抑郁
抑郁 في 30 ثانية
- 抑郁 (yìyù) is the standard Chinese word for 'depressed' or 'gloomy,' used for serious emotional states or clinical conditions.
- It is an adjective (e.g., 很抑郁) but forms the noun for clinical depression when combined with 症 (抑郁症).
- It carries a nuance of 'suppression' and 'stagnation,' distinguishing it from lighter words like 郁闷 (frustrated) or 难过 (sad).
- Common in medical, literary, and social contexts, it is a key term for discussing mental health in modern China.
The Chinese term 抑郁 (yìyù) is a profound and multi-layered word that English speakers primarily translate as 'depressed' or 'gloomy.' However, its linguistic roots and modern usage carry a specific weight that distinguishes it from casual sadness. In Mandarin, the first character 抑 (yì) literally means to press down, to restrain, or to suppress. This implies an external or internal force pushing against one's spirit. The second character 郁 (yù) historically referred to dense, overgrown vegetation or the rich, heavy scent of ceremonial wine, which evolved to signify a sense of being 'stagnant,' 'congested,' or 'stifled.' Together, 抑郁 describes a state where emotions are not just sad, but are suppressed and unable to flow freely, leading to a heavy, stagnant psychological state.
- Clinical Context
- In modern medical Chinese, this word is the root of 抑郁症 (yìyùzhèng), meaning clinical depression. When used in a professional or healthcare setting, it carries the full weight of a psychiatric diagnosis.
- Literary Nuance
- In literature, it describes a character's internal struggle with melancholy, often linked to their inability to change their circumstances or express their true desires.
他的眼神里透着一种难以排解的抑郁。(His eyes revealed an irreconcilable depression.)
People use this word when they want to convey a sense of persistent, heavy gloom rather than a fleeting moment of being 'upset' (which would be 难过 or 不开心). It is often associated with a lack of vitality and a feeling of being 'stuck.' For example, if someone is feeling frustrated because they failed a small test, they might say they are 郁闷 (yùmèn), which is a lighter, more common term for 'miffed' or 'annoyed-depressed.' But if someone has been struggling with their mental health for months, 抑郁 is the appropriate, more serious term.
这种抑郁的气氛笼罩了整个房间。(This gloomy atmosphere enveloped the entire room.)
Furthermore, 抑郁 is frequently found in news reports discussing societal pressures, such as the intense competition in education or the workplace. It is a word that bridge the gap between poetry and pathology, making it essential for B2 learners who are moving beyond basic emotional vocabulary into more complex social and psychological discussions. You will hear it in podcasts about self-improvement, in dramas where characters face tragic losses, and in health-related articles.
- Colloquial vs. Formal
- While it can be used colloquially to describe a mood, it almost always retains a formal or serious tone. It is not 'slang.'
长期处于高压环境下,人很容易变得抑郁。(Under long-term high-pressure environments, people easily become depressed.)
Using 抑郁 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as both an adjective and, by extension, a noun component. Most commonly, it functions as a stative verb or adjective to describe a person's state of mind or the atmosphere of a place. Because it is a two-character adjective, it is often preceded by degree adverbs like 很 (hěn), 非常 (fēicháng), or 极其 (jíqí). For example, 'He is very depressed' is 他很抑郁.
- Common Structure: 感到/觉得 + 抑郁
- This is the standard way to express feeling depressed. 'I feel depressed' -> 我感到抑郁 (Wǒ gǎndào yìyù).
失业之后,他整个人都变得非常抑郁。(After losing his job, he became very depressed.)
Another important usage is as an attributive adjective modifying a noun, usually with the particle 的 (de). You can describe 'depressed moods' (抑郁的情绪), 'depressed patients' (抑郁的病人), or even 'depressed music' (抑郁的音乐). This allows you to set the scene or describe the characteristics of a person or object.
他正在努力走出抑郁的阴影。(He is working hard to step out of the shadow of depression.)
