艰辛 en 30 secondes

  • 艰辛 (jiān xīn) means arduous, difficult, or full of hardships.
  • It implies significant effort, struggle, and often suffering.
  • Used for challenging journeys, difficult living conditions, demanding work.
  • More profound and prolonged difficulty than simple 'difficult' (难).

The Meaning of 艰辛 (jiān xīn)

Core Definition
艱辛 (jiān xīn) is an adjective that describes something as arduous, difficult, or full of hardships. It implies a struggle, significant effort, and often suffering involved in achieving something or enduring a situation.
When to Use It
This word is commonly used to describe challenging journeys, difficult living conditions, demanding work, or any situation that requires great resilience and perseverance. It's often used in more formal or literary contexts, but can also appear in everyday conversation when emphasizing the difficulty of an experience.

Examples in Context

移民们为了在新国家安家,经历了许多艰辛

Immigrants experienced many hardships to settle in a new country.

老一辈的创业者付出了艰辛的努力才有了今天的成就。

The older generation of entrepreneurs put in arduous effort to achieve today's success.

长途跋涉的旅程是艰辛的,但风景是值得的。

The long journey was arduous, but the scenery was worth it.

Nuances and Connotations

The character 艰 (jiān) itself often relates to difficulty, hardship, and poverty, while 辛 (xīn) relates to bitterness, suffering, and toil. Together, 艰辛 paints a vivid picture of a life or experience marked by significant struggle and effort. It's not just about being difficult; it's about the enduring nature of that difficulty and the personal cost it entails.

It's important to distinguish 艰辛 from simpler words for 'difficult' like 难 (nán). While 难 can mean 'difficult' in a general sense (e.g., 这个问题很难 - This problem is difficult), 艰辛 implies a deeper, more prolonged, and often physically or emotionally taxing struggle. It's the kind of difficulty that shapes a person or a situation profoundly.

Usage Scenarios
You'll often encounter 艰辛 when discussing:
  • Historical accounts of migration, war, or natural disasters.
  • Biographies of successful individuals who overcame great odds.
  • Descriptions of demanding professions like mining, farming in harsh conditions, or frontline medical work.
  • Personal narratives about overcoming poverty, illness, or personal tragedies.
  • Literary works and poetry that explore the human condition and the struggles of life.

Consider the difference: A difficult exam is 难 (nán), but the years of relentless study and sacrifice to even reach the point of taking that exam could be described as 艰辛 (jiān xīn).

Constructing Sentences with 艰辛 (jiān xīn)

艰辛 (jiān xīn) functions as an adjective. It typically modifies nouns or describes a state of being. Its placement in a sentence is similar to how you would use adjectives like 'difficult' or 'arduous' in English.

Basic Sentence Structures

Noun Modification
The most common structure is [Noun Phrase] + 艰辛. This means 'arduous [noun]'.

他描述了自己创业初期的艰辛岁月。

He described the arduous years of his early创业 (chuàngyè - entrepreneurship).
Describing a State
It can also be used predicatively, often with verbs like 是 (shì - to be) or 感到 (gǎndào - to feel), describing a situation or feeling.

能够站在这里,我们付出了艰辛的努力。

To be able to stand here, we paid arduous effort.

这段经历是艰辛的,但也让我们成长了。

This experience was arduous, but it also made us grow.

Common Collocations and Patterns

艰辛 often pairs with words related to effort, life, journey, and hardship.

艰辛的 + Noun
This is the most frequent construction. Common nouns include:
  • 岁月 (suìyuè - years, time)
  • 生活 (shēnghuó - life)
  • 旅程 (lǚchéng - journey)
  • 付出 (fùchū - effort, contribution)
  • 努力 (nǔlì - effort)
  • 过程 (guòchéng - process)
  • 奋斗 (fèndòu - struggle, fight)

他们回顾了那段艰辛的奋斗史。

They looked back on that arduous history of struggle.
Verb + 艰辛
Sometimes, 艰辛 can follow a verb, indicating the nature of the action or state.

在贫困地区生活是艰辛的。

Living in impoverished areas is arduous.

Using 艰辛 in Complex Sentences

You can incorporate 艰辛 into more complex sentence structures, such as those involving conjunctions or subordinate clauses.

尽管艰辛,他们从未放弃希望。

Although it was arduous, they never gave up hope.

她回忆起当年艰辛的童年,眼中充满了泪水。

Recalling her arduous childhood, her eyes were filled with tears.

Practice Sentences

Try to create your own sentences using the patterns above. Here are a few more examples to illustrate:

农民们在艰辛的条件下耕种土地。

Farmers cultivate the land under arduous conditions.

这是一条艰辛的道路,但我们必须走下去。

This is an arduous path, but we must continue on it.

他的人生充满了艰辛,但他从未放弃。

His life was full of hardships, but he never gave up.

Real-World Usage of 艰辛 (jiān xīn)

艰辛 (jiān xīn) is a word that carries weight and is often employed in contexts where the speaker wants to emphasize the depth of struggle, the perseverance required, or the significant challenges overcome. You'll frequently encounter it in:

1. Historical Narratives and Documentaries

When discussing historical events like wars, famines, migrations, or the building of infrastructure, 艰辛 is a natural fit. It describes the difficult conditions faced by people during those times.

Example Context
A documentary about the early settlers in a new land might say: '第一代移民在艰辛的环境中开垦土地,为后代打下了基础。' (The first generation of immigrants cultivated the land in arduous conditions, laying the foundation for future generations.)

