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B2 adjective 12 min de lecture

坎坷

kanke

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 坎坷 en 30 secondes

Explication 坎坷 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '坎坷' (kǎnkě) yet. It is a bit too difficult. However, you can understand the basic idea. Think of a road that is not smooth. In English, we say 'bumpy'. In Chinese, when you walk on a road with many holes and rocks, that road is 'kǎnkě'. For now, just remember that 'kǎn' and 'kě' both have the 'earth' radical (土), which looks like a small cross with a line at the bottom. This radical tells you the word is about the ground. You usually learn '难' (nán - hard) first. '坎坷' is just a very specific, more advanced way to say a path or a life is 'hard' because it has many ups and downs.

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By A2, you are starting to learn more descriptive words. '坎坷' (kǎnkě) is an adjective you might see in stories. It means 'bumpy' or 'rough'. You can use it to describe a road: '这条路很坎坷' (This road is very bumpy). But most Chinese people use it to talk about life. If someone has a lot of problems, like losing a job or getting sick, their life is '坎坷'. It’s a bit like the English phrase 'a rocky road'. Even if you don't use it in speaking, try to recognize it when you read about people's lives in your textbooks. Remember the pronunciation: both are 3rd tones, but the first one sounds like a 2nd tone when you say them together (kán kě).

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At the B1 level, you should begin to distinguish between literal and figurative meanings. '坎坷' (kǎnkě) is primarily used figuratively to describe a person's life, career, or experiences. When you describe someone's journey as '坎坷', you are showing that you understand their struggles. It is common to say '坎坷的人生' (a rough life) or '经历坎坷' (to go through hardships). You might notice that it's more formal than '辛苦' (xīnkǔ - laborious) or '困难' (kùnnán - difficult). It suggests that the difficulties are part of a larger path. In your writing, try using it when discussing the biography of a famous person or a character in a movie who has faced many obstacles.

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At B2, you are expected to use '坎坷' (kǎnkě) correctly in formal writing and discussions. You should understand that it doesn't just mean 'difficult'; it implies a series of setbacks or an uneven path. It is often used to describe the 'fate' (命运 - mìngyùn) or 'career' (事业 - shìyè) of a person. You should also be able to distinguish it from '崎岖' (qíqū), which is specifically for steep, winding mountain paths. A key part of B2 mastery is using collocations like '坎坷不平' (uneven/rough) or '半生坎坷' (half a life of struggle). You should also feel comfortable using it to express empathy in serious conversations about someone's past challenges.

For C1 learners, '坎坷' (kǎnkě) should be a natural part of your literary and formal vocabulary. You should appreciate the word's ability to create a vivid metaphor of life as a journey over difficult terrain. At this level, you can use it to analyze literature—for example, discussing how a poet's '坎坷' life influenced their writing style. You should also be aware of its usage in idiomatic or near-idiomatic four-character structures. You can use it to describe abstract concepts, such as the 'rough road' of a country's economic reform or the 'bumpy' history of a scientific discovery. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the word's gravity and its somewhat tragic, yet resilient, emotional tone.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of '坎坷' (kǎnkě). You understand its etymological roots and its place in the history of the Chinese language. You can use it with precision to distinguish between different types of adversity. You might use it in a scholarly essay to describe the 'socio-political bumps' of a specific dynasty. You are also sensitive to the rhythmic properties of the word in prose and poetry. You can use it ironically or with deep nuance in complex rhetorical situations. You understand that while '坎坷' describes the bumps, the true focus of the word is often the person who is enduring them, highlighting a very Chinese perspective on the relationship between suffering and character development.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

坎坷 en 30 secondes

坎坷 (kǎnkě) literally means a bumpy, uneven road filled with pits, but it is much more commonly used to describe a life or career full of hardships.
It is a formal adjective, often used in literature and biographies to describe someone's difficult fate or the 'rocky road' to achieving a goal or success.
The word consists of two third-tone characters, both containing the earth radical (土), emphasizing the physical origin of the metaphor of ground that is hard to walk on.
Commonly paired with words like '人生' (life), '命运' (fate), or '道路' (road), it conveys a sense of sustained struggle and the resilience required to overcome it.

The word 坎坷 (kǎnkě) is a deeply evocative Chinese adjective that operates on two distinct planes of meaning: the literal and the metaphorical. At its most basic level, it describes a physical surface, specifically a road or path, that is uneven, pitted, and difficult to traverse. When you look at the characters, both contain the 'earth' radical (土 - tǔ), which immediately anchors the word in the physical world of soil, rocks, and terrain. However, in modern Mandarin, the literal usage is far less common than its figurative application. Most often, you will encounter kǎnkě used to describe a person's life journey, career path, or romantic history. It suggests a life filled with setbacks, misfortunes, and obstacles—much like a traveler struggling to maintain their balance on a road full of deep ruts and sharp stones.

