A difficult task is one that demands persistence, skill, and extra effort to overcome.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Requires significant effort or skill to achieve.
- Describes tasks that are not easy to complete.
- Commonly used to express personal or external challenges.
1) 概览：‘困难的’是一个描述性形容词，用于表达某项活动或目标由于其复杂性、阻力或挑战性，难以轻易达成。它是语言学习中表达‘挑战’与‘障碍’的核心词汇。
2) 用法模式：在句子中，它既可以放在名词前作定语（如：困难的任务），也可以作为谓语形容词使用（如：这件事很难）。它常与‘非常’、‘极其’等程度副词连用以增强语势。
3) 常见语境：该词广泛应用于学术讨论（困难的课题）、职业发展（困难的决策）以及日常琐事（困难的沟通）。它不仅描述客观的物理难度，也常用于描述心理上的压力感。
4) 近义词辨析：与‘艰苦’相比，‘困难’更侧重于逻辑或操作层面的阻碍；与‘复杂’相比，它更侧重于结果的不易达成。理解这些微妙差异有助于在不同语境下精准表达。
Examples
这道数学题对我来说太困难了。
everydayThis math problem is too difficult for me.
我们面临着一个困难的抉择。
formalWe are facing a difficult choice.
这件事做起来确实很困难。
informalIt is indeed difficult to do this.
该研究项目具有极高的困难度。
academicThis research project has a high degree of difficulty.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
知难而退
Retreat in the face of difficulties
迎难而上
Meet the challenge head-on
困难时期
Difficult times
Often Confused With
Complex implies many parts or layers, whereas difficult focuses on the effort required to succeed.
Arduous refers to physical hardship or long-term struggle, while difficult is a broader term for any obstacle.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term is neutral in register but leans towards formal when used in professional settings. It is widely used in both speech and writing. Avoid overusing it in casual settings where '难' might sound more natural.
Common Mistakes
Learners often place the adjective after the noun without the particle '的'. Remember to use '困难的' when modifying a noun. Do not confuse it with physical hardness.
Tips
Use with degree adverbs for emphasis
Adding words like 'very' or 'extremely' helps clarify the level of difficulty. This makes your communication more precise.
Don't confuse with 'hard'
While 'hard' can mean difficult, it also means solid. Ensure the context clearly implies a struggle rather than a physical texture.
Cultural resilience in Chinese
In Chinese culture, overcoming difficult tasks is often associated with personal growth and perseverance. The term reflects the value placed on hard work.
Word Origin
The term combines '困' (trapped/encircled) and '难' (disaster/hard). It historically represents being trapped in a situation that is hard to escape.
Cultural Context
In Chinese society, the concept of facing difficulties is often tied to the virtue of perseverance. It is a common theme in literature and education.
Memory Tip
Think of a mountain climber: the higher the climb, the more 'difficult' the path becomes. Link the struggle of the climb to the word.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions两者意思基本相同，可以互换。‘困难的’语体色彩略微正式，常用于书面语；‘难的’则更口语化，在日常对话中更为常见。
可以使用程度副词进行修饰，例如‘非常困难’、‘极其困难’或‘难上加难’。这些表达能有效强调任务的挑战程度。
通常不直接形容人的能力，而是形容人所面临的处境。如果要形容人难以相处，通常会使用‘难相处’或‘性格古怪’。
当你想表达某项工作、学习任务或决策过程需要克服客观障碍时，使用该词最为准确。
Test Yourself
这次考试对我来说非常___。
根据句意，考试通常被视为一种挑战，因此‘困难’最符合语境。
选出近义词：
‘艰巨’意为艰巨的任务，与‘困难’在描述任务挑战性方面高度相关。
这是一个 / 困难的 / 决定 / 。
正确的定语位置应在名词‘决定’之前。
Score: /3
Summary
A difficult task is one that demands persistence, skill, and extra effort to overcome.
- Requires significant effort or skill to achieve.
- Describes tasks that are not easy to complete.
- Commonly used to express personal or external challenges.
Use with degree adverbs for emphasis
Adding words like 'very' or 'extremely' helps clarify the level of difficulty. This makes your communication more precise.
Don't confuse with 'hard'
While 'hard' can mean difficult, it also means solid. Ensure the context clearly implies a struggle rather than a physical texture.
Cultural resilience in Chinese
In Chinese culture, overcoming difficult tasks is often associated with personal growth and perseverance. The term reflects the value placed on hard work.
Examples
4 of 4这道数学题对我来说太困难了。
This math problem is too difficult for me.
我们面临着一个困难的抉择。
We are facing a difficult choice.
这件事做起来确实很困难。
It is indeed difficult to do this.
该研究项目具有极高的困难度。
This research project has a high degree of difficulty.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More academic words
缺席
B1The state of being absent from a place or event where one is expected to be, such as a class, meeting, or ceremony.
抽象的
A2Abstract.
抽象地
B1In an abstract manner; conceptually.
艰深
B1Profound; abstruse; recondite.
学术性
A2Academic; scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学术化
B1Academic; characterized by formal study or research.
学术会议
A2Academic conference; a formal meeting for academic discussions.
学术交流
B1Exchange of ideas, information, and research among scholars.
学术期刊
B1A periodical publication containing scholarly articles.
教务处
A2Academic affairs office; department handling educational administration.