这场战争给人民带来了艰辛的磨难。

This war brought arduous suffering to the people.

2. Biographies and Life Stories

When someone has achieved great success after facing significant adversity, their life story is often described using 艰辛. It highlights their resilience and the difficult path they took.

Example Context
A news report about a successful entrepreneur might mention: '他的成功并非偶然,而是艰辛奋斗的结果。' (His success was not accidental, but the result of arduous struggle.)

这位科学家克服了艰辛的研究过程。

This scientist overcame an arduous research process.

3. Descriptions of Challenging Professions or Lifestyles

Jobs that involve physical labor in difficult environments, or lifestyles marked by poverty and struggle, are often described with 艰辛.

Example Context
When talking about miners: '矿工们在艰辛的地下环境中工作,面临着巨大的风险。' (Miners work in arduous underground environments, facing great risks.)

在边远地区支教的经历是艰辛的。

The experience of teaching in remote areas was arduous.

4. Literary and Artistic Works

Poetry, novels, and films often use 艰辛 to evoke emotions related to struggle, sacrifice, and the human spirit's endurance.

Example Context
A poem might describe: '人生的艰辛,如同一条漫长的河流。' (The hardships of life are like a long river.)

这部电影描绘了普通人在艰辛岁月中的生活。

This movie depicts the lives of ordinary people during arduous times.

5. Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

In more formal or reflective conversations, people might use 艰辛 to describe their own past struggles or the difficulties faced by their families.

Example Context
Someone might say to a friend: '我记得小时候家里很穷,生活很艰辛。' (I remember when our family was very poor when I was young, and life was very arduous.)

他们一家人经历了艰辛的搬迁过程。

The family went through an arduous relocation process.

In essence, 艰辛 is used when the difficulty is significant, prolonged, and involves a considerable amount of effort, suffering, or hardship. It's a word that acknowledges and respects the challenges faced.

Avoiding Pitfalls When Using 艰辛 (jiān xīn)

While 艰辛 (jiān xīn) is a powerful word, learners might make mistakes in its usage, often by overusing it or misapplying it in contexts where a simpler word would suffice. Here are some common errors:

1. Confusing 艰辛 with 难 (nán)

The Mistake: Using 艰辛 for everyday difficulties that are merely inconvenient or slightly challenging.

Explanation: 难 (nán) is the general word for 'difficult'. It can apply to a difficult problem, a difficult person, or a difficult task. 艰辛 implies a much deeper, prolonged, and often physically or emotionally taxing struggle, involving significant hardship and toil.

Incorrect Usage
今天的天气很艰辛

Correct Usage
今天的天气很

(The weather today is very difficult/bad.)
Correct Usage with 艰辛
艰辛的条件下,他们仍然坚持户外工作。

(Under arduous conditions, they still insisted on working outdoors.)

2. Overusing 艰辛 for Minor Hardships

The Mistake: Applying 艰辛 to situations that are merely inconvenient or require a bit more effort than usual.

Explanation: 艰辛 implies a significant level of suffering, toil, or struggle. Using it for minor inconveniences dilutes its meaning and can sound exaggerated.

Incorrect Usage
排队买票的艰辛

More Appropriate Word
排队买票有点麻烦

(Queuing to buy tickets is a bit troublesome.)
Correct Usage with 艰辛
在战乱时期,人们的生活非常艰辛

(During wartime, people's lives were very arduous.)

3. Incorrect Grammatical Placement

The Mistake: Placing 艰辛 in a way that sounds unnatural or grammatically incorrect in Chinese.

Explanation: 艰辛 is primarily an adjective. While it can sometimes be used predicatively, it typically modifies a noun directly (often with 的) or describes a state. It's not usually used as a standalone verb or adverb.

Incorrect Usage
艰辛地走。

Correct Usage
艰难地走。

(He walked with difficulty.) OR 他一步一步走得很艰辛

(He walked very arduously, step by step.)
Correct Usage
这是一段艰辛的旅程

(This is an arduous journey.)

4. Using 艰辛 for Temporary or Minor Setbacks

The Mistake: Describing a temporary setback or a minor failure as 艰辛.

Explanation: 艰辛 refers to a more substantial and enduring period of difficulty or struggle, not just a brief moment of trouble.

Incorrect Usage
今天开会迟到的艰辛

More Appropriate Word
今天开会迟到很尴尬

(Being late for the meeting today was very embarrassing.)
Correct Usage with 艰辛
为了生存,他们不得不忍受多年的艰辛

(To survive, they had to endure years of hardship.)

Exploring Synonyms and Alternatives for 艰辛 (jiān xīn)

While 艰辛 (jiān xīn) is a specific and powerful word, several other words in Chinese can convey a sense of difficulty or hardship. Understanding their nuances helps in choosing the most appropriate term.

1. 难 (nán) - Difficult (General Purpose)

Definition
The most common and versatile word for 'difficult'. It can be used in almost any context where something is not easy.
Comparison with 艰辛
难 is general. 艰辛 implies a deeper, prolonged, and often physically or emotionally taxing struggle, involving significant hardship and toil. 难 is like 'hard', 艰辛 is like 'arduous' or 'full of hardships'.
Example
This math problem is difficult: 这个问题很难 (zhège wèntí hěn nán). The journey to success was arduous: 成功的道路艰辛 (chénggōng de dàolù jiān xīn).

