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B2 noun Formal 1 min read

困窘

kunjiong /kʰuən˧˥ tɕi̯ʊŋ˨˩˦/
Practice it

A state of being stuck between financial lack or awkward social pressure.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Refers to being in a state of poverty or financial hardship.
  • Describes the psychological feeling of being embarrassed or awkward.
  • Often used to imply a difficult, inescapable situation.

Overview

  1. 1概述：困窘（kùnjiǒng）是一个意义双重的词汇，既可以指代物质上的匮乏（即贫困、拮据），也可以指代心理上的窘迫（即尴尬、难为情）。它强调的是一种“进退两难”或“捉襟见肘”的压力感。2) 用法模式：作为形容词时，常与“十分”、“非常”等程度副词搭配，如“感到十分困窘”。作为名词时，常用于描述某种客观状态，如“陷入经济困窘”。3) 常见语境：在经济语境中，常指由于收入减少或支出过大导致的财务紧张；在社交语境中，常指由于言行不当、被当众拆穿或面对陌生环境而产生的心理负担。4) 近义词辨析：与“窘迫”相比，“困窘”更侧重于那种长期的、深层的心理压力或物质匮乏；与“尴尬”相比，“困窘”的程度更深，不仅包含面子上的挂不住，还包含了一种难以脱身的无奈感。

Examples

1

他因为没带够钱结账而感到十分困窘。

everyday

He felt very embarrassed because he didn't bring enough money to pay the bill.

2

这家公司由于经营不善，陷入了严重的财务困窘。

formal

Due to poor management, the company has fallen into severe financial distress.

3

看着他那困窘的样子，我有些于心不忍。

informal

Seeing his awkward state, I couldn't help but feel bad for him.

4

贫困导致的困窘往往限制了社会阶层的流动。

academic

The poverty-induced hardship often limits social mobility.

Common Collocations

经济困窘 financial distress
陷入困窘 fall into a difficult situation
感到困窘 feel embarrassed

Common Phrases

生活困窘

living in poverty

处境困窘

in a difficult situation

经济困窘

financial hardship

Often Confused With

困窘 vs 尴尬

Embarrassment is usually situational and temporary. '困窘' implies a more persistent or deeper level of distress.

困窘 vs 贫穷

Poverty is a purely economic state. '困窘' adds a layer of emotional struggle or situational pressure.

Grammar Patterns

陷入...困窘 感到...困窘 处于...困窘状态

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The word is formal and carries a slightly literary tone. It is best used in writing or formal speech rather than casual conversation. It functions primarily as a state of being rather than a fleeting emotion.

Common Mistakes

Learners often use it to replace simple 'embarrassed' in casual settings, which sounds overly dramatic. It is also often misused as a verb, but it is strictly a noun or adjective.

Tips

💡

Contextual usage of the word

Use '困窘' when you need a more formal term than '尴尬'. It adds a sense of gravity to the situation.

⚠️

Avoid informal conversational overuse

Do not use '困窘' in very casual daily chat with friends, as it sounds bookish. Use '尴尬' for casual settings instead.

🌍

Saving face in Chinese culture

In Chinese culture, admitting to '困窘' can be sensitive. It is often used to describe others' situations rather than one's own to maintain dignity.

Word Origin

Derived from classical Chinese, where '困' means surrounded or trapped, and '窘' means narrow or restricted. Together, they represent being cornered by circumstances.

Cultural Context

In traditional Chinese society, financial stability is highly valued. '困窘' is often used to describe a state that people strive to avoid, touching upon the cultural theme of 'saving face'.

Memory Tip

Think of '困' (trapped) + '窘' (narrow space). You are trapped in a narrow, difficult space, both physically (money) and mentally (embarrassment).

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

尴尬通常指一瞬间的难为情，而困窘往往包含更深层的无奈，甚至涉及长期的经济或心理压力。困窘的语境通常比尴尬更正式且沉重。

可以。在书面语中，困窘常用来形容生活拮据、物资匮乏的状态，即“经济困窘”。

这是一个中性偏贬义的词。它描述的是一种负面的处境，通常用来表达对他人的同情或对某种困难处境的客观描述。

常见的搭配有“生活困窘”、“陷入困窘”、“感到困窘”等。这些搭配涵盖了物质和心理两个层面。

Test Yourself

fill blank

由于失业，他最近的生活陷入了极度的___。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 困窘

困窘常用于形容经济上的拮据，符合语境。

multiple choice

他因为说错了话而感到十分困窘。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 窘迫

窘迫是困窘的近义词，都含有尴尬、不安的意思。

sentence building

请根据以下提示造句：经济/陷入/困窘

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 他陷入了经济困窘。

符合中文语法结构，表达清晰。

Score: /3

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