Chinese word

为难

Pronunciation

Pinyinwéi nán

Meaning

  • adjectivefeel torn

Example

如果要我选择，我会很为难。rú guǒ yào wǒ xuǎn zé wǒ huì hěn wéi nán

If I had to choose, I would feel torn.

Illustration for 为难 (feel torn)

More examples

这个问题让我有点为难。zhè ge wèn tí ràng wǒ yóu diǎn wéi nán

This question makes me feel a little torn.

Core concept

A difficult choice or demand leaves someone caught between competing pressures, and the same pressure can put another person in an awkward spot.

Common phrases

  • 感到为难gǎn dào wéi nán

    feel torn

  • 觉得为难jué de wéi nán

    feel torn

  • 有点为难yóu diǎn wéi nán

    feel a little torn

  • 让人为难ràng rén wéi nán

    put someone in a difficult position

Similar words

尴尬gān gà: Feeling out of place and embarrassed because of an unexpected event or mistake.
难为情nán wéi qíng: Feeling shy and self-conscious when other people are watching.
进退两难jìn tuì liǎng nán: Facing two difficult options and feeling unable to move in either direction.

Definition in Chinese

表示因为被要求或面临选择而感到窘迫、难以应付或不好意思，也可表示让别人感到尴尬或难堪。biǎo shì yīn wèi bèi yāo qiú huò miàn lín xuǎn zé ér gǎn dào jiǒng pò nán yǐ yìng fù huò bù hǎo yì si yě kě biǎo shì ràng bié rén gǎn dào gān gà huò nán kān

Word origin

The compound 为 (wéi, "make") + 难 (nán, "difficult") presents a person or situation as made difficult, linking the word's causing and experiencing senses.

Usage tips

  • In everyday refusals, this word often signals reluctance to disappoint someone rather than simple inability, so a brief reason or alternative makes the response clearer.

Other meanings

  • make things difficultverb
  • embarrassverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word