2. 困难 (kùnnán) - Difficulty, Hardship (Noun & Adjective)

Definition
Can be used as a noun meaning 'difficulty' or 'hardship', or as an adjective meaning 'difficult'. It's more formal than 难.
Comparison with 艰辛
困难 often refers to specific obstacles or challenging situations. 艰辛 describes the overall state of struggle or the enduring nature of hardship. You might face a 困难 (difficulty), but your life might be 艰辛 (arduous).
Example
They encountered many difficulties: 他们遇到了许多困难 (tāmen yùdào le xǔduō kùnnán). Their life was full of hardships: 他们的生活充满艰辛 (tāmen de shēnghuó chōngmǎn jiān xīn).

3. 辛苦 (xīnkǔ) - Hard work, Toil, Laborious

Definition
Primarily refers to hard work, toil, and the feeling of being tired from labor. It can also be used to describe something as laborious.
Comparison with 艰辛
辛苦 focuses on the physical or mental exertion and resulting fatigue. 艰辛 is broader, encompassing the entire experience of hardship, suffering, and struggle, which may include 辛苦 work but also other forms of suffering.
Example
Thank you for your hard work: 辛苦你了 (xīnkǔ nǐ le). His life was arduous: 他的生活艰辛 (tā de shēnghuó jiān xīn).

4. 艰难 (jiānnán) - Difficult, Hard (More formal than 难)

Definition
Similar to 难 but often used in more formal contexts or to describe more significant challenges. It can also imply a struggle.
Comparison with 艰辛
艰难 often describes the difficulty of a specific task, situation, or process, emphasizing the struggle involved. 艰辛 describes a more pervasive state of hardship or a life filled with toil and suffering.
Example
The negotiation was difficult: 谈判很艰难 (tánpàn hěn jiānnán). They experienced arduous years: 他们经历了艰辛的岁月 (tāmen jīnglì le jiān xīn de suìyuè).

5. 困苦 (kùnkǔ) - Suffering, Hardship

Definition
A noun or adjective describing great suffering, poverty, and hardship.
Comparison with 艰辛
困苦 strongly emphasizes suffering and deprivation. 艰辛 is similar but often includes the aspect of continuous effort and struggle to overcome these conditions. 困苦 is more about the state of suffering, while 艰辛 is about the arduous process of enduring or overcoming it.
Example
They lived in great suffering: 他们过着困苦的生活 (tāmen guòzhe kùnkǔ de shēnghuó). Their journey was arduous: 他们的旅程艰辛 (tāmen de lǚchéng jiān xīn).

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The character 辛 (xīn) is also used in the name of the 24 Solar Terms (二十四节气), specifically 'Lixia' (立夏), meaning 'Start of Summer', which is the 7th term. This shows the character's multifaceted nature, moving from concepts of pain and bitterness to seasonal descriptions.

Guide de prononciation

UK /t͡ɕi̯ɛn³⁵ ɕin¹¹/
US /t͡ɕi̯ɛn³⁵ ɕin¹¹/
The stress in Mandarin is determined by tones, not by syllable emphasis as in English. Both syllables are pronounced with a falling-rising tone (third tone), but the first syllable 艰 has a higher pitch range.
Rime avec
an ian in en un wen ren shen zhen chen xian qian nian jian bian pian mian dian tian yuan juan quan xuan lun run shun zun cun sun zun
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Mispronouncing the initial 'j' in 艰 as a hard 'g' or 'zh'.
  • Pronouncing 'x' in 辛 incorrectly, often as 's' or 'sh'.
  • Incorrectly applying tones, especially confusing the third tone with other tones.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 4/5

CEFR B2. The word 艰辛 carries a strong connotation of prolonged hardship and effort, which might require contextual understanding beyond simple definition. Recognizing its usage in historical, biographical, or literary contexts is key. Its related idioms and collocations also add to the complexity.

Écriture 4/5
Expression orale 4/5
Écoute 4/5

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

难 (nán - difficult) 苦 (kǔ - bitter, suffering) 累 (lèi - tired) 生活 (shēng huó - life) 工作 (gōng zuò - work)

Apprends ensuite

磨难 (mónàn - tribulations) 困苦 (kùnkǔ - suffering, hardship) 艰难 (jiānnán - difficult, hard) 辛劳 (xīn láo - toil, hard work)

Avancé

披荆斩棘 (pī jīng zhǎn jí - overcome obstacles) 含辛茹苦 (hán xīn rú kǔ - endure hardships) 栉风沐雨 (zhì fēng mù yǔ - work hard in all conditions)

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective + 的 + Noun

艰辛 + 的 + 岁月 (arduous + years)

Subject + 是 + Adjective + 的

他的生活 + 是 + 艰辛的 (His life + is + arduous).

Adverbial Phrase + Verb + Object

在 + 艰辛的条件下 + 工作 (Work + under arduous conditions).

Conjunctions with Adjectives

尽管 + 艰辛 + ,但...

Using Nouns derived from adjectives

生活中的 + 艰辛 (The hardships + in life).

Exemples par niveau

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1

我的祖父母经历了艰辛的年代。

My grandparents experienced arduous years.

艰辛 modifies the noun 岁月 (years).

2

创业初期,他遇到了很多艰辛

In the early stages of entrepreneurship, he encountered many hardships.

艰辛 is used as a noun here, referring to hardships.

