At the A1 level, '难过' (nánguò) is one of the first emotional adjectives you will learn. It is used in very simple sentence structures to express basic feelings of sadness. Think of it as the direct equivalent of 'sad' in English. You will use it to tell people how you feel (我很难过 - I am sad) or to ask how they feel (你难过吗? - Are you sad?). At this stage, you don't need to worry about the deep philosophical meanings of the characters; just remember that if you feel like crying or if something bad happened, '难过' is the word to use. You will often see it paired with '很' (hěn), which means 'very' but often just acts as a grammatical bridge. For example, '他很难过' (Tā hěn nánguò) means 'He is sad.' It's a vital word for basic human connection and empathy in your early Chinese conversations. You'll also learn to use '别难过' (bié nánguò) to comfort others, meaning 'Don't be sad.' This simple phrase is very useful in making friends and showing kindness in a Chinese-speaking environment.
As an A2 learner, you start to use '难过' in more complex ways, such as explaining the reasons for your sadness using '因为...所以...' (Yīnwèi... suǒyǐ... - Because... therefore...). You might say, '因为我没有时间去旅游,所以我很难过' (Because I don't have time to travel, I am sad). You also begin to understand the difference between '难过' and other similar words like '难受' (nánshòu - uncomfortable). At this level, you can use '难过' to describe specific situations, like '一个难过的故事' (a sad story). You might also start using '心里' (xīnlǐ) to specify that the sadness is internal: '我心里很难过' (I feel sad in my heart). This adds a layer of depth to your expression. You will also encounter '让' (ràng) sentences, where you describe what made you feel this way: '这个消息让我很难过' (This news made me very sad). Understanding these patterns allows you to express your emotions more accurately and relate your feelings to the world around you.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '难过' in various registers and contexts. You will see it in more formal texts, like news reports or short stories, where it might describe the collective mood of a group or a nation. You'll also start to notice its literal meaning: 'difficult to pass' or 'hard to get through.' For instance, in a sentence like '那段日子很难过' (Those days were hard to get through), '难过' bridges the gap between 'sad' and 'difficult.' You will also learn to use it with resultative complements or degree complements, such as '哭得很难过' (crying very sadly). At this stage, you should be able to distinguish '难过' from '伤心' (shāngxīn - heartbroken) and '悲哀' (bēi'āi - sorrowful), choosing '难过' for general emotional distress. You might also use it in hypothetical situations: '如果他离开了,我会很难过' (If he leaves, I will be very sad). Your ability to discuss emotions becomes more nuanced, allowing for more meaningful exchanges in social and professional settings.
By B2, '难过' is a word you use fluently and can analyze critically. You understand that while it's a common word, it carries a specific weight of 'endurance' due to the character '过' (to pass). You might use it to describe societal issues or historical periods that were 'difficult to endure' (难过的岁月). You are also aware of its use in literature to create atmosphere. You can compare and contrast it with more advanced vocabulary like '忧郁' (yōuyù - melancholy) or '凄惨' (qīcǎn - miserable). In discussions about mental health or psychology, you can use '难过' to describe a symptom or a state of mind. You also understand cultural nuances, such as when it's appropriate to express '难过' versus when to remain '坚强' (jiānqiáng - strong). Your usage of '让' and '被' constructions involving '难过' is seamless, and you can use it in complex sentences involving transition words and conditional clauses. You might say, '即便生活再难过,我们也要保持乐观' (Even if life is very hard/sad, we must remain optimistic).
At the C1 level, you explore the stylistic and rhetorical uses of '难过.' You can identify how authors use the word to evoke empathy or to highlight the struggles of a character. You might encounter it in classical-style modern prose or in deep philosophical discussions about the nature of suffering. You understand the subtle shift when '难过' is used as a verb-object structure in certain dialects or older texts. You can use it in idiomatic expressions or as part of a more sophisticated vocabulary set to describe the 'human condition.' For example, you might discuss the '难过之处' (the sad/difficult parts) of a particular situation or policy. You are also sensitive to the tone of the word—how it can be used ironically, sarcastically, or with profound sincerity. Your mastery allows you to use '难过' not just as a label for an emotion, but as a tool for storytelling and persuasion. You can discuss how the meaning of '难过' has evolved in the digital age and its role in modern Chinese social discourse.
At the C2 level, your understanding of '难过' is native-like and encompasses its entire historical and linguistic trajectory. You can appreciate the word's resonance in various literary genres, from ancient poetry (where the components '难' and '过' appear in similar contexts) to contemporary avant-garde fiction. You can discuss the etymological connection between 'passing a physical barrier' and 'passing an emotional one.' You are capable of using '难过' in highly formal speeches, academic papers on linguistics or psychology, and in-depth cultural critiques. You understand the word's place within the broader 'emotion lexicon' of the Chinese language and can explain its nuances to others. Whether you are analyzing a film's emotional arc or writing a complex narrative, you use '难过' with precision, choosing it over hundreds of other synonyms to achieve a specific emotional texture. You might use it to describe the 'unbearable lightness' or the 'heavy passing' of time, integrating it into a sophisticated and eloquent command of Mandarin.

