Shòu kǔ describes the experience of enduring hardship, pain, or suffering.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To experience hardship and pain.
- Commonly used for difficult life situations.
- Expresses suffering from hardship.
Overview
“受苦”这个词在汉语中是一个常用的动词，用来表达经历痛苦、磨难或不幸。它涵盖了从身体上的疼痛到精神上的煎熬，以及生活中遇到的各种不如意的情况。这个词语的使用频率较高，尤其是在描述个人经历或社会问题时。
“受苦”通常后面可以跟具体的苦难内容，或者单独使用。例如，“受了很多苦”，“受尽了苦”，“受苦受难”。它也可以用于描述长期的或暂时的痛苦经历。在句子结构上，它可以作为谓语动词，也可以与其他词语组合构成更复杂的表达。
这个词语常见于描述生活中的挑战，如贫困、疾病、战争、失业等。在文学作品、新闻报道以及日常对话中，我们都能看到“受苦”的身影。它也常用来表达同情，比如“他们受了很多苦，我们应该帮助他们”。
与“受苦”相似的词语包括“痛苦”、“苦难”、“煎熬”等。“痛苦”更侧重于内心的感受，而“受苦”则更强调经历的过程和外部的环境。“苦难”通常指重大的、长期的不幸。“煎熬”则多指精神上的折磨。在很多情况下，“受苦”可以与这些词互换使用，但侧重点略有不同。
Examples
他在创业初期受了很多苦，但最终成功了。
everydayHe suffered a lot in the early stages of his创业 (chuàngyè - starting a business), but eventually succeeded.
战争给这个地区的人民带来了深重的苦难。
formalThe war brought profound suffering to the people of this region.
别担心，这点小事算不了什么，你不会受苦的。
informalDon't worry, this little thing is nothing, you won't suffer.
历史记录显示，在那个动荡的时期，许多百姓受苦。
academicHistorical records show that during that turbulent period, many common people suffered.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
受苦了
You've been through a lot; You've suffered
吃苦
To bear hardships; To endure toil
苦不堪言
Too bitter to speak of; unbearable suffering
Often Confused With
'痛苦' (tòngkǔ) primarily refers to the internal feeling of pain or distress, while '受苦' (shòu kǔ) emphasizes the experience of enduring hardship and difficult circumstances.
'苦难' (kǔnàn) often refers to significant, prolonged misfortune or suffering, usually on a larger scale than the individual experience implied by '受苦'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '受苦' is generally neutral to slightly negative in connotation. It is appropriate for describing real hardships faced by individuals or groups. Avoid using it lightly for minor inconveniences.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse '受苦' with simply 'difficult' or 'hard'. Remember it specifically implies enduring negative experiences and hardship. Also, ensure correct grammatical structure, as it functions as a verb.
Tips
Understand the breadth of 'Shou Ku'
Remember that 'shòu kǔ' encompasses both physical and emotional suffering, as well as general hardship.
Avoid overusing 'Shou Ku'
While common, ensure the context truly calls for expressing suffering rather than just difficulty.
Empathy in Chinese Culture
Expressing understanding of someone's 'shòu kǔ' is a way to show empathy and build social connection.
Word Origin
The character '受' (shòu) means 'to receive' or 'to endure', and '苦' (kǔ) means 'bitter', 'suffering', or 'hardship'. Together, '受苦' literally means 'to receive/endure bitterness/hardship'.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, enduring hardship and demonstrating resilience is often valued. Acknowledging someone's 'shòu kǔ' can be a way to show respect for their struggles and strength.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone 'receiving' (受) a lot of 'bitterness' (苦) in their life. This visual can help remember the meaning of suffering hardships.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“受苦”更侧重于经历的过程和外部的艰难处境，而“痛苦”更侧重于内心的感受和情绪。一个人可以“受苦”而不一定表达出强烈的“痛苦”，反之亦然。
“受苦”可以用在描述个人经历、社会问题、历史事件等多种类型的句子中。它可以作为谓语，也可以与其他词语组合。
有的，例如“痛苦”、“苦难”、“艰难”、“煎熬”等。这些词语在表达痛苦方面有相似之处，但在具体语境和侧重点上有所不同。
不一定。虽然“受苦”可以包括身体上的疼痛，但它更广泛地指经历各种形式的困难、不幸和精神上的折磨。
Test Yourself
在那个贫困的年代，很多人都___了很多苦。
“受苦”是一个固定搭配，表示经历痛苦。
下列哪个词语最能表达长时间的精神折磨？
“受苦”可以指经历长时间的精神折磨和困难。
请用“战争”、“人民”、“受苦”造句。
这个句子清晰地表达了战争带来的负面影响，即人民的苦难。
Score: /3
Summary
Shòu kǔ describes the experience of enduring hardship, pain, or suffering.
- To experience hardship and pain.
- Commonly used for difficult life situations.
- Expresses suffering from hardship.
Understand the breadth of 'Shou Ku'
Remember that 'shòu kǔ' encompasses both physical and emotional suffering, as well as general hardship.
Avoid overusing 'Shou Ku'
While common, ensure the context truly calls for expressing suffering rather than just difficulty.
Empathy in Chinese Culture
Expressing understanding of someone's 'shòu kǔ' is a way to show empathy and build social connection.
Examples
4 of 4他在创业初期受了很多苦，但最终成功了。
He suffered a lot in the early stages of his创业 (chuàngyè - starting a business), but eventually succeeded.
战争给这个地区的人民带来了深重的苦难。
The war brought profound suffering to the people of this region.
别担心，这点小事算不了什么，你不会受苦的。
Don't worry, this little thing is nothing, you won't suffer.
历史记录显示，在那个动荡的时期，许多百姓受苦。
Historical records show that during that turbulent period, many common people suffered.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
佩服
B1To admire; to respect.