In more advanced or literary contexts, you might see the four-character idiom 抑郁寡欢 (yìyù guǎhuān). This means to be depressed and joyless, often used to describe someone's personality or a long-term state of being. The addition of 寡欢 (few joys) reinforces the persistence of the sadness. Understanding these patterns—adverbial modification, attributive use, and idiomatic fixed forms—is key to reaching B2 proficiency with this word.
- Negative Construction
- To say someone is 'not depressed,' you simply use 不 (bù): 他不抑郁 (He is not depressed), though usually, you'd describe their positive state instead.
不要让这些琐事让你感到抑郁。(Don't let these trifles make you feel depressed.)
In contemporary China, the word 抑郁 has moved from the pages of thick psychology textbooks into the mainstream consciousness. You will hear it most frequently in public health campaigns and social media discussions. As awareness of mental health grows in Chinese society, influencers and celebrities often use this word to share their personal struggles, aiming to reduce the stigma associated with the term. On platforms like Weibo or Xiaohongshu, you might see hashtags related to 'overcoming depression' (战胜抑郁).
- News & Media
- News anchors use this word when reporting on the 'involution' (内卷 - nèijuǎn) of the workforce or the 'lying flat' (躺平 - tǎngpíng) movement, citing 抑郁 as a common result of societal pressure.
专家指出,青少年抑郁问题值得社会关注。(Experts point out that the problem of adolescent depression deserves social attention.)
In hospitals and clinics, doctors use this word to describe symptoms. If you visit a psychological counselor in China, the intake forms will invariably use 抑郁 to ask about your mood. This is the 'proper' word to use in a professional setting. Conversely, in literature and cinema, the word is used to build atmosphere. A movie set in a rainy, industrial city might be described as having an 抑郁的基调 (a depressed/gloomy tone). This usage highlights the environment's emotional impact on the viewer.
这部电影的色彩很灰暗,给人一种很抑郁的感觉。(The colors of this movie are very dark, giving people a very depressed feeling.)
You will also encounter it in workplace settings, specifically in HR seminars about employee well-being. Terms like 'occupational depression' (职业抑郁) are becoming more common as companies realize the impact of burnout. If a colleague says they are feeling 抑郁, they are likely signaling a need for serious support or a significant break, as the word carries more gravity than just being tired or stressed. Finally, in academic papers regarding sociology or psychology, 抑郁 is the standard term for measuring negative affect in population studies.
- Artistic Expression
- Painters or musicians might use the word to describe the 'blue' period of an artist's career, emphasizing the creative output that stems from such a state.
他在抑郁期间创作了许多伟大的作品。(He created many great works during his period of depression.)
One of the most frequent errors for learners is confusing 抑郁 (yìyù) with 郁闷 (yùmèn). While they share the same second character, their usage and intensity are vastly different. 郁闷 is used for temporary frustration, like when the internet is slow or you're stuck in traffic. It's almost 'annoyed-depressed.' Using 抑郁 for a minor inconvenience sounds overly dramatic or even inappropriate, as if you are claiming to have a serious mental health crisis over a slow Wi-Fi connection.
- Mistake 1: Over-dramatization
- Incorrect: 今天下雨了,我好抑郁。(It's raining today, I'm so depressed.)
Better: 今天下雨了,我心情不太好 / 很郁闷。
很多人把一时的不快误认为是抑郁。(Many people mistake temporary unhappiness for depression.)
Another common mistake is the confusion between 抑郁 and 忧郁 (yōuyù). While both can mean depressed or melancholy, 忧郁 often has a more romanticized, poetic, or 'gentle' connotation. Think of a 'melancholy prince' or a 'sad poet.' 抑郁 is more clinical, heavy, and pathological. If you are talking about a medical condition, you must use 抑郁. If you are describing the aesthetic sadness of a rainy afternoon in a poem, 忧郁 might be more fitting.
不要混淆抑郁的情绪和临床上的抑郁症。(Do not confuse depressed moods with clinical depression.)
Learners also sometimes struggle with the word order when using 抑郁 with verbs. Since it describes a state, it follows the 'Subject + Adverb + Adjective' pattern. It is rarely used as a direct object of a verb like 'to do' or 'to make' without a resultative or causative structure (like 让/使). You don't 'do depression.' You 'feel' it or it 'makes' you feel a certain way. Avoid saying things like '我做抑郁' (I do depression).
