苦恼 kǔnǎo vexed
vexed; distressed
How to remember 苦恼: 苦 bitter + 恼 angry = vexed.
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How it is used
- Vexed / distressed - troubled by a nagging problem - 为找不到工作而苦恼 (wèi zhǎo bú dào gōngzuò ér kǔnǎo) distressed over not finding a job.
- An ongoing, gnawing worry that bothers you; contrast 烦恼 (fánnǎo, worries/troubles - nearly synonymous, slightly more general).
- Both noun and adjective; 苦恼 leans a bit more 'anguished'.