Literal Application: Used to describe physical terrain that is not smooth. While '崎岖' (qíqū) is more common for mountain paths, '坎坷' emphasizes the presence of pits and bumps that make movement jerky and unstable.
Metaphorical Application: This is the dominant usage. It describes a 'bumpy' fate or destiny. It is the go-to word when discussing the life of a person who has faced constant struggle but often implies a sense of resilience or a narrative of eventual triumph over those hardships.

他的半生非常坎坷，但他从未放弃过梦想。(Tā de bànshēng fēicháng kǎnkě, dàn tā cóngwèi fàngqìguò mèngxiǎng.)

Translation: The first half of his life was very rough, but he never gave up on his dreams.

In Chinese culture, the concept of a 'smooth' life (一帆风顺 - yì fān fēng shùn) is the ultimate blessing. Therefore, describing someone's life as kǎnkě is a heavy statement. It evokes a sense of sympathy and gravity. It is not just about a single bad day; it is about a sustained period of difficulty. You might hear this word in a documentary about a famous artist who struggled in poverty for decades, or in a conversation about a friend who has dealt with illness, job loss, and family tragedy in quick succession.

这条山路极其坎坷，普通的轿车很难通行。(Zhè tiáo shānlù jíqí kǎnkě, pǔtōng de jiàochē hěn nán tōngxíng.)

Translation: This mountain road is extremely bumpy; ordinary cars have a hard time passing through.

When using this word, it is important to note its formal register. You won't typically hear teenagers using it to describe a difficult video game level. Instead, it belongs in literature, formal speeches, biographical writing, and serious heart-to-heart conversations. It carries a weight that more casual words like '难' (nán - hard) or '累' (lèi - tiring) lack. It suggests that the difficulties are structural or fated, rather than just temporary inconveniences.

Common Collocations

坎坷的人生 (kǎnkě de rénshēng): A bumpy/rough life.
经历坎坷 (jīnglì kǎnkě): To experience hardships.
命运坎坷 (mìngyùn kǎnkě): A troubled fate.

虽然创业之路充满坎坷，但他依然信心百倍。(Suīrán chuàngyè zhī lù chōngmǎn kǎnkě, dàn tā yīrán xìnxīn bǎibèi.)

Translation: Although the road to starting a business is full of bumps, he remains full of confidence.

Mastering 坎坷 (kǎnkě) requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. As an adjective, it can function as a predicate (coming after a subject), an attributive (modifying a noun), or even as a noun itself in certain contexts to mean 'hardships'. Because it is a two-syllable adjective, it often follows the adverb '非常' (fēicháng - very) or '十分' (shífēn - extremely) to emphasize the severity of the situation.

Structure 1: Subject + (Degree Adverb) + 坎坷: This is the simplest way to use the word. You are stating that a path or a life is bumpy.
Example: 他的求学之路很坎坷。 (His journey of seeking education was very rough.)
Structure 2: 坎坷的 + Noun: Here, it acts as a modifier. This is extremely common in storytelling and biographies.
Example: 这是一个坎坷的故事。 (This is a story of many ups and downs.)

在那个动荡的年代，许多文人的命运都十分坎坷。(Zài nàge dòngdàng de niándài, xǔduō wénrén de mìngyùn dōu shífēn kǎnkě.)

Translation: During that turbulent era, the fates of many intellectuals were extremely rough.

A more advanced way to use the word is in the four-character phrase “坎坷不平” (kǎnkě bù píng). This phrase specifically emphasizes the unevenness of a surface or the injustice/irregularity of a situation. When you use all four characters, the tone becomes even more formal and descriptive.

走过这段坎坷的小路，你就能看到那片美丽的湖泊。(Zǒuguò zhè duàn kǎnkě de xiǎolù, nǐ jiù néng kàndào nà piàn měilì de húpò.)

Translation: After walking through this bumpy trail, you will be able to see that beautiful lake.

In literary contexts, kǎnkě can be used to describe the emotional state or the 'feeling' of a period. It implies a sense of exhaustion and struggle. It is often paired with verbs like '经历' (jīnglì - to experience) or '充满' (chōngmǎn - to be full of). This creates a vivid image of a person navigating a landscape of troubles.

Common Sentence Patterns

路途坎坷 (lùtú kǎnkě): The journey is rough. (Can be used for a literal hike or a figurative career path).
一生坎坷 (yìshēng kǎnkě): A life of hardships. (Often used in eulogies or biographies).
情路坎坷 (qínglù kǎnkě): A rough road in love. (Used when someone has had many failed relationships).

虽然他的职场生涯起步坎坷，但他凭借努力最终获得了成功。(Suīrán tā de zhíchǎng shēngyá qǐbù kǎnkě, dàn tā píngjiè nǔlì zuìzhōng huòdéle chénggōng.)