- Mistake 2: Noun/Adjective Confusion
- Incorrect: 他的抑郁很大。(His depression is big.)
Better: 他抑郁得很厉害 / 他的抑郁情绪很严重。
这种长期的抑郁状态需要专业治疗。(This long-term state of depression requires professional treatment.)
To truly master the semantic field of sadness in Chinese, you need to understand where 抑郁 (yìyù) sits among its synonyms. Each word has a specific 'flavor' and register. While 抑郁 is clinical and heavy, other words offer nuances of frustration, social sadness, or situational grief.
- 抑郁 vs. 忧郁 (yōuyù)
- 抑郁: Clinical, heavy, suppressed, pathological. Often used in medical contexts.
忧郁: Melancholic, poetic, elegant sadness. Often used in literature or to describe a personality (e.g., 'a melancholic gaze'). - 抑郁 vs. 郁闷 (yùmèn)
- 抑郁: Deep, long-term, serious.
郁闷: Frustrated, 'bummed out,' feeling stifled by a specific situation. Very common in daily casual speech. - 抑郁 vs. 沮丧 (jǔsàng)
- 抑郁: A state of being.
沮丧: Dejected or discouraged, usually because of a failure or setback. It focuses on the loss of spirit after a specific event.
虽然他看起来很忧郁,但并没有达到抑郁症的程度。(Although he looks melancholic, he hasn't reached the level of clinical depression.)
If you want to describe a feeling of being 'down' or 'sad' in a general sense, use 难过 (nánguò) or 伤心 (shāngxīn). 难过 literally means 'hard to pass' (the time/life is hard), while 伤心 means 'hurt heart.' These are much more common for everyday emotional pain. For a more academic or formal term for 'negative mood,' you might see 负面情绪 (fùmiàn qíngxù). Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the word that best fits the severity and the context of the situation.
与其整天抑郁,不如试着变得开朗一点。(Instead of being depressed all day, why not try to be a bit more cheerful?)
How Formal Is It?
حقيقة ممتعة
The character '郁' used to be much more complex (鬱) with 29 strokes! In simplified Chinese, it was reduced to '郁,' which originally was a different character meaning 'elegant.' This is why some learners find the simplified version unexpectedly simple compared to its heavy meaning.
دليل النطق
- Pronouncing 'yì' as the 2nd tone (rising) like 'yí,' which changes the meaning.
- Confusing the 'yù' sound with 'yǔ' (3rd tone), which is common in words like '雨' (rain).
- Failing to make the tones sharp enough, making it sound like 'yiyū' (1st tone).
- Mixing up '抑' (yì) with '一' (yī).
- Pronouncing the 'u' in 'yù' too much like an English 'oo' without the rounded Chinese 'ü' quality if influenced by other characters.
مستوى الصعوبة
The characters are complex and the meaning is abstract, requiring B2 level reading skills.
Writing '抑' and '郁' correctly is challenging due to the stroke count and structure.
Pronunciation is straightforward (two 4th tones), but choosing the right context is harder.
Easily recognized in context, but can be confused with other 'yu' sounds if not careful.
ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك
المتطلبات الأساسية
تعلّم لاحقاً
متقدم
قواعد يجب معرفتها
Adjective as Predicate
他很抑郁。(He is very depressed.) - No 'to be' (是) is needed.
Degree Adverbs
他抑郁得不得了。(He is extremely depressed.) - Using 得 (de) for degree.
Causative Verbs
这件事让他很抑郁。(This matter made him very depressed.) - Using 让 (ràng).
Attributive 'de'
抑郁的人通常不爱社交。(Depressed people usually don't like socializing.) - Using 的 (de) to modify a noun.
Resultative Complements
他快要抑郁死了。(He is almost 'depressed to death' - very common hyperbole.)
أمثلة حسب المستوى
他很不开心,他很抑郁。
He is very unhappy; he is very depressed.
Simple Subject + Adverb + Adjective structure.
你为什么抑郁?
Why are you depressed?
Question using 为什么 (wèishéme).