难过 30초 만에

  • 难过 (nánguò) is a common Chinese adjective meaning 'sad' or 'unhappy,' used to express emotional distress in various everyday situations and personal setbacks.
  • It literally means 'difficult to pass,' implying that the person is going through a tough time emotionally that feels hard to get through or endure.
  • Unlike '难受' (nánshòu), which can mean physical discomfort, '难过' is almost always emotional. It is the standard word for general sadness in Mandarin.
  • It is frequently used with adverbs of degree like '很' (hěn) or '非常' (fēicháng) and can be found in songs, movies, and daily conversations.

The Chinese word 难过 (nánguò) is a foundational adjective in the Mandarin language, primarily used to express emotional distress, sadness, or a general feeling of being 'down.' At its most basic level, it corresponds to the English word 'sad' or 'unhappy.' However, to truly master its usage, one must look at its component characters: 难 (nán) meaning 'difficult' and 过 (guò) meaning 'to pass' or 'to cross.' Literally, it describes a period of time or a situation that is 'difficult to get through.' This etymological root gives the word a nuanced weight; it isn't just a fleeting pout, but often implies a sense of emotional burden that makes the current moment feel heavy or hard to endure.

Emotional Range
难过 covers a broad spectrum from mild disappointment to deep grief. It is the go-to word for everyday sadness, such as failing an exam or missing a friend.
Physical Sensation
While primarily emotional, in certain historical or regional contexts, it can occasionally hint at physical discomfort, though '难受' (nánshòu) is much more common for physical illness.

因为我的猫丢了,所以我很难过 (Yīnwèi wǒ de māo diū le, suǒyǐ wǒ hěn nánguò).

Translation: I am very sad because my cat is lost.

In social interactions, using '难过' is a way to seek empathy. It is less intense than '伤心' (shāngxīn - broken-hearted), which implies a sharper, more piercing pain. If you tell a friend '我很难过' (Wǒ hěn nánguò), you are inviting them to listen to your troubles. It is a very 'human' word, used across all age groups and social classes. In modern digital communication, you will often see it accompanied by crying emojis or used in social media posts to express sympathy for tragic world events. It is a word that bridges the gap between personal feelings and shared human experience.

听到这个坏消息,大家都很难过 (Tīng dào zhège huài xiāoxī, dàjiā dōu hěn nánguò).

Translation: Everyone is very sad to hear this bad news.

When analyzing the cultural context, Chinese speakers often value emotional restraint, but '难过' is a safe, standard way to express vulnerability without being overly dramatic. It is common in literature, songs (C-pop is full of '难过'!), and movies. It describes the feeling of a heavy heart, the lump in one's throat, and the general desire to sigh. Understanding this word is key to understanding the emotional landscape of Chinese speakers.

难过了,一切都会好起来的 (Bié nánguò le, yīqiè dōu huì hǎo qǐlái de).

Translation: Don't be sad, everything will be okay.
Colloquial Usage
Often paired with degree adverbs like '真' (zhēn - really), '非常' (fēicháng - extremely), or '挺' (tǐng - quite).

他心里真难过 (Tā xīnlǐ zhēn nánguò).

Translation: He feels really sad in his heart.

生活虽然难过,但我们要坚持 (Shēnghuó suīrán nánguò, dàn wǒmen yào jiānchí).

Translation: Although life is hard (to get through), we must persist.

Using 难过 correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement as an adjective. In Chinese, adjectives often function as predicates without the need for the verb 'to be' (是), instead using adverbs of degree like 很 (hěn). For example, 'I am sad' is '我很难过' (Wǒ hěn nánguò). If you use '是', it often implies a categorical statement or emphasis, which is less natural here. The most common structure is Subject + (Degree Adverb) + 难过.

Basic Predicative Use
The most straightforward way to express sadness. Example: 他看起来很难过 (He looks very sad).
Attributive Use
Using it to describe a noun, though less common than predicative use. Example: 一个难过的故事 (A sad story).

你为什么这么难过? (Nǐ wèishéme zhème nánguò?)

Translation: Why are you so sad?

Another important pattern is the use of 心里 (xīnlǐ - in the heart). Chinese speakers frequently specify where the emotion is felt. Saying '我心里很难过' adds a touch of internal depth, suggesting the sadness is felt deep within. Furthermore, '难过' can be used with the '让' (ràng - to make/allow) construction to describe causes: Something + 让 + Someone + 难过.

他的话让我很难过 (Tā de huà ràng wǒ hěn nánguò).

Translation: His words made me very sad.

In terms of intensity, '难过' is versatile. You can qualify it with '有一点' (yǒu yīdiǎn - a little bit) for minor setbacks, or '非常' (fēicháng - extremely) for major life events. It is also used in questions to check on someone's well-being. If a friend looks upset, asking '你很难过吗?' (Are you sad?) is a direct and caring way to open a conversation. It's important to note that '难过' is rarely used for physical pain anymore; for a stomach ache, you would say '疼' (téng) or '不舒服' (bù shūfu).