Translation: Although his professional career had a rough start, he eventually achieved success through hard work.

If you are traveling in China, you might not hear 坎坷 (kǎnkě) in a bustling Starbucks or a shopping mall. It is a word of substance and reflection. However, it is ubiquitous in several specific domains of Chinese life and media. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp the 'soul' of the word.

1. Biographies and Documentaries: Whenever a narrator describes the life of a historical figure or a modern-day hero, '坎坷' is almost guaranteed to appear. It frames the struggle. For instance, in a documentary about Tu Youyou (the Nobel prize winner), the narrator might say her research path was '坎坷'.
2. News and Editorial Pieces: In editorials discussing social issues or the development of a specific industry (like the 'rough road' of China's space program), '坎坷' is used to add gravity and acknowledge the difficulties overcome.

这部电影讲述了一个孤儿如何度过他坎坷的童年。(Zhè bù diànyǐng jiǎngshùle yīgè gū'ér rúhé dùguò tā kǎnkě de tóngnián.)

Translation: This movie tells the story of how an orphan lived through his rough childhood.

You will also find this word in the lyrics of Mandopop songs. Songwriters love kǎnkě because it rhymes well and carries an emotional punch. It is often used to describe the difficulties of maintaining a long-distance relationship or the pain of unrequited love. In these cases, it leans heavily into the 'bumpy road' metaphor.

面对坎坷的人生，我们应该保持乐观的心态。(Miànduì kǎnkě de rénshēng, wǒmen yīnggāi bǎochí lèguān de xīntài.)

Translation: Facing a rough life, we should maintain an optimistic attitude.

In traditional Chinese literature and modern novels, kǎnkě is a staple. It is used to describe the 'bumpy' careers of officials who were exiled (a common theme in Chinese history). If you read about the life of the poet Su Shi, you will frequently see the word kǎnkě used to describe his political career, which was full of promotions and sudden banishments.

3. Personal Heart-to-Hearts: When an older person gives advice to a younger person, they might say: 'I know your road right now is kǎnkě, but keep going.' It is a word used to show empathy and shared understanding of life's inherent difficulties.

虽然路途坎坷，但前方的风景一定很美。(Suīrán lùtú kǎnkě, dàn qiánfāng de fēngjǐng yīdìng hěn měi.)

Translation: Although the journey is rough, the scenery ahead must be beautiful.

While 坎坷 (kǎnkě) is a powerful word, it is easy to misuse if you don't understand its specific nuances compared to other words for 'difficulty'. Here are the most common pitfalls learners encounter.

Mistake 1: Confusing '坎坷' with '崎岖' (qíqū): This is the most common error. Both describe physical paths. However, '崎岖' (qíqū) specifically refers to mountain paths that are steep and winding. '坎坷' (kǎnkě) refers to ground that is uneven and full of pits. More importantly, '崎岖' is almost always literal, while '坎坷' is usually metaphorical. You wouldn't say your 'life is qíqū', but you would say it is 'kǎnkě'.
Mistake 2: Using it for 'Difficult Tasks': '坎坷' describes a state of existence or a journey, not a specific task. If a math problem is hard, you say it is '难' (nán). You cannot say '这个数学题很坎坷'. That would sound like the math problem has had a very tragic life story!

Incorrect: 我的作业很坎坷。(Wǒ de zuòyè hěn kǎnkě.)
Correct: 我的生活很坎坷。(Wǒ de shēnghuó hěn kǎnkě.)

Note: Homework is a task; life is a journey.

Another nuance is the 'scope' of the word. Kǎnkě implies a series of bumps. If you had one bad thing happen, it's not kǎnkě. If you lost your keys, that's just an '意外' (yìwài - accident). Use kǎnkě when there is a pattern of struggle. It's a macroscopic word, not a microscopic one.

不要因为一时的坎坷就丧失信心。(Bùyào yīnwèi yīshí de kǎnkě jiù sàngshī xìnxīn.)

Translation: Don't lose confidence just because of a temporary setback.

Lastly, pay attention to the characters. Both kǎn and kě are third-tone characters. When spoken together, the first 'kǎn' changes to a second tone (kán kě) due to the third-tone sandhi rule. Many students forget this and try to pronounce two deep falling-rising tones, which sounds unnatural.

Summary of Misuses

Using it for mountain roads (use 崎岖 instead).
Using it for difficult homework/exams (use 难 instead).
Using it for a single small problem (use 麻烦 or 困难 instead).
Ignoring the tone sandhi (remember: kán kě).

他的一生虽然坎坷，但却非常有意义。(Tā de yìshēng suīrán kǎnkě, dàn què fēicháng yǒu yìyì.)

Translation: Although his life was rough, it was very meaningful.

