难过
nánguò
sad / upset
难过 means sad or upset. It is used to express emotional pain, disappointment, or feeling down. It is softer than 伤心.
Example sentences
听到这个消息我很难过。
Tīngdào zhège xiāoxi wǒ hěn nánguò.
I am sad to hear this news.
别难过，一切都会好起来的。
Bié nánguò, yíqiè dōu huì hǎo qǐlái de.
Don't be sad, everything will get better.
How to use 难过 in practice
难过 is a emotions & feelings item that is easiest to learn inside a complete sentence. Read it with the pinyin nánguò, then connect it to the meaning “sad / upset” before trying to use it from memory. The examples on this page show the phrase in context: 听到这个消息我很难过。 / 别难过，一切都会好起来的。.
When you practice 难过, do not stop at recognition. Say one example aloud, swap in a new person, place, object, or time word, and then use the phrase in a short answer. This turns a glossary entry into real Mandarin output and exposes word-order or pronunciation mistakes quickly.
Common learner mistake
A common learner mistake is to memorize 难过 only as “sad / upset” and then translate word by word from English. Instead, learn the whole chunk with the words around it. Notice which nouns, verbs, measure words, or polite markers appear before and after the phrase, and copy that pattern in your own sentence.
Mini practice prompt
Practice prompt: open Chinese speaking practice, start a short conversation, and use 难过 naturally in your first or second reply. If the sentence feels awkward, compare it with the examples above and try again with a smaller sentence.
Memory tip: review 难过 tomorrow by covering the English meaning, reading only nánguò, and producing a sentence before checking the examples. Active recall helps this word survive beyond one reading session.
Practice related pages
FAQ
What is the difference between 难过 and 伤心?
伤心 is deeper and more intense (heartbroken). 难过 is more common for everyday sadness or feeling upset.
How can I remember 难过 faster?
Say 难过 inside a full sentence, change one detail, and repeat it in a realistic prompt. The combination of sound, meaning, and context is stronger than memorizing the translation alone.
Can I use 难过 in conversation practice?
Yes. Start with the example sentence, then use 难过 in a short AI conversation so you can see whether the surrounding word order and tone feel natural.
Published by AI Chinese Coach