Chinese · Emotions & Feelings
难过
nánguò
Sad
Beginneradjective
Definition
Feeling unhappy.
Example
听到这个消息我很难过。
I was very sad to hear this news.
Etymology
难过 (nánguò) is composed of 难 (nán, meaning 'difficult') and 过 (guò, meaning 'to pass'). This term poignantly captures the feeling of emotional difficulty or sadness.
How & Where It’s Used
This adjective is typically used in informal spoken language and can appear in written contexts. It resonates with people across many regions of Chinese-speaking communities.
Literary Heritage
难过 is featured in poetry and narratives that explore themes of sadness and personal struggle.