To truly master 坎坷 (kǎnkě), you need to know its neighbors. Chinese has a rich vocabulary for 'difficulty,' and choosing the right one depends on the specific flavor of trouble you want to describe.

坎坷 (kǎnkě) vs. 崎岖 (qíqū): As discussed, 崎岖 is for winding, steep mountain roads. 坎坷 is for pitted, bumpy ground. Figuratively, 坎坷 is the standard choice for life struggles, while 崎岖 is almost never used figuratively.
坎坷 (kǎnkě) vs. 挫折 (cuòzhé): 挫折 means 'setback' or 'frustration'. It is a noun. You encounter a '挫折'. 坎坷 is an adjective describing the whole path. You might say: 'Because my life is 坎坷, I have encountered many 挫折.'

比较：
1. 山路崎岖 (The mountain road is winding/steep).
2. 道路坎坷 (The road is bumpy/pitted).
3. 遭遇挫折 (To encounter a setback).

Another synonym is 波折 (bōzhé), which literally means 'waves and bends'. It is used for a process that isn't smooth. For example, if a business negotiation takes many unexpected turns, you can say it had many bōzhé. Kǎnkě is more about the hardship and pain of the journey, while bōzhé is about the complexity and the 'twists and turns'.

他的成名之路充满了波折，但他最终还是成功了。(Tā de chéngmíng zhī lù chōngmǎnle bōzhé, dàn tā zuìzhōng háishì chénggōngle.)

Translation: His road to fame was full of twists and turns, but he eventually succeeded anyway.

Finally, consider 磨难 (mónàn). This is a much stronger word meaning 'tribulations' or 'suffering'. While kǎnkě is like a bumpy road, mónàn is like being ground down by a millstone. Use mónàn for extreme suffering, like war or severe famine. Kǎnkě is more common for the general ups and downs of life and career.

Comparison Table

坎坷: General life/road bumps. (Adjective)
磨难: Extreme suffering/trials. (Noun)
艰辛: Hardship/toil. (Adjective/Noun)
逆境: Adverse circumstances. (Noun)

在逆境中成长，在坎坷中磨练。(Chéngzhǎng zài nìjìng zhōng, móliàn zài kǎnkě zhōng.)

Translation: Grow in adversity, and temper yourself through life's bumps.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

In the I Ching (Book of Changes), the 'Kǎn' hexagram represents danger and water, symbolizing a pit that one might fall into. This ancient philosophical connection reinforces the 'dangerous' and 'difficult' nature of the word.

Guide de prononciation

UK /kæn kə/

US /kɑn kə/

Both syllables have a third tone, but the first syllable takes the stress and changes to a second tone due to sandhi.

Rime avec

不可 (bùkě) 认可 (rènkě) 许可 (xǔkě) 刻 (kè - near rhyme) 客 (kè - near rhyme) 乐 (lè - near rhyme) 特 (tè - near rhyme) 热 (rè - near rhyme)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing both as deep 3rd tones without sandhi.
Pronouncing 'kě' as 'kē'.
Misplacing the stress on the second syllable.
Failing to aspirate the 'k' sounds properly.
Confusing the tones with 'kàn kě' (4th and 3rd).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 4/5

The characters are somewhat complex to recognize, though the 'earth' radical helps.

Écriture 5/5

Writing '坎' and '坷' requires attention to stroke order and balance.

Expression orale 3/5

The pronunciation is easy once you master the third-tone sandhi.

Écoute 3/5

It is distinctive but can be confused with other 'k' initial words if not careful.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

路 (lù - road) 难 (nán - hard) 生活 (shēnghuó - life) 土 (tǔ - earth) 平 (píng - flat)

Apprends ensuite

崎岖 (qíqū - rugged) 挫折 (cuòzhé - setback) 磨难 (mónàn - tribulation) 遭遇 (zāoyù - to encounter) 意志 (yìzhì - willpower)

Avancé

筚路蓝缕 (bìlù lánlǚ - to start an undertaking amidst hardships) 饱经风霜 (bǎojīng fēngshuāng - weather-beaten) 命途多舛 (mìngtú duōchuǎn - a fate full of misfortunes)

Grammaire à connaître

Third Tone Sandhi

坎(kǎn) + 坷(kě) becomes kán kě.

Adjective as Predicate

这条路[很]坎坷。 (The '很' is usually required in a simple declarative sentence).

Attributive '的'

坎坷[的]人生。 (The '的' connects the adjective to the noun).

Complement of Degree

他这一生走得[很]坎坷。

Using '充满' with abstract nouns

道路充满[了]坎坷。

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Exemples par niveau

这条路很坎坷。

This road is very bumpy.

Basic Subject + Adjective structure.

他不爱走坎坷的路。

He doesn't like to walk on bumpy roads.

Using '坎坷' as an attributive modifying '路'.

这里地势坎坷。

The terrain here is bumpy.

Describing '地势' (terrain).