3

长途跋涉的过程是艰辛的,但风景很美。

The process of the long trek was arduous, but the scenery was beautiful.

艰辛 describes the state of the process (过程).

4

为了养家,他不得不忍受艰辛的工作。

To support his family, he had to endure arduous work.

艰辛 modifies the noun 工作 (work).

5

移民们在新国家的生活艰辛而充满希望。

The lives of the immigrants in the new country were arduous and full of hope.

艰辛 describes the noun 生活 (life).

6

这条艰辛的道路终于走到了尽头。

This arduous road finally came to an end.

艰辛 modifies the noun 道路 (road).

7

他讲述了自己艰辛的童年经历。

He recounted his arduous childhood experiences.

艰辛 modifies the noun 经历 (experiences).

8

即使生活艰辛,他们也从未放弃。

Even though life was arduous, they never gave up.

艰辛 describes the state of 生活 (life).

1

那段艰辛的岁月磨练了他的意志。

Those arduous years tempered his will.

艰辛 modifies the noun 岁月 (years), emphasizing the hardship of that period.

2

科学家们在艰辛的条件下进行了多年的研究。

Scientists conducted years of research under arduous conditions.

艰辛 modifies the noun 条件 (conditions), highlighting the difficulty of the environment.

3

他回顾了自己艰辛的创业历程,感慨万千。

He looked back on his arduous entrepreneurial journey with mixed emotions.

艰辛 modifies the noun 历程 (journey), emphasizing the struggle involved.

4

在信息闭塞的年代,获取知识是一件艰辛的事情。

In the era of information blockade, acquiring knowledge was an arduous task.

艰辛 describes the task (事情), implying significant effort and difficulty.

5

他们一家人为了生存,经历了艰辛的搬迁。

His family went through an arduous relocation to survive.

艰辛 modifies the noun 搬迁 (relocation), highlighting the hardship of the move.

6

在恶劣的环境中,艰辛的付出是值得尊敬的。

In harsh environments, arduous efforts are worthy of respect.

艰辛 modifies the noun 付出 (effort), emphasizing its difficulty and value.

7

她用艰辛的笔触描绘了底层人民的生活。

She used arduous brushstrokes to depict the lives of the lower class.

艰辛 modifies the noun 笔触 (brushstrokes), implying the difficulty and emotional weight of the depiction.

8

尽管前路艰辛,他依然坚定地向前走。

Although the road ahead was arduous, he still walked forward resolutely.

艰辛 describes the noun 前路 (road ahead).

1

老一代的革命者们在艰辛卓绝的斗争中,为民族解放付出了巨大的代价。

The older generation of revolutionaries paid a great price for national liberation in their arduous and extraordinary struggle.

艰辛卓绝 (jiān xīn zhuó jué) is a common idiom meaning extremely arduous and outstanding, used here to modify 斗争 (struggle).

2

在信息爆炸的时代,辨别真伪信息本身就是一项艰辛的任务。

In the era of information explosion, discerning true from false information is itself an arduous task.

艰辛 modifies the noun 任务 (task), emphasizing the difficulty and effort required.

3

她从艰辛的童年阴影中走出来,最终成为了杰出的艺术家。

She emerged from the shadow of her arduous childhood to eventually become an outstanding artist.

艰辛 modifies the noun 童年阴影 (childhood shadow), emphasizing the difficult nature of her early life.

4

要实现可持续发展,我们必须正视并克服经济转型过程中艰辛的挑战。

To achieve sustainable development, we must face and overcome the arduous challenges during economic transformation.

艰辛 modifies the noun 挑战 (challenges), highlighting their difficult and demanding nature.

5

那段艰辛的探索之旅,不仅拓宽了他的视野,也塑造了他的品格。

That arduous journey of exploration not only broadened his horizons but also shaped his character.

艰辛 modifies the noun 探索之旅 (journey of exploration), emphasizing the difficulty and effort involved.

6

在资源匮乏的地区,维持基本生活的艰辛是外人难以想象的。

The hardship of maintaining basic living in resource-scarce areas is difficult for outsiders to imagine.

艰辛 is used as a noun here, referring to the hardship itself.

7

他以艰辛的实践经验,为我们提供了宝贵的见解。

He provided us with valuable insights based on his arduous practical experience.

艰辛 modifies the noun 实践经验 (practical experience), emphasizing the difficult and challenging nature of gaining that experience.

8

面对艰辛的现实,我们不能失去奋斗的勇气。

Facing arduous reality, we cannot lose the courage to strive.

艰辛 modifies the noun 现实 (reality), highlighting its harsh and difficult nature.

1

在那个艰辛的年代,每一个微小的进步都凝聚着无数人的血汗。

In that arduous era, every tiny progress was infused with the blood and sweat of countless people.

艰辛 modifies the noun 年代 (era), conveying the profound hardship of that period.

2

他以艰辛的笔触,深刻地揭示了社会底层人物的生存困境。

With arduous brushstrokes, he profoundly revealed the survival predicament of people at the bottom of society.

艰辛 modifies 笔触 (brushstrokes), implying the intense effort and emotional depth of the artistic expression.

3

艰辛的逆境中奋起,更能彰显出生命的韧性与价值。

Rising from arduous adversity more vividly demonstrates the resilience and value of life.

艰辛 modifies 逆境 (adversity), emphasizing its profound difficulty.

