🇨🇳 How to say

“sad” in Chinese

难过nánguò
Illustration of "sad" in a Chinese cultural setting
A young girl sits alone on a park bench, her head bowed as she watches fallen leaves drift by. Her shoulders slump slightly, and she wipes a tear from her cheek.

Usage note

难过 literally means 'hard to pass' and is used for temporary sadness, like after disappointing news or a small loss—it's common in everyday conversation.

Examples

  • 我今天很难过。

    I am very sad today.

  • 他听到坏消息后很难过。

    He was very sad after hearing the bad news.

  • 别难过，一切都会好的。

    Don't be sad, everything will be okay.

Quick check

What does "难过" mean?

  • A. sad
  • B. fast
  • C. expensive
  • D. cold

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