Definition
痛苦 (tòngkǔ) is a strong adjective for deep, sustained emotional or physical suffering — more intense and lasting than 难受 (nánshòu 'uncomfortable, hard to bear'). Unlike 痛 (tòng), which can be a quick physical ache or an adverb, 痛苦 always describes a state of pain. It is broader than 疼痛 (téngtòng), which is limited to physical soreness.
adjective
painfulsuffering (adj.)
Measure word · 个
Examples
- ，痛苦。Tā shuāi dǎo le, gǎndào fēicháng tòng kǔ.He fell down and felt very painful.
- 痛苦。Shīqù qīnrén ràng tā hěn tòng kǔ.Losing a loved one made her very painful.
- 痛苦，。Zhè duàn jīnglì suīrán tòng kǔ, dàn yě ràng wǒ chéngzhǎng le.Although this experience was painful, it also made me grow.
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