想家的时候,我会感到难过 (Xiǎngjiā de shíhòu, wǒ huì gǎndào nánguò).

Translation: When I am homesick, I feel sad.
Complement of Result
Sometimes used after a verb to show the result of an action. Example: 哭得很难过 (Crying sadly/bitterly).

那个孩子哭得非常难过 (Nàge háizi kū de fēicháng nánguò).

Translation: That child is crying very sadly.

虽然考试没过,但别太难过 (Suīrán kǎoshì méi guò, dàn bié tài nánguò).

Translation: Although you didn't pass the exam, don't be too sad.

You will encounter 难过 in almost every facet of Chinese daily life. It is a staple of Mandopop lyrics, where themes of heartbreak and longing are ubiquitous. Song titles like '我不难过' (I'm Not Sad) by Stephanie Sun highlight its central role in emotional expression. In TV dramas (C-dramas), characters frequently use this word to express their internal state during dramatic plot twists, breakups, or family conflicts. It is the standard vocabulary for describing the human condition when things go wrong.

In Pop Culture
Listen for it in ballads. It's often the climax of a chorus, emphasizing the singer's pain.
In News and Media
News anchors use it when reporting on tragedies to reflect the public mood, e.g., '全国人民都很难过' (The whole country is very sad).

这首歌听起来让人很难过 (Zhè shǒu gē tīng qǐlái ràng rén hěn nánguò).

Translation: This song sounds very sad.

In a professional or school setting, '难过' might be used during performance reviews or when discussing failures. A teacher might say to a student who failed, '我知道你很难过,但下次努力' (I know you are sad, but work hard next time). It acts as a bridge of empathy. On social media platforms like WeChat or Little Red Book (Xiaohongshu), users post '难过' to share their daily 'lows,' often accompanied by photos of rainy days or empty streets, fitting into the 'melancholy' aesthetic popular among younger generations.

他在朋友圈发了一张很难过的照片 (Tā zài péngyǒuquān fāle yī zhāng hěn nánguò de zhàopiàn).

Translation: He posted a very sad photo on his Moments.

Interestingly, in parenting, you'll hear parents say '你这样做,妈妈会很难过' (If you do this, Mommy will be very sad). Here, '难过' is used as a tool for moral and emotional education, teaching children the impact of their actions on others' feelings. It’s a word that spans the entire lifecycle of a Chinese speaker, from childhood discipline to adult heartbreak and elderly reflection.

看到家乡的变化,他心里有些难过 (Kàn dào jiāxiāng de biànhuà, tā xīnlǐ yǒuxiē nánguò).

Translation: Seeing the changes in his hometown, he felt a bit sad in his heart.
In Literature
Modern novels use '难过' to describe the 'ennui' or the 'heaviness' of modern life, moving beyond simple tears into existential weight.

他最难过的时候已经过去了 (Tā zuì nánguò de shíhòu yǐjīng guòqù le).

Translation: His saddest times have already passed.

在这个难过的时刻,我们需要互相支持 (Zài zhège nánguò de shíkè, wǒmen xūyào hùxiāng zhīchí).

Translation: In this sad moment, we need to support each other.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing 难过 (nánguò) with 难受 (nánshòu). While both involve feeling 'bad,' 难过 is almost exclusively emotional sadness. 难受, on the other hand, is a broader term for 'feeling unwell' or 'uncomfortable,' covering both physical illness (like a stomach ache) and emotional distress (like feeling awkward or stifled). If you say '我肚子很难过' (My stomach is sad), it sounds like a personification of your organs rather than saying you have a stomach ache.

Mistake 1: Confusion with Physical Pain
Incorrect: 我感冒了,我很难过 (I have a cold, I am sad). Correct: 我感冒了,我很难受 (I have a cold, I feel unwell).
Mistake 2: Overusing '是'
Incorrect: 我是难过 (I am sad). Correct: 我很难过 (I am [very] sad). In Chinese, '很' acts as the link for adjectives.

别把难过难受弄混了 (Bié bǎ nánguò hé nánshòu nòng hùn le).

Translation: Don't mix up 'nánguò' and 'nánshòu'.

Another mistake involves the intensity word 伤心 (shāngxīn). Learners often use '难过' when they really mean 'heartbroken.' If someone's parent passes away, '难过' might sound a bit too light or casual; '伤心' or '悲痛' (bēitòng) would be more appropriate for deep grief. Conversely, don't use '伤心' for minor things like losing a pen; that would be overly dramatic. Use '难过' for the middle ground of emotional upset.

丢了钥匙只是有点难过,不是伤心 (Diūle yàoshi zhǐshì yǒudiǎn nánguò, bùshì shāngxīn).

Translation: Losing keys is just a bit sad, not heartbroken.

Finally, avoid using '难过' to mean 'difficult to do' something. For example, 'difficult to read' is 难读 (nándú), not '难过读.' '难' is a prefix for many 'difficult to [verb]' constructions, but once you add '过,' it becomes a specific emotional state. This is a common point of confusion for students who try to translate English 'hard' or 'difficult' literally in every context.

