1

他有一个很大的困境。

He has a very big predicament.

A1 learners use simple 'Subject + Verb + Object' structure.

2

在困境中,我们要努力。

In a predicament, we must work hard.

Using '在...中' to indicate being inside a situation.

3

这个困境很难。

This predicament is very hard.

Simple adjective use, though '困难' is more common here.

4

我不喜欢这个困境。

I do not like this predicament.

Basic negation with '不'.

5

谁能帮我走出困境?

Who can help me walk out of the predicament?

Introduction of the verb '走出' (walk out).

6

妈妈在困境中笑了。

Mom smiled in the predicament.

Adding a subject and a verb to the 'in predicament' phrase.

7

这个小猫在困境里。

This kitten is in a predicament.

Using '里' (inside) instead of '中'.

8

我们一起面对困境。

We face the predicament together.

Using '一起' (together) + verb.

1

如果你在困境中,请告诉我。

If you are in a predicament, please tell me.

Conditional '如果...请...' structure.

2

他陷入了生活的困境。

He fell into a predicament in life.

Using the common verb '陷入' (to fall into).

3

这个公司正面临困境。

This company is currently facing a predicament.

Using '面临' (to face) + noun.

4

我们要想办法走出困境。

We need to think of a way to walk out of the predicament.

'想办法' (think of a way) + verb phrase.

5

虽然有困境,但他不放弃。

Although there is a predicament, he does not give up.

Concessive '虽然...但...' structure.

6

朋友帮他摆脱了困境。

A friend helped him break out of the predicament.

Using '摆脱' (to break out/get rid of).

7

他的困境是因为没钱。

His predicament is because of no money.

Using '是因为' (is because) to explain cause.

8

面对困境,他很冷静。

Facing the predicament, he is very calm.

Using '面对' as a prepositional phrase at the start.

1

许多大学生毕业后面临就业困境。

Many university students face an employment predicament after graduation.

Specific noun phrase: '就业困境' (employment predicament).

2

政府正在努力解决农民的困境。

The government is working hard to solve the farmers' predicament.

Using '解决' (to solve) with '困境'.

3

陷入这种困境,他感到非常无奈。

Falling into this kind of predicament, he feels very helpless.

Using '感到' (to feel) + adjective.

4

我们必须找到摆脱困境的有效方法。

We must find an effective method to break out of the predicament.

Using '有效方法' (effective method) as a modifier.

5

这种经济困境影响了全球市场。

This economic predicament affected the global market.

Subject is a specific type of predicament.

6

他在职场中遇到了前所未有的困境。

He encountered an unprecedented predicament in the workplace.

Using the idiom '前所未有' (unprecedented) as a modifier.

7

只有通过创新,才能走出目前的困境。

Only through innovation can we walk out of the current predicament.

'只有...才...' (only if... then...) structure.

8

这部小说描述了一个家庭的生存困境。

This novel describes the survival predicament of a family.

Using '描述' (to describe) in a literary context.

1

这种两难的困境让他整夜难眠。

This catch-22 predicament kept him awake all night.

Using '两难' (difficult choices) to describe the predicament.

2

由于市场饱和,公司陷入了竞争困境。

Due to market saturation, the company fell into a competitive predicament.

Using '由于' (due to) to explain a complex cause.

3

他试图通过法律手段摆脱目前的困境。

He tried to break out of the current predicament through legal means.

Using '通过...手段' (through... means).

4

这种文化困境是全球化带来的副作用。

This cultural predicament is a side effect brought by globalization.

Using '副作用' (side effect) in a sociological context.

5

教育制度的困境需要全社会的关注。

The predicament of the education system requires the attention of the whole society.

Subject-Object relationship: 'System's predicament'.

6

面对道德困境,他选择了诚实。

Facing a moral predicament, he chose honesty.

Abstract usage: '道德困境' (moral dilemma).

7

虽然身处困境,但他依然保持乐观。

Although in a predicament, he still remains optimistic.

Using '身处' (to find oneself in) as a formal version of '在'.

8

这个政策旨在帮助小企业走出困境。

This policy aims to help small businesses walk out of their predicaments.

Using '旨在' (aimed at) in a formal context.

