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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing difficulty with 容易 (róngyì)

    HSK 4
    Degree & Intensity
    Description & Modification

    Structure

    好不容易 + Verb Phrase

    Explanation

    Although 容易 (róngyì) literally means "easy," it can be used in certain patterns to express that something was accomplished with difficulty or great effort. In these constructions, often paired with 不 (bù) or used in a rhetorical tone, it conveys that the task was hard-won. This is an idiomatic usage that may surprise learners who only know the basic meaning.

    Examples

    • 好不容易买到了演唱会的票，差点就没了。

      Hǎo bù róngyì mǎi dào le yǎnchànghuì de piào, chàdiǎn jiù méi le.

      I finally managed to get concert tickets — they were almost gone.

    • 这件事不容易，花了我整整三个月。

      Zhè jiàn shì bù róngyì, huā le wǒ zhěngzhěng sān gè yuè.

      This matter wasn't easy; it took me a full three months.

    • 好不容易才找到一份满意的工作。

      Hǎo bù róngyì cái zhǎo dào yī fèn mǎnyì de gōngzuò.

      I finally managed to find a satisfying job.

    Often Confused With

    Expressing difficulty with 容易 (róngyì) | Chinese Grammar