困厄 represents a profound state of hardship and misfortune that challenges one's resilience.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to a state of severe adversity or distress.
- Often implies a sense of misfortune or ill fate.
- Used in formal writing to describe difficult life situations.
Overview
- 1概述：困厄是一个书面语色彩较浓的词汇，由“困”（困顿、困难）和“厄”（厄运、灾难）组成。它不仅仅指暂时的不便，通常暗示着一种持久、深重且难以摆脱的负面状态。2) 用法模式：该词常作名词使用，既可以指抽象的处境（如“身处困厄”），也可以指具体的灾难或不幸（如“遭遇困厄”）。在句子结构中，它常与动词“身处”、“陷入”、“摆脱”、“历经”搭配。3) 常见语境：在文学作品、新闻报道或正式的评论中，常用来描述历史人物的坎坷一生，或是社会群体在战争、自然灾害后的艰难处境。它带有一种庄重、悲悯的语调。4) 近义词辨析：与“困难”相比，“困厄”程度更深，带有明显的命运多舛的意味；与“窘境”相比，“困厄”更偏向于外部环境的恶劣和不幸，而“窘境”往往侧重于尴尬或进退两难的局面。
Examples
他即便身处困厄，依然保持着乐观的心态。
everydayEven when in adversity, he remained optimistic.
该地区因自然灾害陷入了长期的困厄。
formalThe region fell into long-term distress due to natural disasters.
历经困厄之后，他终于看清了人生的真相。
informalAfter experiencing many hardships, he finally saw the truth of life.
历史学家分析了该时期社会动荡所导致的普遍困厄。
academicHistorians analyzed the widespread distress caused by the social unrest of that period.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
饱经困厄
having gone through many hardships
脱离困厄
to get out of adversity
面对困厄
to face adversity
Often Confused With
A general term for obstacles or difficulties. It is much broader and less intense than 困厄.
Refers to an embarrassing or awkward situation where one is stuck. It lacks the 'misfortune' element present in 困厄.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is strictly formal and literary. It should not be used in casual conversation as it sounds archaic or overly dramatic. It is best suited for written prose where a high register is required.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it to describe simple daily problems like homework or minor traffic issues. This is incorrect because the word implies a much higher intensity of suffering. Avoid using it as a direct synonym for 'difficult'.
Tips
Use in formal writing
Reserve this word for essays, literature, or formal speeches. It adds a sophisticated and grave tone to your writing.
Avoid in casual conversation
Using this word in a casual chat with friends will sound unnatural and overly dramatic. Stick to simpler words like 困难 or 麻烦.
Literary influence
The term is frequently found in classical Chinese literature to describe the trials of scholars or heroes. It carries a cultural weight of stoicism.
Word Origin
The word combines '困' (to be surrounded/trapped) and '厄' (calamity/famine). Historically, it reflects the struggle of people facing natural disasters or social oppression.
Cultural Context
In traditional Chinese culture, the ability to endure '困厄' is seen as a test of one's moral character. It is a common theme in biographical sketches of ancient sages and poets.
Memory Tip
Think of the character '困' as a person trapped in a box and '厄' as a bad omen or disaster. Being trapped in a disaster equals '困厄'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“困难”是一个通用词，指事情复杂或难以完成。而“困厄”语义更重，通常指人生中重大的灾难或长期处于艰难的境遇中，带有文学色彩。
不建议在日常口语中使用。因为它听起来非常正式且严肃，使用该词会让对话显得过于书面化或沉重。
可以，但通常指程度非常严重的贫困或经济崩溃，而不仅仅是缺钱。它强调的是一种被动的、无奈的生存状态。
可以将“困”理解为被围困，将“厄”理解为厄运。被围困在厄运之中，就是困厄。
Test Yourself
尽管他一生历经___，但始终没有放弃理想。
“历经困厄”是固定搭配，强调人生经历的重大挫折。
描述一个人在战乱中失去一切，生活极其艰苦的状态。
困厄适用于重大且深重的苦难。
关于困厄的正确用法是：
困厄常与“陷入”搭配，用于描述严重的处境。
Score: /3
Summary
困厄 represents a profound state of hardship and misfortune that challenges one's resilience.
- Refers to a state of severe adversity or distress.
- Often implies a sense of misfortune or ill fate.
- Used in formal writing to describe difficult life situations.
Use in formal writing
Reserve this word for essays, literature, or formal speeches. It adds a sophisticated and grave tone to your writing.
Avoid in casual conversation
Using this word in a casual chat with friends will sound unnatural and overly dramatic. Stick to simpler words like 困难 or 麻烦.
Literary influence
The term is frequently found in classical Chinese literature to describe the trials of scholars or heroes. It carries a cultural weight of stoicism.
Examples
4 of 4他即便身处困厄，依然保持着乐观的心态。
Even when in adversity, he remained optimistic.
该地区因自然灾害陷入了长期的困厄。
The region fell into long-term distress due to natural disasters.
历经困厄之后，他终于看清了人生的真相。
After experiencing many hardships, he finally saw the truth of life.
历史学家分析了该时期社会动荡所导致的普遍困厄。
Historians analyzed the widespread distress caused by the social unrest of that period.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More daily_life words
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
