Definitions

(adjective) uneven; rough (of ground or path)
(adjective) unfortunate; unlucky (in life)

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "坷" is constructed from the earth radical "土" combined with the phonetic element "可", creating a phono-semantic compound that initially described lumpy or uneven soil. Its early usage centered on physical aspects of the land, such as clods or rough ground, but over centuries the meaning expanded beyond the literal to encompass metaphorical difficulties. This evolution is evident in its modern role, where it appears almost exclusively in the term "坎坷", conveying notions of adversity or a rough journey in life, while its structural form has remained consistent throughout its history.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这条路很坎

Zhè tiáo lù hěn kǎnkě.

This road is very bumpy.

他经历了无数坎

Tā jīnglì le wúshù kǎnkě.

He experienced countless hardships.

的生活让他坚强。

Kǎnkě de shēnghuó ràng tā jiānqiáng.

The rough life made him strong.

在坎中成长是宝贵的。

Zài kǎnkě zhōng chéngzhǎng shì bǎoguì de.

Growing up in adversity is precious.

面对坎,我们不要放弃。

Miànduì kǎnkě, wǒmen bùyào fàngqì.

Facing hardships, we should not give up.

人生的坎教会我们很多。

Rénshēng de kǎnkě jiàohuì wǒmen hěnduō.

The hardships of life teach us a lot.

即使前途坎,也要勇往直前。

Jíshǐ qiántú kǎnkě, yě yào yǒngwǎngzhíqián.

Even if the road ahead is bumpy, we must press forward.

克服坎需要决心和毅力。

Kèfú kǎnkě xūyào juéxīn hé yìlì.

Overcoming hardships requires determination and perseverance.