我不抑郁,我很高兴。
I am not depressed; I am very happy.
Negative using 不 (bù).
天气很阴暗,让人抑郁。
The weather is very gloomy, it makes people depressed.
Using 让 (ràng) to show cause.
我的朋友很抑郁。
My friend is very depressed.
Possessive 我的 (wǒ de) + Noun.
他抑郁了三天。
He has been depressed for three days.
Using 了 (le) to indicate a state over time.
抑郁是不好的。
Depression is not good.
Adjective used as a subject/concept.
小猫看起来很抑郁。
The kitten looks very depressed.
Using 看起来 (kàn qǐlái) to mean 'looks like'.
他最近的心情非常抑郁。
His mood has been very depressed lately.
Using 心情 (xīnqíng) as the subject.
因为考试没考好,他有点抑郁。
Because he didn't do well on the exam, he is a bit depressed.
Using 因为 (yīnwèi) for reason and 有点 (yǒudiǎn) for 'a bit'.
你可以告诉我你为什么感到抑郁吗?
Can you tell me why you feel depressed?
Using 感到 (gǎndào) to express 'to feel'.
这首歌听起来很抑郁。
This song sounds very depressing.
Using 听起来 (tīng qǐlái) for 'sounds like'.
他整天不出门,看起来很抑郁。
He doesn't go out all day; he looks very depressed.
Describing behavior leading to a conclusion.
如果你觉得抑郁,请找人聊天。
If you feel depressed, please find someone to talk to.
Conditional sentence using 如果...请... (rúguǒ...qǐng...).
他的抑郁让大家都很担心。
His depression makes everyone very worried.
Subject (his depression) + 让 (ràng) + Object + Adjective.
我不喜欢这种抑郁的气氛。
I don't like this depressed atmosphere.
Using 抑郁 to modify the noun 气氛 (qìfēn).
长期的工作压力让他陷入了抑郁。
Long-term work pressure made him fall into depression.
Using 陷入 (xiànrù) to mean 'to fall into/be caught in'.
抑郁症是一种需要治疗的疾病。
Depression is a disease that requires treatment.
Using 抑郁症 (yìyùzhèng) as the noun for clinical depression.
他总是表现得抑郁寡欢,很少参加社交活动。
He always appears depressed and joyless, rarely participating in social activities.
Using the idiom 抑郁寡欢 (yìyù guǎhuān).
通过运动,他成功地走出了抑郁。
Through exercise, he successfully stepped out of depression.
Using 走出 (zǒuchū) to mean 'to overcome/step out of'.
这种抑郁的情绪已经持续了好几个月。
This depressed mood has lasted for several months.
Using 持续 (chíxù) for duration.
不要轻视青少年的抑郁问题。
Do not take the problem of adolescent depression lightly.
Using 轻视 (qīngshì) to mean 'to belittle/neglect'.
他写了很多关于抑郁的诗歌。
He wrote many poems about depression.
Using 关于 (guānyú) to mean 'about/concerning'.
由于缺乏阳光,很多人在冬天会感到抑郁。
Due to a lack of sunlight, many people feel depressed in winter.
Using 由于 (yóuyú) to indicate cause.
虽然他事业成功,但内心却感到极其抑郁。
Although his career is successful, he feels extremely depressed inside.
Contrastive sentence using 虽然...但... (suīrán...dàn...).
医生建议他服用一些缓解抑郁的药物。
The doctor suggested he take some medication to relieve depression.
Using 缓解 (huǎnjiě) meaning 'to relieve/alleviate'.
这种抑郁的社会氛围影响了年轻人的创造力。
This depressed social atmosphere has affected the creativity of young people.
Complex subject describing a 'social atmosphere'.
他试图排解心中的抑郁,但效果并不理想。
He tried to dispel the depression in his heart, but the effect was not ideal.
Using 排解 (páijiě) to mean 'to dispel/resolve'.
产后抑郁是一个需要家庭成员共同面对的问题。
Postpartum depression is a problem that family members need to face together.
Specific medical term 产后抑郁 (chǎnhòu yìyù).
书中的主人公性格抑郁,充满了悲观色彩。
The protagonist in the book has a depressed personality and is full of pessimism.