1

人类面临着资源枯竭和环境恶化的双重困境。

Humanity is facing the dual predicament of resource depletion and environmental degradation.

Using '双重' (dual/double) to modify predicament.

2

该学说陷入了逻辑上的困境,难以自圆其说。

The theory fell into a logical predicament, making it hard to justify itself.

Using '难以自圆其说' (hard to make one's case consistent).

3

为了突破思维困境,我们需要跨学科的交流。

To break through the thinking predicament, we need interdisciplinary exchange.

Using '跨学科' (interdisciplinary) as a solution.

4

这篇文章深刻剖析了现代知识分子的精神困境。

This article deeply analyzes the spiritual predicament of modern intellectuals.

Using '剖析' (to dissect/analyze deeply).

5

在外交困境中,妥协有时是必要的策略。

In a diplomatic predicament, compromise is sometimes a necessary strategy.

Using '妥协' (compromise) as a noun/verb.

6

这种制度性的困境并非一朝一夕能够改变的。

This institutional predicament cannot be changed overnight.

Using the idiom '一朝一夕' (a short time).

7

他用寓言的形式揭示了社会底层的生存困境。

He used the form of an allegory to reveal the survival predicament of the lower classes.

Using '揭示' (to reveal/unveil).

8

面对技术瓶颈带来的困境,研发团队感到了巨大压力。

Facing the predicament brought by technical bottlenecks, the R&D team felt immense pressure.

Using '瓶颈' (bottleneck) as a cause.

1

作者笔下的角色往往在伦理与情感的困境中挣扎。

The characters under the author's pen often struggle within the predicament of ethics and emotion.

Using '笔下' (under the pen) to refer to writing style.

2

这种结构性的财政困境,反映了深层次的体制矛盾。

This structural financial predicament reflects deep-seated institutional contradictions.

Using '深层次' (deep-seated) and '矛盾' (contradiction).

3

在全球化退潮的背景下,中小国家面临着严峻的地缘政治困境。

In the context of the ebbing tide of globalization, small and medium-sized countries face a severe geopolitical predicament.

Using '全球化退潮' (globalization ebbing).

4

该项研究旨在探究人类在面对死亡时的存在主义困境。

The study aims to explore the existential predicament of humans when facing death.

Using '存在主义' (existentialism).

5

他试图在传统与现代之间寻找平衡,以化解身份认同的困境。

He tries to find a balance between tradition and modernity to resolve the predicament of identity recognition.

Using '化解' (to dissolve/resolve) + '身份认同' (identity).

6

这种法律困境的出现,凸显了现有立法滞后于社会发展的问题。

The emergence of this legal predicament highlights the problem that existing legislation lags behind social development.

Using '凸显' (to highlight) and '滞后' (to lag behind).

7

面对能源转型的困境,许多依赖化石燃料的国家感到步履维艰。

Facing the predicament of energy transition, many countries dependent on fossil fuels feel they are walking on thin ice.

Using the idiom '步履维艰' (difficult to move forward).

8

资本主义的内在逻辑往往会导致周期性的经济困境。

The internal logic of capitalism often leads to cyclical economic predicaments.

Using '内在逻辑' (internal logic) and '周期性' (cyclical).

مترادف‌ها

境地 难关 危机 僵局

متضادها

ترکیب‌های رایج

陷入困境
摆脱困境
走出困境
面临困境
财务困境
道德困境
生存困境
陷入重重困境
身处困境
化解困境

عبارات رایج

处于困境

— To be in a predicament. It describes the current state of a person or entity.

他们目前正处于困境之中。

摆脱目前的困境

— To get out of the current difficult situation. It focuses on the action of escaping.

这是摆脱目前困境的唯一办法。

陷入重重困境

— To be deeply mired in difficulties. '重重' adds intensity.

由于战争,那个国家陷入了重重困境。

走出经济困境

— To recover from financial troubles. Often used in economic news.

国家正在采取措施走出经济困境。

面对这种困境

— Facing this kind of situation. Used to introduce a reaction or decision.

面对这种困境,我们不能退缩。

生活困境

— Hardships in daily life. Usually refers to poverty or personal crises.

他从小就生活在困境中。

精神困境

— Spiritual or mental predicament. Used in psychological or literary contexts.

