含辛茹苦

Pronunciation: hán xīn rú kǔ Literal meaning: Endure hardships and bitterness

Origin & Usage

Commonly used in classical Chinese literature, the idiom 含辛茹苦 (hán xīn rú kǔ) vividly portrays the enduring of hardships and suffering. The phrase is composed of two parts: 含辛 (hán xīn), where 辛 (xīn) refers to the bitterness or spiciness one endures, and 茹苦 (rú kǔ), with 苦 (kǔ) symbolizing the act of swallowing or enduring bitterness. This idiom is often associated with the perseverance required to achieve success, reflecting the idea that enduring hardships is a necessary part of the journey toward enlightenment or accomplishment. In modern usage, 含辛茹苦 is employed to describe individuals who have gone through significant struggles, often highlighting the sacrifices made by parents or pioneers to provide better opportunities for future generations.

Examples

English: "She worked tirelessly through difficult times to achieve her dreams."

Chinese: 她在艰难的时刻努力工作，实现了自己的梦想。