4

历史长河中,无数艰辛的探索与牺牲,才换来了今天的文明与进步。

In the long river of history, countless arduous explorations and sacrifices have exchanged for today's civilization and progress.

艰辛 modifies 探索 (exploration), highlighting the difficulty and effort involved in historical discoveries.

5

要理解一个民族的崛起,就不能回避其艰辛的奋斗史。

To understand the rise of a nation, one cannot avoid its arduous history of struggle.

艰辛 modifies 奋斗史 (history of struggle), emphasizing the profound hardship and effort involved.

6

她以艰辛的实践,验证了理论的局限性。

She validated the limitations of the theory through arduous practice.

艰辛 modifies 实践 (practice), suggesting the difficulty and effort involved in the experimental process.

7

艰辛的探索中,人类文明得以不断向前发展。

Through arduous exploration, human civilization has been able to continuously develop forward.

艰辛 modifies 探索 (exploration), emphasizing the challenging and difficult nature of discovery.

8

他用艰辛的汗水,浇灌了梦想的花朵。

He watered the flowers of his dreams with arduous sweat.

艰辛 modifies 汗水 (sweat), personifying the sweat as a result of arduous labor.

Collocations courantes

艰辛的岁月
艰辛的生活
艰辛的旅程
艰辛的付出
艰辛的奋斗
艰辛的探索
艰辛的条件
艰辛的童年
艰辛的道路
艰辛的磨难

Phrases Courantes

生活艰辛

— Life is arduous/difficult. This phrase describes a general state of hardship in one's life.

在战乱时期,人民的生活非常艰辛。

创业艰辛

— Entrepreneurship is arduous/difficult. This refers to the great challenges and hard work involved in starting and running a business.

他深知创业的艰辛。

历经艰辛

— To have gone through hardships/to have experienced arduous times. This phrase emphasizes the process of enduring difficulties.

这位老人历经了艰辛,最终获得了成功。

饱经艰辛

— To have suffered greatly through hardships. This phrase implies a significant amount of suffering and difficult experiences.

他饱经了艰辛,但从未放弃。

艰辛的付出

— Arduous effort/contribution. This phrase highlights the significant effort and hard work that went into something.

他的艰辛的付出得到了大家的认可。

艰辛的奋斗

— Arduous struggle/fight. This refers to a prolonged and difficult effort to achieve something.

他们为了自由艰辛的奋斗。

艰辛的旅程

— An arduous journey. This can be literal (a difficult trip) or metaphorical (a difficult path in life or career).

这段艰辛的旅程让他成长了许多。

艰辛的年代

— Arduous times/era. This refers to a period in history characterized by widespread hardship and struggle.

我们不能忘记那艰辛的年代。

艰辛的条件

— Arduous conditions. This describes difficult environmental or situational circumstances.

他们在艰辛的条件下工作。

艰辛的代价

— The arduous price/cost. This refers to the significant suffering or sacrifice required to achieve something.

和平是艰辛的代价换来的。

Souvent confondu avec

艰辛 vs 难 (nán)

难 is a general term for 'difficult'. 艰辛 implies a deeper, prolonged struggle with significant hardship and toil, not just a simple difficulty.

艰辛 vs 辛苦 (xīnkǔ)

辛苦 focuses on hard work and tiredness. 艰辛 is broader and includes suffering and significant struggle beyond just hard work.

艰辛 vs 困难 (kùnnán)

困难 often refers to specific obstacles. 艰辛 describes the overall arduous nature of an experience or life.

Expressions idiomatiques

"艰苦奋斗 (jiān kǔ fèn dòu)"

— To struggle hard; to work arduously. This is a very common phrase, often used in political or motivational contexts, emphasizing diligent effort despite difficulties.

我们要继续发扬艰苦奋斗的精神。

Formal/Motivational
"披荆斩棘 (pī jīng zhǎn jí)"

— To clear thorns and chop brambles; to overcome difficulties and obstacles. This idiom vividly describes the process of clearing a path through a difficult and overgrown terrain, metaphorically meaning to overcome severe challenges.

创业的路上,他披荆斩棘,最终取得了成功。

Formal/Literary
"栉风沐雨 (zhì fēng mù yǔ)"

— To experience wind and rain; to work hard and endure hardships. It describes someone who works tirelessly in all kinds of weather and conditions, often implying significant sacrifice and toil.

老一辈的建设者们栉风沐雨,为国家付出了很多。

Formal/Literary
"含辛茹苦 (hán xīn rú kǔ)"

— To endure hardships and suffering; to bear all kinds of bitterness. This idiom is often used to describe parents who have gone through immense suffering to raise their children.

母亲含辛茹苦地将我们抚养长大。

Formal/Literary
"饱经风霜 (bǎo jīng fēng shuāng)"

— To have experienced many hardships and trials (literally 'full of wind and frost'). It describes someone who has been through a lot of difficulties in life.

他饱经风霜,脸上写满了故事。

Formal/Literary
"任重道远 (rèn zhòng dào yuǎn)"

— A heavy burden and a long road; a difficult mission to accomplish. It implies a long and arduous task ahead.

要实现这个目标,我们任重道远。

Formal
"风餐露宿 (fēng cān lù sù)"

— To eat in the wind and sleep in the open; to lead a rough life on a journey. It describes living and working under difficult, exposed conditions, often related to travel or fieldwork.

探险队员们风餐露宿,终于找到了目标。

Literary
"尝尽苦头 (cháng jìn kǔ tóu)"

— To taste all the bitterness; to suffer all kinds of hardship. This idiom emphasizes experiencing the full extent of suffering and difficulty.