这部电影探讨了现代人的精神困境。

外交困境

— Diplomatic predicament. Used in international relations.

政府正努力应对当前的外交困境。

摆脱生存困境

— To escape a situation where survival is at risk.

难民们渴望摆脱生存困境。

陷入两难困境

— To fall into a dilemma where both choices are difficult.

他陷入了两难困境,不知道该选哪一个。

اغلب اشتباه گرفته می‌شود با

困境 vs 困难 (kùnnán)

困难 is 'difficulty' (adjective/noun). 困境 is 'predicament' (noun only). You can have a 'difficult task' (困难的任务), but you are in a 'predicament' (处于困境).

困境 vs 窘境 (jiǒngjìng)

窘境 implies embarrassment or awkwardness. 困境 is more about being trapped or having a serious problem.

困境 vs 逆境 (nìjìng)

逆境 is adversity or 'bad luck.' It focuses on the external forces working against you, like a strong wind.

اصطلاحات و عبارات

"进退两难"

— To be in a dilemma where it's hard to move forward or back. A perfect synonym for a situational predicament.

这件事让他进退两难。

Neutral
"进退维谷"

— A more formal and literary version of '进退两难,' describing a difficult situation with no exit.

公司目前处于进退维谷的困境。

Formal
"四面楚歌"

— Surrounded by enemies on all sides; to be in a desperate and isolated predicament.

他在公司里已经到了四面楚歌的地步。

Literary
"走投无路"

— To be at the end of one's rope; to have no way out of a predicament.

他被逼得走投无路,只好求助于朋友。

Neutral
"山穷水尽"

— At the end of one's resources; in a desperate predicament.

虽然已经山穷水尽,但他依然抱有希望。

Literary
"束手无策"

— To be at one's wit's end; to be helpless in a predicament.

面对这个问题,大家都束手无策。

Neutral
"雪上加霜"

— To have one disaster after another; making a predicament even worse.

生病又丢了工作,真是雪上加霜。

Neutral
"如履薄冰"

— Like walking on thin ice; describing the feeling of being in a precarious predicament.

他现在的处境如履薄冰。

Literary
"釜底抽薪"

— To take a drastic measure to solve a predicament at its root.

这个办法是釜底抽薪,能彻底解决困境。

Literary
"绝处逢生"

— To find a way out of a desperate predicament; a unexpected rescue.

他在绝处逢生,找到了投资人。

Literary

به‌راحتی اشتباه گرفته می‌شود

困境 vs 处境 (chǔjìng)

Both end in 'jìng' and refer to a situation.

处境 is neutral and just means 'situation' or 'circumstances.' It can be good or bad. 困境 is always bad.

他的处境很危险。 (His situation is dangerous.)

困境 vs 绝境 (juéjìng)

Both refer to difficult situations.

绝境 is far more extreme. It means a 'dead end' with no hope. 困境 is a difficult spot, but there is usually a way out.

在绝境中,他感到了绝望。 (In a dead end, he felt despair.)

困境 vs 困扰 (kùnrǎo)

Both start with 'kùn'.

困扰 is a verb meaning 'to bother' or 'to haunt.' 困境 is a noun meaning the situation itself.

这个问题一直困扰着我。 (This problem has been bothering me.)

困境 vs 窘迫 (jiǒngpò)

Both describe being in a tight spot.

窘迫 is often an adjective meaning 'poverty-stricken' or 'socially embarrassed.' 困境 is a noun for the situation.

他的生活非常窘迫。 (His life is very poverty-stricken.)

困境 vs 难题 (nántí)

Both involve difficulty.

难题 is a specific 'problem' or 'puzzle' to be solved. 困境 is the 'state' of being in trouble.

这是一个很难解决的难题。 (This is a very difficult problem to solve.)

الگوهای جمله‌سازی

A2

他在困境中。

他在困境中。

B1

陷入了...的困境

公司陷入了财务的困境。

B1

摆脱...的困境

他想摆脱生活的困境。

B2

面对...的困境,有人...

面对就业的困境,有人选择创业。

B2

处于...困境之中

他正处于道德困境之中。

C1

这种...困境反映了...

这种精神困境反映了社会的变迁。

C1

为了化解困境,...

