Meaning and Usage
"坎坷" describes a situation or life path that is full of difficulties, obstacles, or hardships. It often refers to emotional or experiential struggles rather than physical bumps.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used to talk about life experiences, careers, or personal journeys that are challenging and not smooth.
Collocations and Patterns
- 坎坷的人生 (a life full of hardships): emphasizes the difficult nature of one's life journey.
- 经历坎坷 (to experience hardships): commonly used to describe going through tough times.
- 坎坷不平 (uneven and bumpy): often used metaphorically for life or situations.
Nuances
Using "坎坷" implies a sense of resilience or endurance, as it often appears in contexts where despite difficulties, the person continues forward. It is more formal and literary than casual synonyms like "困难" (difficult).
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "坎坷" with purely physical bumps or potholes; it is mostly metaphorical for life's challenges. Also, it is not used to describe simple inconveniences but rather significant struggles.