Definition & Meaning

be in a dilemma; get into an awkward/embarrassing situation; be in a predicament

Word usage

fàn nán

犯 难

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Chinese dictionary
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v.be in a dilemma; get into an awkward/embarrassing situation; be in a predicament
- zhè shì shǐ wǒ fàn nán
  这事使我犯难。
  I was at a loss as to how to handle this problem.
- ràng rén fàn nán
  让人犯难
  make things awkward for somebody
- tā rén hǎo nǐ yǒu shén me fàn nán de shì néng zhǎo tā
  他人好，你有什么犯难的事能找他。
  He's a good person to turn to for help if you're ever in a tough situation.
- jǐng chá men chéng rèn gāi àn zi ràng tā men fàn nán
  警察们承认该案子让他们犯难。
  Policemen admit they are baffled by the case.
synonym
wéi nán为难 fàn chóu犯愁

Word usage

Separable word
"犯" and "难" can be combined as one word, or be used separately with other elements inserted.
- 你这样可叫他犯了难。
  You're putting him in an awkward position.
- 面对目前的情况，她犯起难来。
  The current situation placed her in a dilemma.
- 他为这问题犯过难。
  He had a tough time with the problem.

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