苦难 kǔnàn suffering
How to remember 苦难: 苦 bitter + 难 difficult = suffering.
Characters
How it is used
- Suffering / tribulation - deep, prolonged hardship - 经历了无数苦难 (jīnglì le wúshù kǔnàn) went through countless hardships.
- A weighty noun for grave suffering (war, poverty, oppression), not everyday troubles.
- Contrast 困难 (kùnnan, difficulties/obstacles); 苦难 is human suffering, more grievous.