这本书很读,不是很难过 (Zhè běn shū hěn nán dú, bùshì hěn nánguò).

Translation: This book is hard to read, not 'very sad'.
Mistake 3: Word Order with '让'
Incorrect: 我难过让他 (I sad make him). Correct: 他让我很难过 (He makes me very sad).

考试不及格真让人难过 (Kǎoshì bù jígé zhēn ràng rén nánguò).

Translation: Failing an exam really makes one sad.

今天真是难过的一天 (Jīntiān zhēnshì nánguò de yītiān).

Translation: Today is truly a sad/difficult day.

Chinese has a rich vocabulary for emotions, and 难过 is just the tip of the iceberg. To sound more native, you should know when to swap it for a more precise term. The most common alternative is 伤心 (shāngxīn), which literally means 'injured heart.' It is used for more profound sadness, like a breakup or a loss. While you might be '难过' about a rainy day, you are '伤心' when your partner leaves you.

难过 vs 伤心
难过 is general sadness or feeling bad; 伤心 is deep grief or being heartbroken. You can say '我很伤心' but '我很难过' is more common for daily setbacks.
难过 vs 难受
难过 is purely emotional; 难受 can be physical (sick) or emotional (feeling stifled/uncomfortable). If the air in a room is bad, you feel '难受,' not '难过.'

分手后他非常伤心 (Fēnshǒu hòu tā fēicháng shāngxīn).

Translation: He was very heartbroken after the breakup.

For even more formal contexts, such as writing or literature, you might see 悲伤 (bēishāng) or 忧郁 (yōuyù). '悲伤' is a formal word for sorrow, often used in poetry. '忧郁' refers to melancholy or depression, a more chronic state of being 'blue.' If you want to describe a temporary feeling of being 'bummed out' or 'depressed' in a casual way, younger people might use 郁闷 (yùmèn), which implies feeling gloomy and stuck.

这几天天气不好,我觉得很郁闷 (Zhè jǐ tiān tiānqì bù hǎo, wǒ juéde hěn yùmèn).

Translation: The weather has been bad these few days, I feel quite gloomy/depressed.

Lastly, consider the word 痛苦 (tòngkǔ). This means 'painful' or 'suffering.' It is much stronger than '难过.' If someone is going through a major life crisis, they are in '痛苦.' '难过' is the feeling of a heavy heart, while '痛苦' is the feeling of being in agony. Choosing the right word shows your depth of understanding of Chinese culture and the nuances of emotional expression.

生病的过程非常痛苦 (Shēngbìng de guòchéng fēicháng tòngkǔ).

Translation: The process of being ill is very painful.
难过 vs 难堪
难堪 (nánkān) means 'embarrassed' or 'awkward.' Don't confuse it with '难过' just because they both start with '难.'

在大家面前出错,让他很难堪 (Zài dàjiā miànqián chūcuò, ràng tā hěn nánkān).

Translation: Making a mistake in front of everyone made him very embarrassed.

生活总有难过的时候,要学会调节 (Shēnghuó zǒng yǒu nánguò de shíhòu, yào xuéhuì tiáojié).

Translation: Life always has sad times; you must learn to adjust.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The character '难' (nán) is also used for 'male' (男 - nán), but they are written differently and have no etymological connection. Don't mix them up!

발음 가이드

UK /næn ɡwɔː/
US /næn ɡwoʊ/
The stress is equal on both syllables, but the tones are the key identifying features.
라임이 맞는 단어
nán: 蓝 (lán), 烦 (fán), 船 (chuán - partial) guò: 错 (cuò), 破 (pò), 货 (huò), 坐 (zuò), 阔 (kuò), 弱 (ruò), 锁 (suǒ), 糯 (nuò)
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing 'nán' as 'nàn' (4th tone), which changes the meaning to 'disaster'.
  • Pronouncing 'guò' as 'guǒ' (3rd tone).
  • Failing to differentiate between the 'n' and 'ng' sounds if they were present (not an issue for this word, but a general tip).
  • Mispronouncing the 'u' in 'guo' as a hard 'oo' sound.
  • Using English 'sad' intonation instead of Mandarin tones.

난이도

독해 1/5

The characters are relatively simple and common at the A1 level.

쓰기 2/5

The character '难' has several strokes, but it is a fundamental character to learn early on.

말하기 1/5

The pronunciation is straightforward, though the 2nd-4th tone transition needs practice.

듣기 1/5

It is a very distinct-sounding word and frequently used in songs and speech.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

다음에 배울 것

伤心 难受 高兴 快乐 担心

고급

悲哀 凄惨 忧郁 惆怅 悲恸

알아야 할 문법

Adjectives as predicates

我很难过 (I am sad - no 'shì' needed).

Degree adverbs

他非常难过 (He is extremely sad).

The 'ràng' construction

这件事让他很难过 (This matter made him very sad).

The 'bié...le' structure

别难过了 (Stop being sad).

Attributive 'de'

难过的事情 (Sad things).

수준별 예문

1

我很难过。

I am very sad.

Subject + 很 + Adjective.

2

你难过吗?

Are you sad?

