勉强
Traditional: 勉強
miǎn qiǎng HSK 6

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

他勉强通过了考试。
Tā miǎnqiǎng tōngguò le kǎoshì.
He barely passed the exam.
我勉强同意了他的建议。
Wǒ miǎnqiǎng tóngyì le tā de jiànyì.
I reluctantly agreed to his suggestion.
她勉强挤出一个微笑。
Tā miǎnqiǎng jǐ chū yīgè wēixiào.
She managed with an effort to force a smile.
他勉强同意了。
Tā miǎnqiǎng tóngyì le.
He reluctantly agreed.
我勉强站起来。
Wǒ miǎnqiǎng zhàn qǐlái.
I managed to stand up with effort.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of the '勉' as 'exert' and '强' as 'force'—together they mean to 'exert force' on someone or oneself, but not in a physically violent way; it's more about social or psychological pressure.

📝 Usage Notes

Used in both spoken and written Chinese, in formal and informal contexts. Common in situations involving persuasion, social pressure, or performing tasks under duress (e.g., accepting an invitation, completing a difficult task).

📖 Grammar Points

Often used as a transitive verb (勉强 + someone). Can also be used as an adverb or adjective to describe something done reluctantly or barely adequately (e.g., 勉强及格 - barely passed).

🏯 Cultural Notes

Reflects a cultural value of avoiding imposing on others. Saying '别勉强' shows consideration for another's comfort and willingness, which is important in maintaining social harmony.

🔄 Similar Words

强迫 (qiǎngpò) also means 'to force', but is stronger and more direct, often implying coercion. 勉强 focuses more on the internal reluctance or the strained effort, rather than external pressure alone.

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