Describing character traits and 'color' (tone).
长期的孤独是导致他抑郁的主要原因。
Long-term loneliness is the main reason leading to his depression.
Using 导致 (dǎozhì) to mean 'to lead to/cause'.
他那种抑郁的眼神让人看了心碎。
That depressed look in his eyes is heartbreaking to see.
Using 让人 (ràng rén) + adjective to show emotional impact.
他的文学作品中流露出一种深刻而厚重的抑郁感。
His literary works reveal a profound and heavy sense of depression.
Using 流露出 (liúlù chū) to mean 'to reveal/betray'.
这种抑郁的情绪不仅仅是心理问题,更是社会问题的折射。
This depressed mood is not just a psychological issue, but more a reflection of social problems.
Using 不仅仅是...更是... (bù jǐnjǐn shì...gèng shì...) for emphasis.
他在抑郁的泥沼中挣扎了多年,最终通过艺术获得了救赎。
He struggled in the mire of depression for years and finally found redemption through art.
Metaphorical use of 泥沼 (nízhǎo - mire/swamp).
这种抑郁的气息在整座城市中弥漫开来。
This depressed aura spread throughout the entire city.
Using 弥漫 (mímàn) to mean 'to pervade/fill the air'.
哲学家们常探讨这种源于存在虚无的深层抑郁。
Philosophers often discuss this deep-seated depression stemming from existential nothingness.
Using 源于 (yuányú) to mean 'to originate from'.
他那种抑郁的病态美在当时的艺术圈非常流行。
His morbidly depressed beauty was very popular in the art circles of that time.
Using 病态美 (bìngtài měi) to mean 'morbid beauty'.
抑郁症患者往往伴随着失眠和食欲不振。
Patients with depression are often accompanied by insomnia and loss of appetite.
Using 伴随着 (bànsuí zhe) to mean 'to be accompanied by'.
这种抑郁并非无缘无故,而是有着深远的历史背景。
This depression is not without reason, but has a profound historical background.
Using 无缘无故 (wúyuán wúgù - for no reason at all).
他试图通过文字来消解那种如影随形的抑郁。
He tried to dissipate that shadow-like depression through writing.
Using 如影随形 (rú yǐng suí xíng - like a shadow following a person).
那种抑郁已渗透进他的骨髓,成为他生命中不可分割的一部分。
That depression has seeped into his marrow, becoming an inseparable part of his life.
Metaphorical use of 渗透 (shèntòu - to seep/permeate).
在那个压抑的时代,抑郁成了知识分子普遍的精神底色。
In that oppressive era, depression became the common spiritual background of intellectuals.
Using 精神底色 (jīngshén dǐsè) to mean 'spiritual background/undertone'.
他的画作捕捉到了现代人内心那种难以言说的、荒诞的抑郁。
His paintings captured that unspeakable, absurd depression in the hearts of modern people.
Using 难以言说 (nányǐ yánshuō - hard to describe).
这种抑郁是灵魂在物质极大丰富后的某种精神空虚的表征。
This depression is a manifestation of a certain spiritual emptiness after a great abundance of material wealth.
Using 表征 (biǎozhēng - manifestation/symbol).
他终其一生都在与这种根深蒂固的抑郁作斗争。
He fought against this deep-rooted depression throughout his entire life.
Using 根深蒂固 (gēnshēn dìgù - deep-rooted).
这种抑郁的厚度,非亲历者难以感同身受。
The depth of this depression is hard for those who haven't experienced it to empathize with.
Using 感同身受 (gǎntóng shēnshòu - to empathize/feel as if it were oneself).
他的音乐中潜伏着一种狂躁与抑郁交织的张力。
A tension interwoven with mania and depression lurks in his music.
Using 交织 (jiāozhī - to interweave).
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
— To die of a broken heart or in a state of deep depression. Often used in historical biographies.
那位怀才不遇的诗人最终抑郁而终。
— To feel depressed and resentful because of an injustice. Focuses on the sense of unfairness.
面对不公正的待遇,他感到抑郁不平。
— A general phrase for having a depressed mood. Very standard usage.