Simple question with 吗.

3

别难过了。

Don't be sad.

Imperative with 别...了.

4

他不难过。

He is not sad.

Negation with 不.

5

我的猫丢了,我很难过。

My cat is lost, I am very sad.

Two clauses showing cause and effect.

6

老师很难过。

The teacher is very sad.

Noun + 很 + Adjective.

7

这个星期我很难过。

I am very sad this week.

Time phrase + Subject + Adjective.

8

大家都很难过。

Everyone is very sad.

大家 (Everyone) + 都 (all) + Adjective.

1

听到这个消息,我很难过。

Hearing this news, I am very sad.

Verb phrase + comma + main clause.

2

他为什么这么难过?

Why is he so sad?

Interrogative 为什么 (why).

3

我心里有一点难过。

I feel a little bit sad in my heart.

心里 (in the heart) + 有一点 (a little).

4

这是一个难过的故事。

This is a sad story.

Attributive use with 的.

5

考试没考好,我很难过。

I didn't do well on the exam, I am very sad.

Specific reason provided before the emotion.

6

别让他难过。

Don't make him sad.

让 (to make/let) construction.

7

想家的时候,我很难过。

When I am homesick, I am very sad.

...的时候 (When...).

8

因为下雨不能出去玩,她很难过。

Because it's raining and she can't go out to play, she is very sad.

因为 (Because) clause.

1

看到他哭得那么难过,我也想哭了。

Seeing him cry so sadly, I also wanted to cry.

Complement of degree: 哭得很难过.

2

那段日子真的很难过。

Those days were really hard to get through.

Using 难过 to mean 'difficult to endure time'.

3

他的话让我心里非常难过。

His words made my heart feel extremely sad.

让 (ràng) + object + adjective.

4

虽然很难过,但她还是坚持工作。

Although she was very sad, she still kept working.

虽然...但... (Although... but...).

5

这种难过的感觉很难说清楚。

This sad feeling is hard to explain clearly.

难过 as an adjective describing 'feeling'.

6

如果失去你,我会很难过。

If I lose you, I will be very sad.

Hypothetical '如果' (if) sentence.

7

电影的结局让人感到十分难过。

The ending of the movie makes people feel quite sad.

让人感到 (makes people feel).

8

没有朋友的陪伴,生活会很难过。

Without the company of friends, life will be very sad/hard.

Condition without 'if'.

1

他努力掩饰自己的难过,不想让父母担心。

He tried hard to hide his sadness, not wanting to worry his parents.

掩饰 (to hide/mask) + 难过 (noun-like use).

2

这种难过的气氛笼罩着整个房间。

This sad atmosphere enveloped the entire room.

难过的 (adjective) + 气氛 (atmosphere).

3

即便生活再难过,我们也要勇敢面对。

Even if life is harder/sadder, we must face it bravely.

即便...也... (Even if... also...).

4

他那难过的眼神深深地触动了我。

His sad gaze deeply touched me.

难过的 (adjective) + 眼神 (look in one's eyes).

5

她为了那件事难过了好几个月。

She was sad about that matter for several months.

难过 (verb-like) + Duration (好几个月).

6

在这个难过的时刻,我们需要团结一致。

In this sad moment, we need to be united.

难过的 (adjective) + 时刻 (moment).

7

他心里难过得说不出话来。

He was so sad in his heart that he couldn't speak.

Adjective + 得 + Result Clause.

8

并不是所有的难过都能用眼泪表达。

Not all sadness can be expressed with tears.

并不是 (It is not necessarily that...).

1

这种难过并非一时的情绪,而是长期的压抑。

This sadness is not a temporary emotion, but long-term suppression.

并非 (is not) ... 而是 (but rather).

2

他在文字中流露出的难过,令人唏嘘不已。

The sadness revealed in his writing is deeply moving and sigh-inducing.

流露 (to reveal/leak) + 难过.

3

难过之余,我们更应该反思失败的原因。

Beyond being sad, we should reflect more on the reasons for the failure.

...之余 (in addition to / beyond ...).

4

他的一生都在这种难过的境遇中挣扎。

He struggled throughout his life in such sad/difficult circumstances.

难过的 (adjective) + 境遇 (circumstances).

5

这种难过源于对未来的不确定感。

This sadness stems from a sense of uncertainty about the future.

源于 (stems from).

6

他试图用酒精来麻痹内心的难过。

He tried to use alcohol to numb the sadness in his heart.

麻痹 (to numb) + 难过.

7

在这部作品中,作者赋予了‘难过’更深层的哲学含义。

In this work, the author bestows a deeper philosophical meaning upon 'sadness'.

赋予 (to bestow/endow).

8

这种难过如影随形,挥之不去。

This sadness follows like a shadow, impossible to shake off.

Idiomatic usage: 如影随形 (like a shadow).

1

那种难过,是由于对时代变迁的无力感所致。

That kind of sadness is caused by a sense of powerlessness against the changes of the era.

由于...所致 (caused by...).

2

他笔下的难过,透着一种苍凉的底色。

The sadness in his writing reveals a desolate underlying tone.