为了化解困境,政府出台了新政策。

C2

深陷...困境而不能自拔

他深陷感情困境而不能自拔。

خانواده کلمه

اسم‌ها

困扰 (kùnrǎo - trouble/perplexity)
困乏 (kùnfá - fatigue)
境遇 (jìngyù - circumstances)
环境 (huánjìng - environment)

فعل‌ها

困 (kùn - to trap/to be stranded)
困住 (kùnzhù - to trap securely)
围困 (wéikùn - to besiege)

صفت‌ها

困苦 (kùnkǔ - miserable/hardship)
困难 (kùnnán - difficult)
窘迫 (jiǒngpò - poverty-stricken/embarrassed)

مرتبط

处境 (chǔjìng - situation)
窘境 (jiǒngjìng - predicament)
绝境 (juéjìng - desperate situation)
逆境 (nìjìng - adversity)
两难 (liǎngnán - dilemma)

نحوه استفاده

frequency

Very common in written Chinese and formal spoken Chinese; moderate in casual conversation.

اشتباهات رایج
  • 我很困境。 我处于困境中。

    You cannot use 困境 as an adjective. It is a noun.

  • 一个困境的任务。 一个困难的任务。

    Tasks are 'difficult' (困难), not 'predicaments' (困境).

  • 他困境了。 他陷入了困境。

    困境 cannot be used as a verb meaning 'to be in a predicament.'

  • 我有困境。 我遇到了困境。

    While '我有' is okay, '我遇到了' (I encountered) or '我处于' (I am in) is much more natural.

  • 这真是个困境的笑话。 这真是个尴尬的笑话。

    If a joke is awkward, use 尴尬 (gāngà), not 困境.

نکات

Pair with 陷入

Always remember the verb 陷入 (xiànrù). It's the most natural way to say you've 'fallen into' a predicament.

Noun Only

Never use 困境 as an adjective. If you want to say something is 'predicament-like,' you have to rephrase it.

Use in Essays

Use this word in the introduction of an essay to describe the problem you are analyzing. It sounds professional.

News Keywords

When you hear 经济 (economy) or 外交 (diplomacy), listen for 困境 immediately after to hear what the problem is.

Tree in a Box

Visualize the character 困 (tree in a box) whenever you think of the word. It perfectly captures the meaning.

Tone Accuracy

The double fourth tone (falling-falling) gives the word a sense of finality and gravity. Practice saying it sharply.

Philosophical Weight

Understand that in China, talking about 困境 often leads to a discussion about wisdom and perseverance.

Context Clues

If you see 困境, look for the 'way out' (出路) mentioned later in the text.

Synonym Swap

Try swapping 困境 with 逆境 in your mind to see if the sentence is about 'being trapped' or just 'facing bad luck.'

Move Beyond A1

Replacing '很难' with '陷入困境' is a great way to show you are reaching the B1/B2 level.

حفظ کنید

روش یادسپاری

Think of the character 困 (kùn). It's a tree (木) in a box (口). A tree in a box can't grow. It's in a trap. Now add 境 (jìng), which means 'environment.' So, 困境 is a 'trapped environment'—a predicament.

تداعی تصویری

Imagine a tall green tree trying to grow inside a small wooden crate. The branches are bent, and it has no room to expand. This is the visual essence of being in a 困境.

شبکه واژگان

陷入 (Fall into) 摆脱 (Break out) 走出 (Walk out) 面临 (Face) 经济 (Economic) 道德 (Moral) 摆脱 (Get rid of) 化解 (Resolve)

چالش

Try to write three sentences using 困境 with three different verbs: 陷入, 面临, and 走出. This will solidify your understanding of how it functions as a noun in different stages of a problem.

ریشه کلمه

The character 困 (kùn) dates back to the Oracle Bone Script. It consists of '口' (an enclosure) and '木' (a tree). A tree inside a box cannot grow, signifying being trapped or limited. The character 境 (jìng) combines '土' (earth/land) and '竟' (end/boundary), referring to the borders of a territory or a state of being.

معنای اصلی: Originally, 困 referred to being stranded or exhausted, and 境 referred to a physical border. Together, they formed 'a difficult situation within a certain boundary.'

