艰苦
How to Understand
艰苦 refers to a state of difficulty, hardship, or adversity. It often implies enduring tough conditions or challenges, especially in a prolonged or demanding way. Unlike simple 'difficulty,' 艰苦 suggests a more sustained and severe struggle.
The character 艰 (jiān) originally meant 'difficult' or 'arduous,' while 苦 (kǔ) means 'bitter' or 'painful.' Together, they convey the idea of enduring hardship or suffering, often in a moral or physical sense.
艰苦 is commonly used in contexts like work, life experiences, or historical struggles. For example, it might describe the hardships faced during a revolution or the difficulties of living in a remote area. It is also used in phrases like 艰苦奋斗 (jiān kǔ fèn dòu), meaning 'struggle through hardship,' which emphasizes perseverance and resilience.