他为了学习尝尽苦头。

Informal/General
"步履维艰 (bù lǚ wéi jiān)"

— To walk with difficulty; to proceed with great hardship. This idiom describes a slow and arduous process or journey.

在经济衰退时期,企业步履维艰。

Formal
"艰辛卓绝 (jiān xīn zhuó jué)"

— Extremely arduous and outstanding; exceptionally difficult and remarkable. This is a strong phrase used to describe a struggle or achievement that is both incredibly hard and exceptionally significant.

这是艰辛卓绝的斗争。

Formal/Literary

Facile à confondre

艰辛 vs 难 (nán)

Both words indicate difficulty.

难 is a general adjective for 'difficult'. 艰辛 refers to a more profound, prolonged, and effort-filled hardship, often involving suffering. For example, a difficult exam is 难, but the years of sacrifice to get into that exam might be 艰辛.

这个数学题很难。(This math problem is difficult.) vs. 移民们在新的国家生活很艰辛。(The immigrants' lives in the new country were arduous.)

艰辛 vs 辛苦 (xīnkǔ)

Both relate to effort and hardship.

辛苦 primarily means 'toil' or 'hard work' and often implies tiredness. 艰辛 is a stronger word that encompasses a broader range of hardships, including suffering, poverty, and prolonged struggle, not just the physical effort. You can do 辛苦 work that is part of a 艰辛 life.

你的工作很辛苦。(Your work is very tiring/hard.) vs. 战争给人民带来了艰辛。(War brought hardships to the people.)

艰辛 vs 艰难 (jiānnán)

Both mean difficult and imply a struggle.

艰难 often describes the difficulty of a specific task, situation, or process, emphasizing the struggle involved (e.g., 谈判艰难 - difficult negotiation). 艰辛 describes a more pervasive state of hardship or a life filled with toil and suffering, often over a longer period. 艰难 can be a challenge, while 艰辛 is the arduous nature of enduring those challenges.

这个任务很艰难。(This task is difficult.) vs. 他的童年生活很艰辛。(His childhood life was very arduous.)

艰辛 vs 困苦 (kùnkǔ)

Both describe negative states of suffering and hardship.

困苦 strongly emphasizes suffering, poverty, and deprivation. It describes the state of being in hardship. 艰辛 is similar but often includes the aspect of continuous effort and struggle to overcome these conditions. 困苦 is the state of suffering; 艰辛 is the arduous process of enduring or fighting through that suffering.

他们生活在极度的困苦中。(They lived in extreme suffering.) vs. 移民们克服了许多艰辛,才在这个城市安顿下来。(The immigrants overcame many hardships before settling in this city.)

艰辛 vs 劳累 (láolèi)

Both relate to the consequences of hard work.

劳累 specifically means 'tired' or 'fatigued' as a result of physical or mental exertion. It focuses on the feeling of exhaustion. 艰辛 describes the overall difficult and arduous nature of the situation or experience that leads to such feelings, and it includes more than just tiredness, such as suffering and lack of resources.

长时间工作让我感到很劳累。(Working for a long time made me feel very tired.) vs. 他的创业之路充满了艰辛。(His entrepreneurial path was full of hardships.)

Structures de phrases

A2

Noun + 艰辛

生活<mark class='bg-pink-200 dark:bg-pink-800 px-0.5 rounded'>艰辛</mark>。

B1

艰辛 + 的 + Noun

那段<mark class='bg-pink-200 dark:bg-pink-800 px-0.5 rounded'>艰辛的</mark>岁月。

B1

Subject + 经历 + 艰辛

他<mark class='bg-pink-200 dark:bg-pink-800 px-0.5 rounded'>经历</mark>了<mark class='bg-pink-200 dark:bg-pink-800 px-0.5 rounded'>艰辛</mark>。

B2

在 + (Noun Phrase) + 下,艰辛 + 的 + Noun

在<mark class='bg-pink-200 dark:bg-pink-800 px-0.5 rounded'>恶劣的</mark>环境下,<mark class='bg-pink-200 dark:bg-pink-800 px-0.5 rounded'>艰辛的</mark>奋斗是必须的。

B2

Noun + 是 + 艰辛 + 的

创业<mark class='bg-pink-200 dark:bg-pink-800 px-0.5 rounded'>是</mark>非常<mark class='bg-pink-200 dark:bg-pink-800 px-0.5 rounded'>艰辛的</mark>。

C1

尽管 + 艰辛 + ,Subject + Verb Phrase

<mark class='bg-pink-200 dark:bg-pink-800 px-0.5 rounded'>尽管</mark>生活<mark class='bg-pink-200 dark:bg-pink-800 px-0.5 rounded'>艰辛</mark>,他们从未放弃。

C1

Noun + 饱经 + 艰辛

他<mark class='bg-pink-200 dark:bg-pink-800 px-0.5 rounded'>饱经</mark>了<mark class='bg-pink-200 dark:bg-pink-800 px-0.5 rounded'>艰辛</mark>。

C2

Adverb + 艰辛 + 的 + Noun

以<mark class='bg-pink-200 dark:bg-pink-800 px-0.5 rounded'>极其</mark> + <mark class='bg-pink-200 dark:bg-pink-800 px-0.5 rounded'>艰辛的</mark> + 努力 + 换来成功。

Famille de mots

Adjectifs

艰辛 (jiān xīn)

Apparenté

艰苦 (jiān kǔ - difficult, hard, arduous)
艰难 (jiānnán - difficult, hard)
困苦 (kùnkǔ - suffering, hardship)
劳累 (láolèi - tired, weary)
辛苦 (xīnkǔ - hard work, toil)

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Medium-High (in contexts discussing hardship)

Erreurs courantes
  • Using 艰辛 for minor inconveniences like a short wait or a slightly difficult task. Use 难 (nán), 麻烦 (máfan), or 困难 (kùnnán) for lesser difficulties.

