难过
To be sad
Littéralement: Hard to pass / Difficult to cross
Use `难过` for genuine emotional sadness when life feels difficult to move through.
En 15 secondes
- Used for emotional sadness and feeling down.
- Literally means 'hard to pass' through a difficult time.
- Commonly used with 'hěn' to describe personal feelings.
Signification
It describes that heavy, sinking feeling in your chest when things go wrong. It is the standard way to say you are feeling sad or having a hard time emotionally.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Losing a pet
我的猫走了，我很难过。
My cat passed away, I am very sad.
Failing an exam
考试没考好，他觉得很难过。
He didn't do well on the exam, so he feels very sad.
Comforting a friend
别难过了，明天会更好。
Don't be sad, tomorrow will be better.
Contexte culturel
The term reflects a traditional Chinese worldview where life is a journey through various 'passes' or obstacles. It became the standard term for sadness because it emphasizes the passage of time through difficulty. Unlike some abstract emotions, it links your internal state to the external act of moving forward.
The 'Heart' Connection
If you want to sound more native, say `心里很难过`. Adding 'inside my heart' makes the sadness feel more authentic and deep.
Not for Physical Pain
Never use `难过` to describe a headache or a stomachache. Use `疼` (téng) for physical pain. `难过` is strictly for the soul!
En 15 secondes
- Used for emotional sadness and feeling down.
- Literally means 'hard to pass' through a difficult time.
- Commonly used with 'hěn' to describe personal feelings.
What It Means
难过 (nánguò) is your go-to word for emotional sadness. It literally translates to 'hard to pass.' Think of it as a moment in time that is difficult to get through. It covers everything from a bad day to a major heartbreak. It is deeper than just being 'unhappy.' It implies a bit of an emotional struggle.
How To Use It
You usually place it after a subject and the word 很 (hěn). You would say 我很难过 to mean 'I am very sad.' You can also use it to describe why someone looks upset. It is a very versatile adjective. It functions just like 'sad' does in English sentences. You do not need complex grammar to make it work.
When To Use It
Use it when you lose your favorite umbrella. Use it when you watch a tear-jerker movie. It is perfect for texting a friend after a breakup. You can also use it in professional settings if a project fails. It shows genuine emotion without being overly dramatic. It is the 'honest' word for feeling down.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for physical pain. If you stub your toe, you are not 难过, you are just in pain. Also, avoid it for minor inconveniences. If a store is closed, you might be 不开心 (unhappy), but 难过 might sound too heavy. It is about the heart, not just a temporary mood swing. Do not use it to mean 'difficult' in a task-based way.
Cultural Background
The characters 难 (hard) and 过 (to pass/cross) tell a story. In Chinese culture, life is often viewed as a series of 'passes' or gates. When you are 难过, the 'gate' of the day feels too narrow to walk through. It reflects a stoic view of time. Sadness is seen as a bridge that is simply hard to cross. It is a very grounded way to look at human suffering.
Common Variations
You will often hear 心里很难过 (xīnlǐ hěn nánguò). This literally means 'inside my heart is very sad.' It adds an extra layer of sincerity. Another common one is 别难过了 (bié nánguò le). This is what you say to comfort someone, meaning 'don't be sad anymore.' It is the verbal equivalent of a warm hug and a cup of tea.
Notes d'usage
It is a neutral-register word suitable for almost any emotional context. Just remember to use it with 'hěn' (very) to avoid sounding grammatically incomplete.
The 'Heart' Connection
If you want to sound more native, say `心里很难过`. Adding 'inside my heart' makes the sadness feel more authentic and deep.
Not for Physical Pain
Never use `难过` to describe a headache or a stomachache. Use `疼` (téng) for physical pain. `难过` is strictly for the soul!
The 'Pass' Secret
In ancient times, `难过` literally meant a difficult mountain pass or river crossing. It reminds us that sadness is just a difficult part of the road.
Exemples
6我的猫走了，我很难过。
My cat passed away, I am very sad.
A classic use for deep personal loss.
考试没考好，他觉得很难过。
He didn't do well on the exam, so he feels very sad.
Used for disappointment and regret.
别难过了，明天会更好。
Don't be sad, tomorrow will be better.
The standard way to offer comfort.
这个电影的结尾让人很难过。
The ending of this movie makes people very sad.
Describing external things that trigger sadness.
听到这个消息，我们都很难过。
We are all very saddened to hear this news.
Appropriate for serious office news or empathy.
奶茶卖完了，我好难过啊！
The milk tea is sold out, I'm so sad!
Using a 'heavy' word for a small problem for comedic effect.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct word to express sadness after a breakup.
他跟女朋友分手了，心里很___。
`难过` is the correct term for emotional sadness. `难看` means ugly and `难学` means hard to learn.
How do you tell someone to stop being sad?
别___了，我们去吃好吃的吧！
`别难过了` is the standard phrase for 'don't be sad.' `高兴` means happy and `舒服` means comfortable.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Sad'
Used with close friends for small upsets.
不开心 (bù kāixīn)
The standard word for any sad situation.
难过 (nánguò)
Used in literature or very serious speeches.
悲伤 (bēishāng)
When to say 难过
Personal Loss
Losing a wallet
Empathy
Friend's bad news
Media
Sad song lyrics
Disappointment
Missing a flight
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot exactly. 不开心 (bù kāixīn) is 'unhappy' and is lighter. 难过 is deeper and implies you are actually suffering a bit emotionally.
No. For a difficult task or book, use 难 (nán). 难过 is only for feelings, not for level of difficulty.
Yes, if you are expressing sympathy for a tragedy or a major project failure. It is neutral enough for professional empathy.
悲伤 (bēishāng) is much more formal and poetic. You'll find 悲伤 in novels, while 难过 is what people actually say out loud.
In Chinese, adjectives usually need a modifier like 很 (hěn). Saying 我难过 sounds like you are comparing yourself to someone else. Always add 很.
You can say 你为什么很难过? (Nǐ wèishéme hěn nánguò?). It's a direct and kind way to check in on a friend.
No, it is a standard, dictionary-proper word used by everyone from toddlers to professors.
In some contexts, 日子难过 (rìzi nánguò) means life is tough or money is tight. It literally means 'the days are hard to pass.'
Usually, people might sigh or touch their chest (the 'heart' area) when saying they feel 心里很难过.
You can, but 不舒服 (uncomfortable) or 不开心 (unhappy) might be better if you're just grumpy.
Expressions liées
不开心
Unhappy / Not in a good mood
伤心
Heartbroken / Deeply hurt
痛苦
Painful / Suffering
忧郁
Melancholy / Depressed
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