透着 (revealing) + 底色 (underlying tone).

3

这种难过,并非肤浅的悲伤,而是一种灵魂深处的共鸣。

This sadness is not superficial sorrow, but a resonance in the depths of the soul.

并非...而是一种... (is not... but rather a type of...).

4

难过到了极点,反而会生出一种超脱的平静。

When sadness reaches its peak, a kind of detached calm will emerge instead.

...到了极点 (to the extreme) + 反而 (on the contrary).

5

作者巧妙地将个人的难过升华为对人类命运的关怀。

The author skillfully sublimates personal sadness into concern for the fate of humanity.

升华为 (to sublimate into).

6

这种难过在历史的洪流中显得如此微不足道。

This sadness seems so insignificant in the torrent of history.

微不足道 (insignificant).

7

即便处在最难过的关头,他依然保持着那份高傲。

Even at the saddest/most difficult juncture, he still maintained that pride.

最难过的关头 (the most critical/difficult juncture).

8

这种难过,是他对那段逝去岁月的最后祭奠。

This sadness is his final memorial to those vanished years.

对...的祭奠 (a memorial/sacrifice to...).

자주 쓰는 조합

很难过
心里难过
感到难过
让人难过
别难过
哭得难过
有些难过
难过的日子
难过的故事
太难过了

자주 쓰는 구문

我不难过

— I am not sad. Often used to show strength or resilience.

虽然分手了,但我不难过。

真难过

— Really sad. Used as a reaction to bad news.

听说他生病了,真难过。

难过得要命

— Extremely sad (literally: sad to the point of death).

丢了手机,我难过得要命。

别太难过

— Don't be too sad. A common way to comfort someone.

考试没过,别太难过。

为...难过

— To feel sad for/because of someone or something.

我为他的遭遇感到难过。

整天难过

— To be sad all day long.

她为了那件事整天难过。

难过的时候

— When (one is) sad.

难过的时候,我想听音乐。

有点难过

— A bit sad. Used for minor disappointments.

计划取消了,我有点难过。

难过极了

— Extremely sad. '极了' is a strong suffix.

听到外公去世的消息,他难过极了。

心里特别难过

— Especially sad in one's heart.

看到流浪猫,我心里特别难过。

자주 혼동되는 단어

难过 vs 难受 (nánshòu)

难受 can be physical or emotional discomfort; 难过 is strictly emotional sadness.

难过 vs 难看 (nánkàn)

难看 means 'ugly' or 'embarrassing'; it has nothing to do with sadness.

难过 vs 难懂 (nándǒng)

难懂 means 'difficult to understand.' Don't use '难过' for difficult tasks.

관용어 및 표현

"难过关"

— Difficult to pass a test or a hurdle. Uses '难过' in its literal sense.

这次面试真是个难过关。

Informal
"悲痛欲绝"

— To be so sad that one feels like dying. Much stronger than 难过.

听到噩耗,她悲痛欲绝。

Formal
"垂头丧气"

— To be dejected and discouraged (literally: hanging head and losing spirit).

他垂头丧气地走出了办公室。

Neutral
"愁眉苦脸"

— To have a worried or miserable face.

你为什么整天愁眉苦脸的?

Informal
"心如刀割"

— To feel as if one's heart is being cut by a knife. Extreme emotional pain.

看着孩子受苦,母亲心如刀割。

Literary
"郁郁寡欢"

— To be cheerless and depressed; habitually sad.

他最近总是郁郁寡欢的。

Formal
"痛不欲生"

— To be in such pain that one no longer wants to live.

那段日子让他痛不欲生。

Strong
"黯然神伤"

— To be downcast and sorrowful.

想到往事,他不禁黯然神伤。

Literary
"闷闷不乐"

— To be depressed and unhappy; in low spirits.

他因为没买到票而闷闷不乐。

Neutral
"泣不成声"

— To be so choked with sobs that one cannot speak.

她难过得泣不成声。

Neutral

혼동하기 쉬운

难过 vs 伤心

Both mean sad.

伤心 is much stronger, like 'heartbroken.' 难过 is more general and common for daily life.

分手让他很伤心;丢了笔让他很难过。

难过 vs 难受

Both start with '难' and relate to feeling bad.

难受 is used for physical illness or feeling awkward/stifled. 难过 is only for sadness.

我感冒了,身体很难受。

难过 vs 郁闷

Both describe negative moods.

郁闷 implies feeling stuck, frustrated, or gloomy. 难过 is specifically sadness.

电脑又坏了,我很郁闷。

难过 vs 痛苦

Both involve pain.

痛苦 is intense suffering or agony. 难过 is the feeling of a heavy heart.

战争带来了巨大的痛苦。

难过 vs 委屈

Both involve feeling bad.

委屈 (wěiqu) is specifically feeling wronged or mistreated. 难过 is general sadness.

被妈妈骂了,他觉得很委屈。

문장 패턴

A1

S + 很 + 难过

我很难过。

A1

S + 不 + 难过

他不难过。

A2

S + 为什么 + 那么 + 难过?

你为什么那么难过?