    艰辛 implies significant, prolonged hardship and struggle, not mere inconvenience. Overusing it dilutes its meaning and can sound exaggerated.

  • Confusing 艰辛 with 辛苦 (xīnkǔ) when emphasizing suffering. Use 艰辛 to emphasize suffering and prolonged struggle; use 辛苦 for hard work and tiredness.

    辛苦 focuses on toil and exhaustion. 艰辛 is broader, encompassing suffering, poverty, and significant adversity beyond just hard work.

  • Placing 艰辛 incorrectly in a sentence, e.g., using it as an adverb without modification. Use it as an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., 艰辛的生活) or predicatively (e.g., 生活是艰辛的). For adverbial use, consider 艰难地 (jiānnán de).

    艰辛 is primarily an adjective. Its grammatical function needs to be respected for natural sentence construction.

  • Translating 'difficult' directly as 艰辛 in all contexts. Choose the appropriate word based on the degree and nature of the difficulty (e.g., 难 for general difficulty, 艰难 for a challenging situation, 艰辛 for prolonged hardship).

    Direct translation can lead to unnatural or inaccurate usage. Understanding the nuances of each word is crucial.

  • Using 艰辛 to describe a purely positive challenging experience (e.g., a difficult but rewarding climb). While the climb might be 艰辛, it's often better paired with words indicating reward or accomplishment, or using 艰难 (jiānnán) if the focus is on the challenge itself. 艰辛 leans heavily towards hardship.

    艰辛's core meaning is hardship and struggle. While one can endure 艰辛 to achieve a positive outcome, the word itself primarily denotes the difficulty and suffering.

Astuces

Distinguish from 'Difficult'

Remember that 艰辛 is not just 'difficult'. It implies a deeper, prolonged struggle involving significant effort, hardship, and often suffering. Use it for situations that truly test resilience and perseverance.

Master the Tones

Pay close attention to the tones of both 艰 (jiān - 3rd tone) and 辛 (xīn - 3rd tone). While both are third tones, their pitch contours are important for accurate pronunciation. Practice saying them in isolation and then in context.

Read and Listen Widely

Expose yourself to texts and audio where 艰辛 is used. This includes historical accounts, biographies, news articles about challenging situations, and literature. Noticing how native speakers employ the word will greatly improve your understanding and usage.

Learn Collocations

Memorize common phrases like 艰辛的岁月 (arduous years), 艰辛的生活 (arduous life), and 艰辛的付出 (arduous effort). These collocations will make it easier to use 艰辛 naturally in your own sentences.

Write Your Own Sentences

Try writing sentences describing your own challenges or those of others using 艰辛. This active recall method solidifies your understanding and improves fluency. Focus on describing the effort and hardship involved.

Compare with Synonyms

Understand the subtle differences between 艰辛 and similar words like 艰难 (jiānnán), 辛苦 (xīnkǔ), and 困苦 (kùnkǔ). Knowing when to use each word adds precision to your language.

Use Mnemonics

Create memorable associations. For example, thinking of 'jian'cing through a 'xin'ky (sink) full of hardship can help link the sound and meaning. Visualizing arduous journeys also aids retention.

Appreciate Cultural Value

Recognize that perseverance through 艰辛 is highly valued in Chinese culture. Understanding this context helps appreciate why the word carries such weight and is used to describe admirable struggles.

Speak with Confidence

Don't be afraid to use 艰辛 when appropriate. Practicing speaking sentences about difficult experiences, even hypothetical ones, will build your confidence and fluency.

Regular Review

Periodically revisit the definition, examples, and collocations of 艰辛. Consistent review is key to long-term vocabulary retention and mastery.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine someone 'jian'cing (like a sharp object) their way through a 'xin'ky (sink) full of mud. The 'jian'cing' is hard work, and the 'sink' is the difficult situation. It's a painful, arduous process.

Association visuelle

Picture a person climbing a very steep, rocky mountain path under a harsh sun, sweating profusely. Their face shows great effort and determination. The path is 'jian' (difficult), and the sweat and effort represent 'xin' (hardship/toil).

Word Web

Difficult Arduous Hardship Struggle Toil Effort Suffering Perseverance Resilience Challenging Laborious Adversity

Défi

Try to describe a personal challenge you've overcome using the word 艰辛. Focus on the effort, the difficulties, and the eventual outcome. Write at least three sentences.

Origine du mot

The word 艰辛 is a compound word formed from two characters, 艰 and 辛, both of which relate to hardship and difficulty. The character 艰 (jiān) historically referred to poverty and difficulty, often associated with hunger and hardship. The character 辛 (xīn) originally depicted a type of tool used for tattooing or branding, implying pain, bitterness, and suffering. Together, they vividly convey the idea of enduring significant hardship and toil.

