naan4 tai4難題难题
Jyutpingnaan4 tai4
Yalenàahn tàih
Definition
A difficult problem, tough issue, or challenge that is hard to solve.
neutralworkother
How it's used
Focus on the nuance that this term implies a problem requiring significant effort or strategy to overcome, rather than just a simple mistake or minor inconvenience. It is frequently used in professional or academic contexts to describe complex obstacles that lack an immediate or obvious solution. When someone says a situation is a 難題, they are highlighting the gravity of the impasse.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
This difficult problem has really stumped me.
How are you facing this challenge?
Related words
Common phrases
to solve a difficult problem
to face a challenge
Common mistake
Avoid using this word for trivial daily annoyances, as it carries a weight of complexity. For minor issues or simple tasks that are just slightly inconvenient, use 麻煩 or 瑣事 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
