难过
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).
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).
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.
别难过了,一切都会好起来的 (Bié nánguò le, yīqiè dōu huì hǎo qǐlái de).
- 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).
生活虽然难过,但我们要坚持 (Shēnghuó suīrán nánguò, dàn wǒmen yào jiānchí).
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?)
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).
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).
- 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).
虽然考试没过,但别太难过 (Suīrán kǎoshì méi guò, dàn bié tài nánguò).
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).
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).
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).
- 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).
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).
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.
别把难过和难受弄混了 (Bié bǎ nánguò hé nánshòu nòng hùn le).
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).
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.
这本书很难读,不是很难过 (Zhè běn shū hěn nán dú, bùshì hěn nánguò).
- 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).
今天真是难过的一天 (Jīntiān zhēnshì nánguò de yītiān).
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).
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).
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).
- 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).
生活总有难过的时候,要学会调节 (Shēnghuó zǒng yǒu nánguò de shíhòu, yào xuéhuì tiáojié).
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
- 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
The characters are relatively simple and common at the A1 level.
The character '难' has several strokes, but it is a fundamental character to learn early on.
The pronunciation is straightforward, though the 2nd-4th tone transition needs practice.
It is a very distinct-sounding word and frequently used in songs and speech.
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
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
我很难过。
I am very sad.
Subject + 很 + Adjective.
你难过吗?
Are you sad?
Simple question with 吗.
别难过了。
Don't be sad.
Imperative with 别...了.
他不难过。
He is not sad.
Negation with 不.
我的猫丢了,我很难过。
My cat is lost, I am very sad.
Two clauses showing cause and effect.
老师很难过。
The teacher is very sad.
Noun + 很 + Adjective.
这个星期我很难过。
I am very sad this week.
Time phrase + Subject + Adjective.
大家都很难过。
Everyone is very sad.
大家 (Everyone) + 都 (all) + Adjective.
听到这个消息,我很难过。
Hearing this news, I am very sad.
Verb phrase + comma + main clause.
他为什么这么难过?
Why is he so sad?
Interrogative 为什么 (why).
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).
这是一个难过的故事。
This is a sad story.
Attributive use with 的.
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.
别让他难过。
Don't make him sad.
让 (to make/let) construction.
想家的时候,我很难过。
When I am homesick, I am very sad.
...的时候 (When...).
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.
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.
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'.
他的话让我心里非常难过。
His words made my heart feel extremely sad.
让 (ràng) + object + adjective.
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...).
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'.
如果失去你,我会很难过。
If I lose you, I will be very sad.
Hypothetical '如果' (if) sentence.
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).
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'.
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).
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).
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...).
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).
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).
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).
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.
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...).
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).
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.
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 ...).
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).
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).
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.
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).
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).
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...).
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).
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...).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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
자주 쓰는 구문
— I am not sad. Often used to show strength or resilience.
虽然分手了,但我不难过。
— Really sad. Used as a reaction to bad news.
听说他生病了,真难过。
— Extremely sad (literally: sad to the point of death).
丢了手机,我难过得要命。
— Don't be too sad. A common way to comfort someone.
考试没过,别太难过。
— To feel sad for/because of someone or something.
我为他的遭遇感到难过。
— To be sad all day long.
她为了那件事整天难过。
— When (one is) sad.
难过的时候,我想听音乐。
— A bit sad. Used for minor disappointments.
计划取消了,我有点难过。
— Extremely sad. '极了' is a strong suffix.
听到外公去世的消息,他难过极了。
— Especially sad in one's heart.
看到流浪猫,我心里特别难过。
자주 혼동되는 단어
难受 can be physical or emotional discomfort; 难过 is strictly emotional sadness.
难看 means 'ugly' or 'embarrassing'; it has nothing to do with sadness.
难懂 means 'difficult to understand.' Don't use '难过' for difficult tasks.
관용어 및 표현
— 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— To be so sad that one feels like dying. Much stronger than 难过.
听到噩耗,她悲痛欲绝。
Formal— To be dejected and discouraged (literally: hanging head and losing spirit).
他垂头丧气地走出了办公室。
Neutral— To have a worried or miserable face.
你为什么整天愁眉苦脸的?
Informal— 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— To be cheerless and depressed; habitually sad.
他最近总是郁郁寡欢的。
Formal— To be in such pain that one no longer wants to live.
那段日子让他痛不欲生。
Strong— To be downcast and sorrowful.
想到往事,他不禁黯然神伤。
Literary— To be depressed and unhappy; in low spirits.
他因为没买到票而闷闷不乐。
Neutral— To be so choked with sobs that one cannot speak.
她难过得泣不成声。
Neutral혼동하기 쉬운
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。
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。
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。
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。
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
S + 很 + 难过
我很难过。
S + 不 + 难过
他不难过。
S + 为什么 + 那么 + 难过?
你为什么那么难过?
让 + Person + 难过
这让我很难过。
S + 哭得 + 很难过
她哭得很难过。
虽然...但是 + 很难过
虽然赢了,但他很难过。
难过的 + Noun
一段难过的往事。
难过 + 之余
难过之余,我们要反思。
어휘 가족
명사
동사
형용사
관련
사용법
Extremely high in daily speech, literature, and media.
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Using 难过 for physical illness.
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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'.
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Saying '我是难过'.