Sens originel : The combination of 'difficulty/poverty' (艰) and 'bitterness/suffering' (辛) directly points to a life or experience filled with hardship and pain.

Sino-Tibetan

Contexte culturel

When using 艰辛, be mindful of the context. It's a serious word for significant hardship. Avoid using it lightly for minor inconveniences, as it can trivialize genuine suffering. It's often used with a tone of respect or empathy.

While 'arduous' or 'full of hardships' are good translations, they might not fully capture the cultural weight. In English, we might use 'grueling,' 'back-breaking,' or 'a life of struggle' to convey similar depth.

The stories of revolutionaries who fought for modern China often highlight their 艰辛 struggles against oppression and poverty. Biographies of successful entrepreneurs or artists frequently detail the 艰辛 path they took to achieve their goals. Historical accounts of migration or war invariably describe the 艰辛 conditions faced by the people involved.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Describing historical periods or events.

  • 艰辛的年代
  • 战争带来的艰辛
  • 移民的艰辛生活

Talking about personal struggles or achievements.

  • 创业艰辛
  • 历经艰辛
  • 艰辛的付出

Discussing challenging professions or lifestyles.

  • 艰辛的工作条件
  • 艰辛的劳动
  • 艰辛的旅程

Literary or artistic descriptions.

  • 艰辛的笔触
  • 艰辛的童年
  • 描绘艰辛的生活

General descriptions of difficulty and hardship.

  • 生活很艰辛
  • 面临艰辛
  • 克服艰辛

Amorces de conversation

"Can you think of a time when you or someone you know experienced 艰辛?"

"How do you think enduring 艰辛 shapes a person's character?"

"What historical periods come to mind when you hear the word 艰辛?"

"In what ways is the concept of 艰辛 relevant in today's society?"

"What are some phrases you know that describe overcoming 艰辛?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a challenge you've faced that felt 艰辛. What made it so difficult, and how did you cope?

Reflect on the value of perseverance through 艰辛. How has it impacted your life or the lives of people you admire?

Imagine you are writing a historical account of a difficult era. How would you use the word 艰辛 to describe the people's lives?

Compare and contrast the meaning of 艰辛 with other words for 'difficult' in Chinese. When would you choose 艰辛 over other options?

Think about a character from a book or movie who endured significant 艰辛. What lessons can be learned from their story?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

难 (nán) is a general term for 'difficult' and can apply to almost any situation that isn't easy. 艰辛 (jiān xīn), on the other hand, implies a much deeper, prolonged, and often physically or emotionally taxing struggle, involving significant hardship, toil, and sometimes suffering. Think of 难 as 'hard' and 艰辛 as 'arduous' or 'full of hardships'.

Yes, 艰辛 can sometimes be used as a noun, particularly in phrases like '生活中的艰辛' (the hardships in life) or when emphasizing the state of hardship itself, as in '在资源匮乏的地区,维持基本生活的艰辛是外人难以想象的' (The hardship of maintaining basic living in resource-scarce areas is difficult for outsiders to imagine). However, its primary function is as an adjective.

辛苦 (xīnkǔ) focuses on hard work, toil, and the resulting tiredness. It's often used to express thanks for someone's effort (e.g., 辛苦你了). 艰辛 is a stronger word that implies deeper hardship, suffering, and a more prolonged struggle. You might do 辛苦 work as part of a 艰辛 life. Use 艰辛 when you want to emphasize the overall difficulty, suffering, and struggle, not just the effort or tiredness.

Yes, several idioms convey similar meanings of hardship and struggle. Examples include 披荆斩棘 (pī jīng zhǎn jí - to overcome obstacles), 含辛茹苦 (hán xīn rú kǔ - to endure hardships), and 栉风沐雨 (zhì fēng mù yǔ - to work hard in all conditions). These idioms often add a literary or rhetorical flourish when describing arduous experiences.

At CEFR B2, learners are expected to understand and use a wider range of vocabulary, including words that express nuanced meanings. 艰辛 falls into this category as it conveys a specific type of intense and prolonged difficulty beyond simple 'difficult'. Using it correctly demonstrates a more sophisticated command of the language, allowing for richer descriptions of challenging experiences.

Generally, no. 艰辛 implies a more prolonged and significant hardship. For temporary or minor difficulties, words like 难 (nán), 麻烦 (máfan - troublesome), or 困难 (kùnnán - difficulty) are more appropriate. 艰辛 suggests a struggle that lasts over time or has a profound impact.

Common collocations include 艰辛的岁月 (arduous years), 艰辛的生活 (arduous life), 艰辛的旅程 (arduous journey), 艰辛的付出 (arduous effort), and 艰辛的奋斗 (arduous struggle). Using these phrases helps to naturally incorporate 艰辛 into sentences.

艰辛 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it tends to be more frequent in formal writing, literature, historical accounts, and serious discussions about hardship. In casual conversation, while understandable, simpler words might be preferred unless emphasizing a significant struggle.

Try associating the characters. 艰 (jiān) can sound like 'jian'cing (a sharp, difficult action), and 辛 (xīn) can sound like 'sin' or 'sinn-ful' hardship. Imagine a difficult, 'sinful' struggle. Visualizing someone climbing a steep, arduous mountain path can also help. Practice using it in sentences describing challenging experiences.

The tone is generally serious, empathetic, and often respectful. When used to describe someone's past, it implies admiration for their resilience. When describing a situation, it conveys the gravity of the challenges faced.

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