他这几天心情抑郁,什么都不想做。
— To alleviate or relieve depression. Used in medical or wellness contexts.
听音乐可以帮助缓解抑郁情绪。
— A depressive episode. A specific clinical term.
他最近经历了一次严重的抑郁发作。
— Seasonal depression (SAD). Related to changes in seasons.
冬天阳光少,容易诱发季节性抑郁。
— To overcome or conquer depression. An empowering phrase.
他写了一本书,分享自己战胜抑郁的经历。
— A state of depression. Describes the current condition.
他长期处于抑郁状态,需要休息。
— Depressing or gloomy tone/color. Used in art and literature.
这部作品带有浓厚的抑郁色彩。
— To prevent depression. Common in health advice.
保持积极的心态可以有效预防抑郁。
يُخلط عادةً مع
郁闷 is for temporary frustration or feeling 'miffed.' 抑郁 is for deep, persistent depression.
忧郁 is more poetic and aesthetic (melancholy). 抑郁 is more clinical and heavy.
压抑 means to suppress or stifle (often an external force). 抑郁 is the resulting internal state.
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
— To be depressed and joyless. Describes a person who is habitually sad and lacks cheer.
自从失恋后,她一直抑郁寡欢。
Formal/Literary— To be heavy-hearted and full of anxiety. While not 'depressed' per se, it describes the underlying worry of 抑郁.
面对未来的挑战,他忧心忡忡。
Formal— To be depressed because one's talents are not recognized or one cannot achieve their goals.
他在公司里一直郁郁不得志,最后选择了辞职。
Formal— To be in low spirits; to be depressed/unhappy. A slightly lighter, more common idiom.
他今天看起来闷闷不乐的,不知道发生了什么事。
Neutral— To have a worried/depressed look on one's face. Literally 'sad eyebrows and bitter face.'
别整天愁眉苦脸的,事情总会解决的。
Informal— To be overwhelmed with grief. A much more intense, acute form of sadness than 抑郁.
听到亲人去世的消息,他悲痛欲绝。
Formal— To be dejected and crestfallen. Describes the physical posture of depression (hanging head).
比赛输了,队员们都垂头丧气地走回休息室。
Neutral— To be utterly despondent. Literally 'the heart is like cold ashes.' Very extreme.
在那次打击之后,他变得心如死灰。
Literary— To sigh and moan constantly. Expressing the outward signs of 抑郁.
他整天长吁短叹,一副心事重重的样子。
Neutral— To be completely discouraged and lose all hope. Often associated with deep depression.
在绝望中,他感到万念俱灰。
Literaryسهل الخلط
Both mean feeling down.
沮丧 is 'dejected' or 'discouraged' after a failure. 抑郁 is a general state of depression that might not have a specific trigger.
输掉比赛后他很沮丧,但休息几天就好了;而他长期的抑郁则需要医生治疗。
Both relate to sadness.
悲伤 is 'sorrow' or 'grief,' usually acute and reactive. 抑郁 is 'depression,' often chronic and involving a loss of energy.
失去亲人让他非常悲伤,但他并没有因此陷入抑郁。
Both describe a heavy heart.
苦闷 suggests being depressed and 'troubled' or 'vexed,' often by a dilemma. 抑郁 is more about the low mood itself.
他为前途感到苦闷,整个人变得非常抑郁。
Both describe mood weight.
沉重 (heavy) can describe a mood, a responsibility, or a task. 抑郁 is strictly about the psychological state.
背负着沉重的压力,他感到抑郁。
Both involve low energy.
颓废 (decadent/dispirited) implies a choice to give up or live a dissolute life. 抑郁 is an involuntary emotional state.
他不是因为抑郁,而是因为颓废才放弃了学业。
أنماط الجُمل
他因为...感到抑郁。
他因为工作太忙感到抑郁。
长期...会让入陷入抑郁。
长期孤独会让入陷入抑郁。
他表现得...抑郁寡欢。
他整天表现得抑郁寡欢。
与其抑郁,不如...。
与其整天抑郁,不如出去走走。
这种抑郁的情绪很难...