Sino-Tibetan

بافت فرهنگی

Avoid using 困境 for trivial things like 'I can't find my shoes.' It can sound mocking or overly dramatic. Use it for genuine struggles.

English speakers often say 'I'm in a pickle' or 'in a jam.' 困境 is much more formal and serious, closer to 'predicament' or 'crisis.'

The 'Prisoner's Dilemma' is translated as '囚徒困境' (Qiútú Kùnjìng) in Chinese game theory. The movie 'The Martian' is often discussed in Chinese as a story of 'survival in a predicament' (生存困境). Confucius once said that a gentleman remains firm in a predicament (君子固穷), using the root character '穷' which relates to the sense of 困境.

تمرین در زندگی واقعی

موقعیت‌های واقعی

Financial/Business

  • 资金困境 (Capital predicament)
  • 债务困境 (Debt predicament)
  • 市场困境 (Market predicament)
  • 破产困境 (Bankruptcy predicament)

Ethical/Moral

  • 良心困境 (Conscience predicament)
  • 道德抉择 (Moral choice)
  • 伦理困境 (Ethical predicament)
  • 两难境地 (Dilemma situation)

Personal Life

  • 感情困境 (Emotional predicament)
  • 中年困境 (Mid-life predicament)
  • 生活压力 (Life pressure)
  • 寻找出路 (Finding a way out)

Politics/Global

  • 地缘政治困境 (Geopolitical predicament)
  • 外交僵局 (Diplomatic deadlock)
  • 政策困境 (Policy predicament)
  • 全球困境 (Global predicament)

Academic/Theory

  • 逻辑困境 (Logical predicament)
  • 理论困境 (Theoretical predicament)
  • 思维定式 (Thinking set/rut)
  • 学术困境 (Academic predicament)

شروع‌کننده‌های مکالمه

"你觉得目前年轻人面临最大的困境是什么? (What do you think is the biggest predicament facing young people today?)"

"如果你陷入了经济困境,你会首先向谁求助? (If you fell into an economic predicament, who would you ask for help first?)"

"你曾经是如何走出生活中的困境的? (How did you walk out of a predicament in your life before?)"

"在电影里,你最喜欢看主角如何解决困境? (In movies, how do you like to see the protagonist solve a predicament?)"

"你认为道德困境在现实生活中常见吗? (Do you think moral dilemmas are common in real life?)"

موضوعات نگارش

描述一次你感到‘进退两难’的困境,以及你是如何做决定的。 (Describe a time you felt in a 'no-win' predicament and how you made a decision.)

如果一个公司陷入了严重的财务困境,你认为领导者最应该做的一件事是什么? (If a company falls into a serious financial predicament, what is the one thing you think the leader should do most?)

谈谈你对‘人类困境’这个词的理解。它让你想到了什么? (Talk about your understanding of the term 'human predicament.' What does it make you think of?)

写一封信给处于困境中的朋友,给他们一些鼓励和建议。 (Write a letter to a friend in a predicament, giving them some encouragement and advice.)

分析一个你读过的故事,讨论主角面临的困境及其意义。 (Analyze a story you've read and discuss the predicament the protagonist faces and its significance.)

سوالات متداول

10 سوال

No. 困境 is a noun, not an adjective. You should say '我处于困境中' (I am in a predicament) or '我的处境很困难' (My situation is difficult).

困难 (kùnnán) means 'difficulty' and can be used for any hard task (e.g., hard homework). 困境 (kùnjìng) is a 'predicament'—a complex situation where you feel trapped or stuck. Think of 困难 as an obstacle and 困境 as a trap.

Yes, it is relatively formal. While you can use it in conversation, it is most common in news, literature, and business. In very casual speech, people might just say '我遇到麻烦了' (I'm in trouble).

No, it is exclusively negative. It always refers to a difficult, unpleasant, or challenging predicament.

The most common are 陷入 (fall into), 摆脱 (break out of), 走出 (walk out of), 面临 (face), and 处于 (be in).

No, like all Chinese nouns, it doesn't change for plural. Context tells you if there's one or more predicaments.

You can, but 窘境 (jiǒngjìng) is better for that. 困境 sounds more serious, like a life or business crisis.

You say '道德困境' (dàodé kùnjìng).