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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'.
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Confusing 难过 (sad) with 难看 (ugly).
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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.
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Using 难过 to mean 'difficult to do'.
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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'.
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Using 难过 for deep, tragic grief in formal writing.
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Use '悲痛' (bēitòng) or '哀悼' (āidào).
难过 is a bit too casual for a formal eulogy or official statement of mourning.
팁
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
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).
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 질문Usually, 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
Write a sentence in Chinese: 'I am sad because I lost my dog.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence in Chinese: 'Don't be sad, everything will be okay.'
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Write a sentence in Chinese: 'His words made me very sad.'
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Write a sentence in Chinese: 'I feel a little bit sad.'
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Write a sentence in Chinese: 'Why are you so sad?'
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Write a sentence in Chinese: 'This is a sad story.'
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Write a sentence in Chinese: 'I am not sad anymore.'
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Write a sentence in Chinese: 'Everyone was very sad to hear the news.'
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Write a sentence in Chinese: 'I feel sad in my heart.'
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Write a sentence in Chinese: 'He is crying very sadly.'
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Write a sentence in Chinese: 'Life was very hard back then.' (Use 难过 literally)
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Write a sentence in Chinese: 'I don't want to make you sad.'
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Write a sentence in Chinese: 'She was sad for a long time.'
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Write a sentence in Chinese: 'The movie's ending is very sad.'
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Write a sentence in Chinese: 'If you leave, I will be very sad.'
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Write a sentence in Chinese: 'He tried to hide his sadness.'
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Write a sentence in Chinese: 'Don't be sad about small things.'
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Write a sentence in Chinese: 'This sad atmosphere is everywhere.'
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Write a sentence in Chinese: 'I was sad to see him go.'
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Write a sentence in Chinese: 'Sadness is part of life.'
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Say 'I am sad' in Chinese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Say 'Don't be sad' in Chinese.
Read this aloud:
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Ask 'Why are you sad?' in Chinese.
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Say 'I am a little bit sad' in Chinese.
Read this aloud:
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Say 'This news makes me sad' in Chinese.
Read this aloud:
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Say 'He is very sad in his heart' in Chinese.
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Say 'Everyone is sad' in Chinese.
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Say 'I'm not sad' in Chinese.
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Say 'A very sad story' in Chinese.
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Say 'Don't make her sad' in Chinese.
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당신의 답변:
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Say 'I feel sad for him' in Chinese.
Read this aloud:
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Say 'He looks very sad' in Chinese.
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Say 'I was sad yesterday' in Chinese.
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Say 'It's really sad' in Chinese.
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Say 'Stop crying, don't be sad' in Chinese.
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Say 'I am sad because my cat died' in Chinese.
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Say 'Are you still sad?' in Chinese.
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Say 'I'm sad to hear that' in Chinese.
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Say 'Life is sad sometimes' in Chinese.
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Say 'I want to cry because I am sad' in Chinese.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Listen to the audio and select the word you hear: (Audio: nánguò)
Listen to the sentence and translate: (Audio: Tā hěn nánguò.)
Listen to the sentence and translate: (Audio: Bié nánguò le.)
Listen to the sentence and translate: (Audio: Nǐ wèishéme nánguò?)
Listen and identify the emotion: (Audio: Wǒ de māo diū le, wǒ hěn nánguò.)
Listen and identify the target: (Audio: Zhè jiàn shì ràng tā hěn nánguò.)
Listen to the complement: (Audio: Tā kū de hěn nánguò.)
Listen to the degree: (Audio: Wǒ fēicháng nánguò.)
Listen and transcribe the pinyin: (Audio: nánguò)
Listen and fill in the blank: (Audio: Wǒ ___ hěn nánguò.)
Listen and choose the correct meaning: (Audio: Shēnghuó hěn nánguò.)
Listen to the question: (Audio: Nǐ hái nánguò ma?)
Listen and identify the speaker's feeling: (Audio: Wǒ bù nánguò, wǒ hěn gāoxìng.)
Listen and transcribe: (Audio: Zhēn nánguò.)
Listen and translate the phrase: (Audio: nánguò de yītiān)
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The primary takeaway for '难过' is its versatility as the standard word for 'sad.' Use it whenever you feel emotionally down. Example: '他很难过,因为他丢了钱包' (He is sad because he lost his wallet).
- 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.
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.
관련 콘텐츠
관련 표현
emotions 관련 단어
有点
A1조금, 약간. 형용사 앞에 쓰여 부정적인 느낌이나 불만을 나타낼 때 사용합니다.
一点
A1조금, 약간. 어떤 것의 적은 양을 나타냅니다.
可恶
A2얄밉다;가증스럽다. 강한 반감이나 화를 표현할 때 사용됩니다.
心不在焉
A2마음이 딴 데 가 있다; 건성으로 듣다.
接受地
A2그는 비판을 수용적으로 받아들였다.
成就感
B1어려운 일을 해냈을 때 느끼는 성취감.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1어떤 것에 강한 의존성을 갖게 되어, 끊기 어렵게 되는 것. 종종 건강하지 못한 정도.
沉迷
A2그는 게임에 침미하여 학업을 소홀히 하고 있다.
敬佩
B1존경하다; 감탄하다. 누군가의 성격이나 행동에 대한 깊은 존경심을 표현할 때 사용된다.