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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'arduous' with 维艰 (wéijiān)

    Degree & Intensity
    Description & Modification

    Structure

    举步维艰

    Explanation

    维艰 (wéijiān) means "arduous" or "difficult" and is a literary expression most commonly seen in the four-character phrase 举步维艰 (jǔbù wéijiān), meaning "every step is difficult" or "to struggle at every turn." It is used to describe extremely challenging situations or slow, painful progress.

    Examples

    • 公司目前经营举步维艰，急需资金支持。

      gōngsī mùqián jīngyíng jǔbùwéijiān, jíxū zījīn zhīchí.

      The company is currently struggling to operate and urgently needs financial support.

    • 疫情期间，很多小店生意维艰。

      yìqíng qījiān, hěn duō xiǎo diàn shēngyì wéijiān.

      During the pandemic, many small shops had a very hard time doing business.

    • 没有朋友的帮助，他的创业之路举步维艰。

      méiyǒu péngyou de bāngzhù, tā de chuàngyè zhī lù jǔbùwéijiān.

      Without the help of friends, his entrepreneurial journey was extremely difficult.

    Similar Grammar

    Expressing 'arduous' with 维艰 (wéijiān) | Chinese Grammar