为难 wéinán to feel embarrassed or awkward
to feel embarrassed or awkward; to make things difficult (for someone); to find things difficult (to do or manage)
How to remember 为难: 为 for + 难 difficult = to feel embarrassed or awkward.
Characters
How it is used
- Two sides: to feel awkward/put on the spot - 我很为难 (wǒ hěn wéinán) I'm in a tough spot, and to make things hard for someone - 故意为难他 (gùyì wéinán tā) to deliberately give him a hard time.
- About being caught in an uncomfortable dilemma or putting someone in one; reading is wéi (2nd tone).
- 左右为难 (zuǒyòu wéinán) 'stuck either way' is a common set phrase.
Example sentences
- 那个团体为难民们提供食品供给。 Nàge tuántǐ wèi nànmín men tígōng shípǐn gōngjǐ.The organization furnished the refugees with food.