来之不易

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The phrase 来之不易 (láizhī-búyì) literally means "not easy to come by." It is used to describe something valuable or important that was obtained only after considerable effort or difficulty.

Common Contexts

You will often hear 来之不易 in contexts related to achievements, opportunities, happiness, or possessions that require hard work or luck to obtain. It emphasizes the preciousness and rarity of what has been gained.

Collocations and Patterns

These collocations highlight the value and difficulty behind the noun they modify.

Nuance and Register

This phrase is formal and often used in written or formal spoken Chinese, such as speeches, essays, or news reports. It conveys respect for the effort behind the achievement and encourages appreciation.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 来之不易 with 容易, which means "easy to come by." The negative is crucial to express the difficulty and value.

Example Sentences

This success was hard-earned; we put in a lot of effort.

Happiness is not easy to come by; we should cherish everything we have.

This job is hard to get; you must hold on to it well.