车子在坎坷的路上开。

The car is driving on a bumpy road.

Prepositional phrase '在...上'.

那是坎坷的土路。

That is a bumpy dirt road.

Simple identification sentence.

走路要小心坎坷的地方。

Be careful of bumpy places when walking.

Using '坎坷' to describe '地方' (places).

坎坷的路不好走。

Bumpy roads are not easy to walk on.

Topic-comment structure.

这路真坎坷！

This road is really bumpy!

Exclamatory sentence with '真'.

他的生活很坎坷。

His life is very rough.

Introducing the figurative meaning of life.

虽然路途坎坷，但我还是到了。

Although the journey was rough, I still arrived.

Using '虽然...但是' (although...but).

这个故事很坎坷。

This story is very bumpy (full of ups and downs).

Describing a narrative structure.

我们走过了一段坎坷的时期。

We went through a rough period.

Describing a '时期' (period of time).

他的人生经历非常坎坷。

His life experiences are very rough.

Using '经历' (experiences) as the subject.

别怕坎坷的路。

Don't be afraid of the bumpy road.

Imperative sentence with '别'.

这是一段坎坷的往事。

This is a rough past story.

Describing '往事' (past events).

他的事业起步很坎坷。

The start of his career was very rough.

Describing the '起步' (start) of a career.

他经历过许多坎坷，所以很坚强。

He has experienced many hardships, so he is very strong.

Using '经历' as a verb with '坎坷' as the object.

命运对他来说太坎坷了。

Fate has been too rough for him.

Using '对...来说' (for someone).

创业的道路总是坎坷不平的。

The road to starting a business is always bumpy and uneven.

Using the four-character version '坎坷不平'.

只有走过坎坷，才能看到美景。

Only by going through the bumps can one see the beautiful scenery.

Using '只有...才' (only...then).

他的求职之路充满了坎坷。

His job-seeking path was full of hardships.

Using '充满' (to be full of).

我们要勇敢面对生活中的坎坷。

We should bravely face the hardships in life.

Using '面对' (to face).

这段感情走得很坎坷。

This relationship has been very rough.

Using the complement of degree '走得'.

他用文字记录了自己坎坷的一生。

He used words to record his rough life.

Describing '一生' (a lifetime).

这位科学家的科研之路极其坎坷。

This scientist's research path was extremely rough.

Using '极其' (extremely) for emphasis.

尽管半生坎坷，他依然保持着乐观。

Despite a half-life of hardships, he still remains optimistic.

Using '尽管...依然' (despite...still).

这部小说真实地反映了那个时代坎坷的社会现实。

This novel truly reflects the rough social reality of that era.

Using '坎坷' to describe '社会现实' (social reality).

人生坎坷是常态，关键是如何应对。

Life's ups and downs are normal; the key is how you respond.

Treating '人生坎坷' as a concept/subject.

由于家庭变故，他的童年生活十分坎坷。

Due to family changes, his childhood was very rough.

Using '由于' (due to) to explain the cause.

在那个动荡的年代，文人的命运大多坎坷。

In that turbulent era, the fates of intellectuals were mostly rough.

Using '大多' (mostly).

他并没有被坎坷的经历所打倒。

He was not knocked down by his rough experiences.

Passive structure '被...所打倒'.

这条改革之路虽然坎坷，但必须走下去。

Although this road of reform is rough, we must continue.

Abstract usage for '改革之路' (road of reform).

苏轼一生仕途坎坷，却留下了无数千古名篇。

Su Shi's official career was rough his whole life, yet he left behind countless immortal masterpieces.

Specific collocation '仕途坎坷' (rough political career).

他在自传中详细描述了那些坎坷岁月里的心路历程。

In his autobiography, he detailed his mental journey during those rough years.

Using '坎坷岁月' (rough years).

这种技术的研发过程充满了难以想象的坎坷。

The research and development process of this technology was full of unimaginable hardships.

Using '难以想象' (unimaginable) as a modifier.

面对命运的坎坷，他选择了以德报怨。

Facing the hardships of fate, he chose to return good for evil.

Abstract noun usage '命运的坎坷'.

那个时代的女性，其命运往往比男性更为坎坷。

Women of that era often had fates even rougher than those of men.

Comparative structure '比...更为'.

他那双布满老茧的手，诉说着半辈子的坎坷。

His calloused hands tell the story of half a lifetime of hardships.

Metaphorical usage where hands 'speak' of the struggle.

这件艺术品象征着人类文明发展的坎坷历程。

This artwork symbolizes the rough course of the development of human civilization.

Using '坎坷历程' (rough course/history).

纵使前路坎坷，我也要一往无前。

Even if the road ahead is rough, I will press forward undeterred.

Using '纵使' (even if) for dramatic effect.