A2

让 + Person + 难过

这让我很难过。

B1

S + 哭得 + 很难过

她哭得很难过。

B1

虽然...但是 + 很难过

虽然赢了,但他很难过。

B2

难过的 + Noun

一段难过的往事。

C1

难过 + 之余

难过之余,我们要反思。

어휘 가족

명사

难关 (nánguān - difficult pass/crisis)
难事 (nánshì - difficult matter)

동사

过 (guò - to pass/cross)
难为 (nánwéi - to embarrass/make difficult for someone)

형용사

难 (nán - difficult)
难受 (nánshòu - uncomfortable/unwell)

관련

伤心 (shāngxīn)
痛苦 (tòngkǔ)
悲伤 (bēishāng)
不快 (bùkuài)
忧虑 (yōulǜ)

사용법

frequency

Extremely high in daily speech, literature, and media.

자주 하는 실수
  • Using 难过 for physical illness. 使用 '难受' (nánshòu) 或 '不舒服' (bù shūfu).

    If you have a headache, saying '我头很难过' is wrong. You should say '我头很疼' or '我很难受'.

  • Saying '我是难过'. 使用 '我很难过'.

    In Chinese, you don't use 'shì' (to be) with adjectives in this way. You need a degree adverb like 'hěn'.

  • Confusing 难过 (sad) with 难看 (ugly). Check the second character: 过 vs 看.

    Learners often mix these up because they both start with '难'. '难看' means bad-looking or ugly.

  • Using 难过 to mean 'difficult to do'. Use '难 + Verb' (e.g., 难做, 难写).

    Don't say '这课很难过' if you mean the lesson is difficult. Say '这课很难'.

  • Using 难过 for deep, tragic grief in formal writing. Use '悲痛' (bēitòng) or '哀悼' (āidào).

    难过 is a bit too casual for a formal eulogy or official statement of mourning.

Use '很' as a bridge

Always remember to put '很' (hěn) before '难过' in simple sentences like '我很难过.' It doesn't always mean 'very'; it's often just a grammatical requirement.

难过 vs 难受

Remember: 难过 is for your heart (emotions), and 难受 can be for your body (sickness) or your heart. If you're unsure, '难过' is safer for sadness.

Tone practice

Practice the 2nd tone (nán) rising up and the 4th tone (guò) dropping down. It should sound like a small hill followed by a slide.

Comforting others

The phrase '别难过了' is a powerful tool for empathy. Use it whenever a friend is upset to show you care.

Add '心里'

Adding '心里' (xīnlǐ) before '很难过' makes your writing sound more native. '他心里很难过' sounds more natural than just '他很难过' in many stories.

Listen for '让'

In dramas, you'll often hear '你让我很难过.' This is a common way to blame someone for making you sad.

Restraint

While '难过' is common, Chinese culture often values '坚强' (strength). Use '难过' to express vulnerability with close friends.

Literal meaning

Think of '难' (difficult) + '过' (pass). Sadness is a difficult time you have to pass through.

Avoid overusing 伤心

Don't use '伤心' for small things. If you lost your lunch, you are '难过,' not '伤心' (heartbroken).

Social Media

Look for crying emojis (😭) and the word '难过' on WeChat. It's the standard way to share a bad day.

암기하기

기억법

Think of a mountain that is 'difficult' (难) to 'pass' (过). When you are sad, it feels like you are trying to climb that difficult mountain just to get through the day.

시각적 연상

Imagine a person standing in front of a very high wall or a bridge that is broken. They can't cross (过) easily, and it's hard (难). This represents the feeling of being stuck in sadness.

Word Web

难 (Difficult) 过 (Pass) 心 (Heart) 泪 (Tears) 哭 (Cry) 情 (Emotion) 事 (Matter) 人 (Person)

챌린지

Try to use '难过' in three different sentences today: one about yourself, one about a movie, and one comforting a friend.

어원

The word is composed of two characters: 难 (nán) and 过 (guò). 难 originally depicted a type of bird and later evolved to mean 'difficult.' 过 originally meant 'to pass' or 'to cross a river.'

원래 의미: To have a difficult time passing (through a situation or time).

Sino-Tibetan -> Chinese -> Mandarin.

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using '难过' in professional settings; it might be seen as too personal. '遗憾' (yíhàn - regret/unfortunate) is often a more professional alternative.

English speakers often use 'sad' for everything from a movie to a funeral. In Chinese, '难过' is specifically for personal feelings; you wouldn't usually say a movie is '难过' but rather '感人' (moving).

Song: '我不难过' (I'm Not Sad) by Stephanie Sun. Movie: '悲伤逆流成河' (Cry Me a Sad River). Common saying: '日子难过天天过' (Hard days are still days we pass through every day).

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Failing an exam

  • 考试没过
  • 我很担心
  • 下次努力
  • 别太难过

Breaking up

  • 我们分手了
  • 我很伤心
  • 心里难受
  • 忘了他吧

Losing a pet

  • 小猫不见了
  • 它去哪了
  • 我很想它
  • 真难过

Bad news in the media

  • 听到消息
  • 太突然了
  • 深感遗憾
  • 大家都很悲伤

Homesickness

  • 想家了
  • 一个人在这
  • 有点孤单
  • 心里难过

대화 시작하기

"你看起来有点难过,发生什么事了? (You look a bit sad, what happened?)"

