Definition
困苦 describes a state of extreme difficulty and suffering, often referring to poverty and harsh living conditions. As a noun, it means 'hardship' or 'privation'; as a stative verb, it means 'to be in distress' or 'to live in poverty'. It is a formal, written-language word, common in literary contexts and when discussing historical or social suffering.
noun
hardshipprivation
n./s.v.
(stative verb) to be in distressto live in poverty
Examples
- ,困苦。Zài zhànzhēng niándài, rénmín guò zhe kùn kǔ de shēnghuó.During the war years, the people lived a life of hardship.
- 困苦,。Tā yìshēng jīnglì le wúshù kùn kǔ, dàn cóngwèi fàngqì xīwàng.He experienced countless hardships in his life, but never gave up hope.
- 困苦,。Suīrán shēnghuó kùn kǔ, tāmen yīrán lèguān jiānqiáng.Although life was hard, they remained optimistic and strong.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.