历史的巨轮在坎坷中前行，每一个颠簸都铭刻着时代的印记。

The giant wheel of history moves forward through bumps; every jolt carves the mark of the era.

High-level metaphorical imagery.

他晚年的境遇愈发坎坷，令人唏嘘不已。

His circumstances in his later years became increasingly rough, causing people to sigh with regret.

Using '境遇' (circumstances) and '唏嘘不已' (to sigh incessantly).

这篇散文通过描写道路的坎坷，隐喻了作者政治理想的破灭。

This prose, by describing the bumpiness of the road, metaphors the shattering of the author's political ideals.

Literary analysis usage.

在那个充满变数的转型期，个体的命运在坎坷中沉浮。

In that volatile transition period, individual fates ebbed and flowed amidst hardships.

Using '沉浮' (ebb and flow/rise and fall).

他以一种近乎悲壮的姿态，走完了自己坎坷的一生。

In a posture bordering on the tragic and heroic, he finished his rough life.

Using '悲壮' (tragic and heroic).

坎坷的磨砺使他的思想愈发深邃而内敛。

The tempering of hardships made his thoughts increasingly profound and restrained.

Describing the psychological result of '坎坷'.

即便是在最坎坷的时刻，他也不曾丧失对美的追求。

Even in the roughest moments, he never lost his pursuit of beauty.

Emphasizing resilience in adversity.

这种制度的建立并非一蹴而就，而是历经坎坷才得以完善。

The establishment of this system was not achieved overnight but was perfected after going through many hardships.

Using '一蹴而就' (achieved in one step) for contrast.

Collocations courantes

坎坷的人生

命运坎坷

道路坎坷

经历坎坷

半生坎坷

情路坎坷

仕途坎坷

充满坎坷

坎坷不平

求学坎坷

Phrases Courantes

坎坷不平

— Uneven and bumpy. Used for both roads and life situations.

我们走在坎坷不平的小路上。

历尽坎坷

— To have gone through all kinds of hardships.

他历尽坎坷，终于回到了家乡。

一生坎坷

— A life full of hardships from beginning to end.

她一生坎坷，却始终善良。

路途坎坷

— The journey is rough. Can be literal or metaphorical.

虽然路途坎坷，但我们没有退缩。

身世坎坷

— To have a tragic or difficult family background/upbringing.

他身世坎坷，从小就是孤儿。

情路坎坷

— To have a very difficult time in romantic relationships.

她虽然事业成功，但情路坎坷。

仕途坎坷

— To have a rough career in government or officialdom.

苏东坡一生仕途坎坷。

充满坎坷

— To be full of bumps or obstacles.

成功的道路总是充满坎坷。

遭遇坎坷

— To encounter hardships or setbacks.

他在国外遭遇了许多坎坷。

面对坎坷

— To face hardships (often with a specific attitude).

我们要微笑面对坎坷。

Souvent confondu avec

坎坷 vs 崎岖 (qíqū)

Specifically for steep, winding mountain paths. 坎坷 is for bumpy ground or life.

坎坷 vs 挫折 (cuòzhé)

A noun meaning a specific setback. 坎坷 is an adjective for the whole path.

坎坷 vs 艰难 (jiānnán)

A general word for hard/difficult. 坎坷 implies more 'ups and downs'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"坎坷不平"

— Describes a road that is rough and uneven, or a life full of frustrations.

那段坎坷不平的岁月让他成熟了很多。

Common

"命运坎坷"

— A fate that is destined to be difficult and full of obstacles.

英雄往往命运坎坷。

Literary

"半生坎坷"

— Refers to having spent half of one's life in struggle.

他半生坎坷，晚年才得以安享太平。

Formal

"历经坎坷"

— To have experienced many hardships over a long period.

这个项目历经坎坷，终于上线了。

Formal

"一生坎坷"

— A lifelong struggle with misfortune.

他的一生坎坷，但他的精神永存。

Formal

"坎坷途穷"

— To be in a rough situation with no way out (more poetic).

在坎坷途穷之际，他遇到了贵人。

Literary

"世事坎坷"

— The affairs of the world are full of difficulties.

感叹世事坎坷，人生无常。

Literary

"路途坎坷"

— The path ahead is difficult and full of obstacles.

创业路途坎坷，需要极大的耐心。

Neutral

"情路坎坷"

— Specifically refers to a history of failed or difficult romances.

她感叹自己情路坎坷，遇人不淑。

Neutral

"身世坎坷"

— Having a background or life story characterized by hardship.

这部电影的主角身世坎坷。

Neutral

Facile à confondre

坎坷 vs 崎岖

Both describe difficult paths.

崎岖 (qíqū) is for verticality and winding (mountains). 坎坷 (kǎnkě) is for horizontal unevenness (bumps/pits) and is much more common for life metaphors.

山路崎岖 (The mountain road is winding); 人生坎坷 (Life is bumpy).

