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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to torment' with 煎 (jiān)

    Actions & Events
    Degree & Intensity

    Structure

    相 + 煎

    Explanation

    The verb 煎 (jiān) means 'to torment' or 'to cause suffering,' often used figuratively to describe emotional or psychological anguish. It frequently appears in the structure 相煎, meaning 'to torment each other.' This usage carries a literary tone and is commonly found in classical references and formal writing.

    Examples

    • 内心的焦虑日夜煎熬着她，让她无法入睡。

      nèixīn de jiāolǜ rìyè jiān'áo zhe tā, ràng tā wúfǎ rùshuì.

      Inner anxiety tormented her day and night, keeping her from sleeping.

    • 兄弟之间何必相煎，有话好好说。

      xiōngdì zhījiān hébì xiāng jiān, yǒu huà hǎohǎo shuō.

      Why must brothers torment each other? Talk things out calmly.

    • 等待结果的那段日子真是煎熬。

      děngdài jiéguǒ de nà duàn rìzi zhēn shì jiān'áo.

      The days spent waiting for the results were truly agonizing.

    Expressing 'to torment' with 煎 (jiān) | Chinese Grammar