这种抑郁的情绪很难排解。
那种抑郁感如影随形。
那种抑郁感对他来说如影随形。
他的作品带有...抑郁色彩。
他的作品带有浓厚的抑郁色彩。
抑郁成了...的表征。
抑郁成了那个时代知识分子的表征。
عائلة الكلمة
الأسماء
الأفعال
الصفات
مرتبط
كيفية الاستخدام
High in medical, social, and literary discussions. Low in casual, happy daily interactions.
-
Using '抑郁' for a minor bad mood.
→
Use '郁闷' or '不开心'.
Calling a minor annoyance '抑郁' sounds like you are claiming to have a clinical illness.
-
Saying '我有抑郁' (I have depression).
→
Say '我很抑郁' or '我有抑郁症'.
In Chinese, you don't 'have' an adjective. You 'are' the adjective or 'have' the noun (illness).
-
Confusing '抑郁' and '压抑'.
→
抑郁 (depressed state), 压抑 (to suppress/oppressive).
You feel '抑郁' because the environment is '压抑'. They are related but distinct.
-
Mispronouncing the tones as 2nd or 3rd.
→
Both should be 4th tone (falling).
Wrong tones can lead to confusion with other 'yu' words like 'rain' or 'fish'.
-
Using '抑郁' as a verb.
→
Use '感到抑郁' or '变得抑郁'.
It's a state/adjective, not an action.
نصائح
Adjective usage
Remember that '抑郁' doesn't need the verb 'to be' (是). Just say '他很抑郁.' Using '是' makes it sound like you're saying 'He is the definition of depression.'
The 'Yu' family
Distinguish between 抑郁 (depressed), 郁闷 (frustrated), and 忧郁 (melancholic). They all share '郁' but have different intensities and vibes.
Tone clarity
Since both tones are 4th, emphasize the downward movement. It helps convey the 'heavy' meaning of the word.
Sensitivity
In China, mental health is a sensitive topic. Use '抑郁' with empathy and avoid using it as a joke or insult.
Stroke order
The character '郁' has many strokes in its traditional form (鬱), but even in simplified Chinese, the right-side radical (阝) should be written clearly.
Medical context
If you hear '抑郁' on the news, it's often followed by '症' (zhèng) or '倾向' (qīngxiàng), referring to clinical conditions.
Use fixed phrases
Using '抑郁寡欢' (yìyù guǎhuān) will make your Chinese sound much more advanced (B2/C1 level).
Intensity
Think of the scale: 不开心 (low) -> 难过 (medium) -> 抑郁 (high/clinical).
Don't confuse with 郁郁葱葱
Wait! '郁郁葱葱' (yùyù cōngcōng) means lush and green. It's a positive idiom using the same '郁.' Don't let the 'depressed' meaning confuse you here!
Daily observation
Try to identify '抑郁' characters in the Chinese movies you watch. How do they express this state without using the word?
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Think of '抑' (yì) as a hand (扌) pressing down your spirit. Think of '郁' (yù) as a dense forest where you are lost and can't find the way out. Together, they are the 'pressed-down forest' of the mind.
ربط بصري
Imagine a heavy stone (抑) sitting on top of a small, wilting flower in a dark, foggy forest (郁). The flower cannot grow or see the sun.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Try to write three sentences using '抑郁' to describe: 1. A movie atmosphere. 2. A long-term feeling. 3. A social problem. Avoid using '郁闷' in these sentences!
أصل الكلمة
The word '抑郁' combines two characters with ancient roots. '抑' (yì) contains the 'hand' radical (扌) and originally meant to press down with the hand. '郁' (yù) is a complex character that historically referred to dense vegetation or the steam/scent rising from ceremonial wine. It implies a sense of something being 'thick' or 'blocked.'
المعنى الأصلي: The combination originally described a state of being physically or spiritually stifled, much like air in a dense forest that cannot move.
Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)السياق الثقافي
When using this word, be sensitive to the fact that it can imply a medical diagnosis. Avoid diagnosing others casually.
In English, 'depressed' is often used casually ('I'm so depressed my team lost'). In Chinese, '抑郁' is usually more serious. English speakers should use '郁闷' for casual contexts.