坎坷 vs 艰辛

Both mean 'hard'.

艰辛 (jiānxīn) emphasizes the labor and toil involved. 坎坷 emphasizes the obstacles and setbacks encountered.

生活艰辛 (Life is laborious); 经历坎坷 (To experience many setbacks).

坎坷 vs 波折

Both imply a non-smooth process.

波折 (bōzhé) is a noun meaning 'twists and turns' in a process. 坎坷 is an adjective describing the nature of the path itself.

一波三折 (Many twists and turns); 道路坎坷 (The road is bumpy).

坎坷 vs 坑洼

Both describe uneven ground.

坑洼 (kēngwā) is a very literal noun/adjective for potholes and puddles. It is never used for life metaphors.

雨后路面坑洼不平 (The road is full of puddles and holes after the rain).

坎坷 vs 磨难

Both describe suffering.

磨难 (mónàn) is much stronger, implying deep suffering or trials. 坎坷 is more about the 'bumps' and general difficulties of life.

历经磨难 (To go through great trials).

Structures de phrases

S + 很 + 坎坷。

他的生活很坎坷。

虽然...坎坷，但是...。

虽然路途坎坷，但我不会放弃。

经历 + 坎坷

他从小就经历了许多坎坷。

充满了 + 坎坷

这条创业之路充满了坎坷。

坎坷的 + Noun

这是一个关于坎坷命运的故事。

面对...的坎坷

我们要从容面对命运的坎坷。

历经 + 坎坷

这项技术历经坎坷终于研发成功。

在坎坷中 + Verb

他在坎坷中磨练了自己的意志。

Famille de mots

Noms

坎 (kǎn - pit/threshold)

坷 (kě - uneven ground)

Adjectifs

坎坷 (kǎnkě - bumpy/rough)

Apparenté

坑洼 (kēngwā - potholed)

崎岖 (qíqū - rugged)

挫折 (cuòzhé - setback)

磨难 (mónàn - tribulation)

艰辛 (jiānxīn - hardship)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in literature, news, and biographies; Moderate in daily conversation.

Erreurs courantes

Using '坎坷' for a steep mountain path. → Use '崎岖' (qíqū) instead.
While both describe difficult paths, '崎岖' is specifically for mountain roads that are steep and winding. '坎坷' is for bumpy, pitted ground.
Saying '作业很坎坷' (The homework is bumpy). → Use '难' (nán) or '繁琐' (fánsuǒ).
'坎坷' is for a life or a journey, not for a specific task or assignment.
Pronouncing it as 'kǎn kě' (two 3rd tones). → Pronounce it as 'kán kě'.
Due to tone sandhi, the first third tone must change to a second tone when followed by another third tone.
Using '坎坷' as a noun for a single problem. → Use '困难' (kùnnán) or '挫折' (cuòzhé).
'坎坷' usually describes a sustained state or a whole path, not a single isolated event.
Confusing '坎坷' with '坑洼'. → Use '坑洼' for a literal road with holes, '坎坷' for the metaphor.
'坑洼' is very literal and mundane. '坎坷' is formal and metaphorical.

Astuces

Pair it with '人生'

If you are unsure how to use '坎坷', just remember '坎坷的人生'. It is the most common and safest collocation for learners.

Master the Sandhi

Practice saying 'kán kě' with a rising tone on the first syllable. This makes you sound much more native than saying two flat or two low tones.

Literal vs. Figurative

Remember that while it *can* mean a bumpy road, 90% of the time you hear it, it will be about someone's life or career.

Radical Recognition

The '土' radical is your best friend. If you see '土' in both characters of a two-character word, think about the ground. This helps you narrow down the meaning.

Tempering the Soul

In Chinese culture, '坎坷' isn't just bad luck; it's often framed as a test of character. Use it when you want to sound profound or empathetic.

Look for it in Biographies

When reading about famous Chinese figures like Jack Ma or Tu Youyou, look for this word. It's almost always used to describe their early struggles.

Don't Overuse

Because it's a formal word, don't use it for small inconveniences. If you lose your wallet, say '麻烦' (máfan), not '坎坷'.

Visualize the Pits

Visualize the character '坎' as a pit you fall into. This literal image will help you remember the figurative 'bumps' in life.

Idiomatic usage

Use '历经坎坷' (having gone through many hardships) to describe a project or a person that finally succeeded after much trouble.

Adverbial Modifiers

Always use a degree adverb like '非常' or '十分' if '坎坷' is the predicate. '他的命坎坷' sounds incomplete; '他的命很坎坷' is better.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine a road full of 'Kans' (cans) and 'Kes' (keys) that you keep tripping over. It's a 'Kǎn-kě' road!

Association visuelle

Picture the '土' (earth) radical in both characters. It looks like a little shovel. You need a shovel to fix a 'kǎnkě' road because there are too many holes and bumps.