"如果我做错事让你难过了,请告诉我。 (If I did something wrong that made you sad, please tell me.)"

"你难过的时候喜欢做什么? (What do you like to do when you are sad?)"

"听这首歌会不会让你觉得难过? (Does listening to this song make you feel sad?)"

"别难过了,我们去吃好吃的吧! (Don't be sad, let's go eat something delicious!)"

일기 주제

写一写让你感到最难过的一件事。 (Write about one thing that made you feel the most sad.)

难过的时候,谁会安慰你? (When you are sad, who comforts you?)

你觉得‘难过’和‘伤心’有什么区别? (What do you think is the difference between 'nánguò' and 'shāngxīn'?)

描述一个你见过的很难过的瞬间。 (Describe a very sad moment you have seen.)

如果没有了‘难过’,世界会变成什么样? (If there was no 'sadness,' what would the world become?)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Usually, no. In Chinese, we use '感人' (gǎnrén - moving) or '悲剧' (bēijù - tragedy) for media. You can say the movie made *you* feel '难过,' but the movie itself isn't '难过.' Example: '这部电影让我很难过' (This movie made me sad).

难过 is 'sad' or 'unhappy,' while 伤心 is 'heartbroken.' If you lose a small amount of money, you are 难过. If a loved one passes away, you are 伤心. 伤心 implies a deeper, sharper pain.

It is primarily an adjective. However, in the literal sense of 'passing a difficult time,' it can behave like a verb-object phrase, but for A1-B2 learners, treating it as an adjective is most helpful.

No. For physical pain, use '疼' (téng) or '酸' (suān). For a general feeling of being unwell, use '难受' (nánshòu) or '不舒服' (bù shūfu).

The most common way is '别难过了' (Bié nánguò le). The 'le' at the end indicates a change in state, essentially saying 'stop being in the state of sadness.'

In Chinese, when an adjective is the predicate (the main verb of the sentence), it usually needs a degree adverb like '很.' Without it, the sentence sounds like a comparison. '我很难过' just means 'I am sad.'

It's grammatically incorrect in most contexts. You should say '我很难过.' Using '是' makes it sound like you are defining yourself as 'sadness,' which doesn't make sense.

It is neutral and can be used in almost any setting, from talking to a child to writing a letter. It is a very safe word to use.

Not necessarily. It describes the internal feeling of sadness. You can be '难过' without shedding a single tear.

The most common opposites are 高兴 (gāoxìng - happy/glad) and 快乐 (kuàilè - happy/joyful).

셀프 테스트 200 질문

writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'I am sad because I lost my dog.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'Don't be sad, everything will be okay.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'His words made me very sad.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'I feel a little bit sad.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'Why are you so sad?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'This is a sad story.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'I am not sad anymore.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'Everyone was very sad to hear the news.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'I feel sad in my heart.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'He is crying very sadly.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'Life was very hard back then.' (Use 难过 literally)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'I don't want to make you sad.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'She was sad for a long time.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'The movie's ending is very sad.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'If you leave, I will be very sad.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'He tried to hide his sadness.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'Don't be sad about small things.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'This sad atmosphere is everywhere.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'I was sad to see him go.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence in Chinese: 'Sadness is part of life.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I am sad' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Don't be sad' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask 'Why are you sad?' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I am a little bit sad' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'This news makes me sad' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'He is very sad in his heart' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Everyone is sad' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I'm not sad' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'A very sad story' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Don't make her sad' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I feel sad for him' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'He looks very sad' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I was sad yesterday' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'It's really sad' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Stop crying, don't be sad' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I am sad because my cat died' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Are you still sad?' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I'm sad to hear that' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Life is sad sometimes' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I want to cry because I am sad' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the audio and select the word you hear: (Audio: nánguò)

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the sentence and translate: (Audio: Tā hěn nánguò.)

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the sentence and translate: (Audio: Bié nánguò le.)

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the sentence and translate: (Audio: Nǐ wèishéme nánguò?)

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify the emotion: (Audio: Wǒ de māo diū le, wǒ hěn nánguò.)

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify the target: (Audio: Zhè jiàn shì ràng tā hěn nánguò.)

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the complement: (Audio: Tā kū de hěn nánguò.)

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the degree: (Audio: Wǒ fēicháng nánguò.)

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and transcribe the pinyin: (Audio: nánguò)

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and fill in the blank: (Audio: Wǒ ___ hěn nánguò.)

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and choose the correct meaning: (Audio: Shēnghuó hěn nánguò.)

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen to the question: (Audio: Nǐ hái nánguò ma?)

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify the speaker's feeling: (Audio: Wǒ bù nánguò, wǒ hěn gāoxìng.)

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and transcribe: (Audio: Zhēn nánguò.)

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and translate the phrase: (Audio: nánguò de yītiān)

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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