Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'difficult' with 难 (nán)

    Degree & Intensity
    Description & Modification

    Structure

    Subject + 很 + 难 + Verb + Object

    Explanation

    The adjective 难 (nán) means 'difficult' or 'hard.' It is used to describe tasks, situations, or actions that require significant effort or are not easy to accomplish. It can modify verbs directly to indicate that an action is hard to perform.

    Examples

    • 这道题太难了，我做不出来。

      Zhè dào tí tài nán le, wǒ zuò bù chūlái.

      This problem is too hard—I can't solve it.

    • 中文的声调对外国人来说很难掌握。

      Zhōngwén de shēngdiào duì wàiguórén lái shuō hěn nán zhǎngwò.

      Chinese tones are very difficult for foreigners to master.

    • 找一份满意的工作真的很难。

      Zhǎo yī fèn mǎnyì de gōngzuò zhēnde hěn nán.

      It's really hard to find a satisfying job.

    Similar Grammar

    Often Confused With

    Expressing 'difficult' with 难 (nán) | Chinese Grammar