Word Web

土 (Earth) 路 (Road) 命 (Life/Fate) 坑 (Pit) 难 (Hard) 走 (Walk) 车 (Car) 心 (Heart/Emotion)

Défi

Try to write a three-sentence story about a famous person you admire using the word '坎坷' to describe their early life.

Origine du mot

The word '坎坷' is composed of two characters that both relate to the ground. '坎' (kǎn) originally referred to a pit or a hole in the earth (often seen in the I Ching as the trigram for water/pit). '坷' (kě) refers to clumps of earth or uneven soil. Together, they described a road that was difficult for chariots or carts to pass.

Sens originel : A road full of pits and mounds; uneven terrain.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese)

Contexte culturel

When using '坎坷' to describe someone's life, ensure the tone is sympathetic or admiring. Using it dismissively can sound cold.

The closest English equivalent is 'a rocky road' or 'a bumpy ride,' but '坎坷' carries a more formal and slightly more tragic weight.

Su Shi's poetry often reflects his '仕途坎坷' (rough political career). The 'Long March' in Chinese history is frequently described as a '坎坷' journey. Modern 'struggle' (奋斗) narratives in Chinese cinema.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Describing a difficult life story.

他的一生非常坎坷。
身世坎坷的孤儿。
度过了坎坷的童年。
讲述坎坷的经历。

Talking about a rough road or terrain.

这条山路很坎坷。
坎坷不平的土路。
路面坎坷，注意安全。
地势坎坷难行。

Discussing career or business challenges.

创业之路充满坎坷。
他的仕途十分坎坷。
求职过程经历坎坷。
事业起步比较坎坷。

Talking about relationship problems.

她的情路非常坎坷。
感情生活充满坎坷。
一段坎坷的恋爱史。
情路坎坷，终获真爱。

Encouraging someone in a hard time.

不要怕一时的坎坷。
坎坷只是暂时的。
走过坎坷就是平地。
在坎坷中磨练意志。

Amorces de conversation

"你觉得成名之前的那些坎坷对一个人的成长有帮助吗？ (Do you think the hardships before becoming famous help a person grow?)"

"你听过最坎坷的创业故事是什么？ (What is the roughest startup story you've ever heard?)"

"如果人生太顺利了，没有一点坎坷，你会觉得无聊吗？ (If life was too smooth without any bumps, would you find it boring?)"

"在你看来，苏轼和杜甫谁的命运更坎坷？ (In your opinion, whose fate was rougher, Su Shi or Du Fu?)"

"面对生活中的坎坷，你通常会如何保持乐观？ (Facing the bumps in life, how do you usually stay optimistic?)"

Sujets d'écriture

写一段话描写你生活中最坎坷的一段时期，以及你是如何度过的。 (Write a paragraph describing the roughest period in your life and how you got through it.)

你认为“坎坷”是人生的财富吗？请说明理由。 (Do you think 'hardships' are a wealth in life? Please explain why.)

想象一下，如果你要写一本自传，你会如何描述你事业上的坎坷？ (Imagine if you were writing an autobiography, how would you describe the bumps in your career?)

描写一条你走过的最坎坷的山路，以及当时的感受。 (Describe the bumpiest mountain road you've ever walked on and how you felt at the time.)

分析一个你喜欢的电影角色，谈谈他/她是如何面对命运坎坷的。 (Analyze a movie character you like and talk about how he/she faces the hardships of fate.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, '坎坷' is used for a journey or a life path. For an exam, use '难' (nán) or '不容易' (bù róngyì). Saying an exam is '坎坷' would imply the exam paper itself has had a very tragic life.

While it describes negative situations (hardships), it is often used in a positive light to show how someone has become strong or successful despite the '坎坷'. It implies resilience.

Follow the third-tone sandhi rule: the first syllable '坎' (kǎn) changes to a second tone (kán), and '坷' (kě) remains a third tone.

Yes, it can, but it specifically describes the bumpy, pitted surface. If the road is steep and winding, '崎岖' (qíqū) is a better choice.

'挫折' is a noun (a setback), while '坎坷' is an adjective (bumpy). You 'encounter' (遭遇) a '挫折', but your 'life' (人生) 'is' (很) '坎坷'.

It is moderately common. You might use it in a serious conversation about your past, but not for small, everyday problems.

No. You can say '路很坎坷' (the road is bumpy), but your car isn't '坎坷'. If your car is in bad shape, use '破' (pò) or '旧' (jiù).

Both characters contain the '土' (tǔ) radical, which means 'earth' or 'soil'.

Yes, '坎坷不平' (kǎnkě bùpíng) is very common and means 'uneven and bumpy'.

Yes, '情路坎坷' (qínglù kǎnkě) is a common phrase to describe someone who has had many difficult or failed relationships.

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