Chinese Character: 艰
1. Character Basics
Radical: 又/yòu radical (hand)
Stroke Count: 8
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jiān
Pronunciation Note: Pronounced with a high and level tone (first tone).
3. Meaning
difficult, hardship, tough, arduous
4. Common Words
- 艰难 (jiānnán) - difficult, hard - Referring to something that is not easy
- 艰辛 (jiānxīn) - hardships, toil - Referring to difficulties and hardships
- 艰苦 (jiānkǔ) - hard, difficult, tough - Describing something that requires great effort
- 艰巨 (jiānjù) - arduous, formidable - Referring to a difficult and challenging task
- 艰险 (jiānxiǎn) - dangerous and difficult - Referring to both difficulty and danger
- 艰难困苦 (jiānnán kùnkǔ) - hardships and difficulties - Various kinds of difficulties and hardships
5. Grammar & Usage
1. As an adjective: "艰" is primarily used as an adjective meaning difficult, often in compound words.
2. In compounds: It is commonly found in compound words that describe various types of difficulties.
3. In idioms: "艰" appears in many idiomatic expressions that convey the idea of hardship or difficulty.
4. In formal contexts: It is often used in more formal or literary contexts to describe challenging situations.
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, the character "艰" carries significant meaning related to the value of perseverance and overcoming difficulties. Chinese philosophy often emphasizes the importance of enduring hardships as a path to growth and wisdom. Phrases containing "艰" reflect the cultural appreciation for resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Many traditional stories and proverbs highlight the virtue of perseverance through difficult times, which is seen as essential for personal development and achievement.
7. Example Sentence
我们一起度过了许多艰难的时刻。
Pinyin: Wǒmen yīqǐ dùguòle xǔduō jiānnán de shíkè.
Translation: We went through many difficult times together.
8. Memory Tips
The character "艰" is composed of the radical "又" (hand) and the components "艮" (mountain with lookout) and "土" (earth). You can remember it by thinking of working hard with your hands (又) on the earth (土) to overcome difficulties. The character has 8 strokes, so practice writing it carefully to master the stroke order.