痛苦 (tòng kǔ)

Pronunciation: [tóng kǔ]

Basic Meaning: pain, suffering

Detailed Explanation: 痛苦 refers to the physical or emotional pain that one experiences. It can be used to describe both physical pain and mental anguish.

Usage Scenarios: This idiom is often used to express suffering, hardship, or distress in various situations. It can be used to describe physical pain caused by injury or illness, as well as emotional pain caused by loss, disappointment, or heartbreak.

Story Origin: There is no specific story origin for this idiom, as it is a common term used in the Chinese language to describe pain and suffering.

Structure of the Idiom: The idiom 痛苦 is a combination of two characters, 痛 (tòng) meaning "pain" and 苦 (kǔ) meaning "suffering." When combined, these characters form the word 痛苦, which carries the meaning of pain and suffering.

Example Sentences:

1. 他在事故中受了很大的痛苦。

(Tā zài shìgù zhōng shòu le hěn dà de tòngkǔ.)

Translation: He suffered a great deal of pain in the accident.

2. 她心里的痛苦無法言表。

(Tā xīnlǐ de tòngkǔ wúfǎ yánbiǎo.)

Translation: The pain in her heart is indescribable.

Memory Techniques: To remember the meaning of 痛苦, you can associate it with the sound of "tòng kǔ." Imagine someone saying "tongue" (similar pronunciation to "tòng") while suffering from extreme pain ("kǔ").

Extended Learning: To further understand the concept of 痛苦, you can explore related topics such as the different types of pain, strategies for coping with pain, and the role of empathy in alleviating suffering.

Example Sentences from Different Age Groups:

1. Children (8-12 years old): 我摔倒了，感覺很痛苦。

(Wǒ shuāi dǎo le, gǎnjué hěn tòngkǔ.)

Translation: I fell down and it feels very painful.

2. Teenagers (13-18 years old): 考試前的復習是一種痛苦，但是很有必要。

(Kǎoshì qián de fùxí shì yī zhǒng tòngkǔ, dànshì hěn yǒu bìyào.)

Translation: The review before the exam is painful, but necessary.

3. Adults (above 18 years old): 失去親人是一種無法言表的痛苦。

(Shīqù qīnrén shì yī zhǒng wúfǎ yánbiǎo de tòngkǔ.)

Translation: Losing a loved one is a pain that cannot be described in words.