No. Although 困 can mean 'sleepy,' in this word it uses its original meaning of 'trapped' or 'surrounded.'

Yes, it's very common and positive. It means to successfully overcome a difficult period.

خودت رو بسنج 200 سوال

writing

Write a sentence using '陷入' and '困境' to describe a company's money problems.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Translate: 'We must find a way to walk out of the predicament.'

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Use '道德困境' in a sentence about a doctor.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Translate: 'Facing the predicament, he remained very calm.'

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about how innovation helps a business escape a predicament.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Translate: 'The novel describes the survival predicament of the family.'

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Use '处于...之中' with '困境' in a sentence.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Translate: 'How can we break away from our current predicament?'

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence about 'employment predicament' (就业困境) for graduates.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Translate: 'This is a logical predicament.'

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Use '化解' and '困境' in a sentence about diplomacy.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Translate: 'He fell into a predicament after losing his job.'

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence about 'spiritual predicament' (精神困境).

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Translate: 'Only by working together can we overcome the predicament.'

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Use '前所未有' to modify '困境'.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Translate: 'The predicament of the elderly living alone needs attention.'

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Write a sentence using '身处' and '困境'.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Translate: 'We are in a catch-22 predicament.'

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Use '摆脱' in a sentence about a debt predicament.

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
writing

Translate: 'The project is currently in a predicament due to lack of funds.'

خوب نوشتید! تلاش خوبی بود! پاسخ نمونه را ببینید.

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Pronounce '困境' out loud. Focus on the fourth tones.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'I have fallen into a predicament' in Chinese.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'Let's walk out of this predicament together' in Chinese.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Explain the character '困' in Chinese or English.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'This is a moral dilemma' in Chinese.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Say 'Facing the predicament, we need to be calm' in Chinese.

این را بلند بخوانید:

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speaking

Use '摆脱' and '困境' in a sentence about a job.

این را بلند بخوانید:

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speaking

Say 'Economic predicament' in Chinese.

این را بلند بخوانید:

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speaking

Say 'He is in a predicament' using '处于'.

این را بلند بخوانید:

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speaking

Describe a time you were in a predicament using the word '困境'.

این را بلند بخوانید:

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speaking

Say 'Unprecedented predicament' in Chinese.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
speaking

Explain the difference between 困境 and 困难 in Chinese.

این را بلند بخوانید:

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speaking

Say 'Break through the thinking predicament' in Chinese.

این را بلند بخوانید:

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speaking

Say 'Survival predicament' in Chinese.

این را بلند بخوانید:

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speaking

Say 'Walk out of the predicament through innovation' in Chinese.

این را بلند بخوانید:

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speaking

Say 'The predicament of the elderly' in Chinese.

این را بلند بخوانید:

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speaking

Say 'Diplomatic predicament' in Chinese.

این را بلند بخوانید:

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speaking

Say 'Falling into a catch-22 predicament' in Chinese.

این را بلند بخوانید:

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speaking

Say 'Spiritual predicament of modern people' in Chinese.

این را بلند بخوانید:

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speaking

Say 'Resolve the predicament' in Chinese using '化解'.

این را بلند بخوانید:

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '由于资金短缺,项目陷入了困境。' What caused the predicament?

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '他正在努力摆脱生活的困境。' What is he trying to do?

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '面对困境,我们不能退缩。' What should we not do?

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '这是一个严重的道德困境。' What kind of predicament is it?

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '创新是走出困境的唯一出路。' What is the only way out?

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '他陷入了两难的困境。' How many choices make it difficult?

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '公司正面临生存困境。' What kind of predicament is the company facing?

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '经过努力,他终于走出了困境。' Did he succeed in escaping?

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '我们要共同面对目前的困境。' How should we face it?

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '这种困境反映了深层次的社会问题。' What does the predicament reflect?

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '他试图化解外交困境。' What is he trying to do?

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '身处困境时要保持冷静。' What should one maintain?

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '这篇文章讨论了现代人的精神困境。' What is the topic?

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '许多毕业生面临就业困境。' Who is facing the predicament?

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
listening

Listen to the sentence: '他深陷债务泥潭。' What is the metaphorical predicament?

درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:
درسته! نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح:

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