Definition
发难 is a verb-object separable verb (离合词) meaning either 'to rise in revolt' (often in historical/political contexts) or 'to launch a verbal attack/challenge by raising tough questions or criticism.' It can split: 发…难, e.g. 向他发了一次难 ('launched an attack at him once'). The object of the attack is typically introduced with 向 or 对. The revolt sense is more formal and less common in everyday speech.
v.o.
to rise in revoltto rebelto launch an attack (verbally)to challenge someone with difficult questions
Examples
- 发难。Lìshǐ shàng duō cì nóngmín qǐyì dōu shì xiàng cháotíng fā nàn.Many peasant uprisings in history were revolts against the imperial court.
- 。Tā zài huìyì shàng xiàng wǒ fā le yí cì nàn.He launched an attack on me at the meeting.
- 发难，。Bú yào suíbiàn xiàng biérén fā nàn, yào jiǎng lǐmào.Don't casually challenge others with difficult questions; be polite.
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