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
Medical / Therapy
- 抑郁症的症状
- 心理咨询
- 服用抗抑郁药
- 情感障碍
Workplace Stress
- 职业倦怠
- 工作压力导致抑郁
- 心理健康假
- 调节情绪
Artistic Critique
- 抑郁的基调
- 充满忧郁色彩
- 表达内心的苦闷
- 悲剧性美感
Social Discussions
- 现代人的抑郁
- 关注心理健康
- 社会压力
- 情感支持
Academic Research
- 抑郁水平测试
- 相关性分析
- 社会经济地位与抑郁
- 干预措施
بدايات محادثة
"你觉得现代人为什么容易感到抑郁? (Why do you think modern people easily feel depressed?)"
"当你的朋友感到抑郁时,你会怎么安慰他? (How do you comfort a friend when they feel depressed?)"
"你认为运动真的能缓解抑郁吗? (Do you think exercise can really relieve depression?)"
"你所在的国家,人们怎么看待抑郁症? (How do people in your country view clinical depression?)"
"有哪些电影或书籍是关于战胜抑郁的? (Are there any movies or books about overcoming depression?)"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
写一段话描述一种抑郁的气氛,比如一个废弃的工厂或一个下雨的午后。(Write a paragraph describing a depressed atmosphere, like an abandoned factory or a rainy afternoon.)
探讨社交媒体对青少年抑郁情绪的影响。(Discuss the impact of social media on adolescent depression.)
如果你感到抑郁,你会写一封信给未来的自己吗?内容是什么?(If you felt depressed, would you write a letter to your future self? What would it say?)
比较‘抑郁’和‘郁闷’在你的生活中的不同体现。(Compare how 'yìyù' and 'yùmèn' manifest differently in your life.)
讨论心理健康在现代社会中的重要性。(Discuss the importance of mental health in modern society.)
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNo, that would sound too dramatic. For small things, use '郁闷' (yùmèn) or '不开心' (bù kāixīn). '抑郁' is for serious, long-term sadness or clinical depression.
'抑郁' is an adjective meaning 'depressed.' '抑郁症' is a noun meaning 'clinical depression' (the illness). You would say '我很抑郁' (I am depressed) but '我有抑郁症' (I have depression).
Yes, it is relatively formal. While used in daily life to discuss mental health, it retains a serious tone and is the standard term in medical and academic contexts.
Both are 4th tone (falling). 'Yì' sounds like 'ee' in 'see' but with a sharp drop. 'Yù' sounds like 'y' + a rounded 'u' (like the French 'u' or German 'ü') with a sharp drop.
Yes, you can describe an atmosphere as '抑郁' (e.g., 抑郁的气氛), meaning the place feels gloomy, oppressive, or depressing.
Not exactly. '忧郁' is more like 'melancholy'—it can be poetic or even attractive in literature. '抑郁' is heavier, more clinical, and generally seen as a negative health state.
Commonly discussed causes include high academic pressure (Gaokao), workplace competition (996), family expectations, and the isolation felt in large cities.
It is '产后抑郁' (chǎnhòu yìyù). '产后' means after birth.
No, it is an adjective. You cannot say 'I am 抑郁-ing.' You must use it with verbs like '感到' (feel) or '变得' (become).
The best opposites are '开朗' (kāilǎng - cheerful/open) or '乐观' (lèguān - optimistic).
اختبر نفسك 200 أسئلة
Write a sentence describing how a rainy day makes someone feel depressed.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'He is working hard to overcome his depression.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use the idiom '抑郁寡欢' in a sentence about a character.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about why mental health is important.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The atmosphere in the office is very depressing.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a dialogue between two friends where one is worried about the other's depressed mood.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain the difference between 抑郁 and 郁闷 in Chinese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Postpartum depression is a serious issue.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '极其抑郁'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Step out of the shadow of depression.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '抑郁的情绪'.
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Translate: 'Clinical depression requires professional treatment.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about seasonal depression in winter.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use '导致' (lead to) and '抑郁' in one sentence.
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Translate: 'His eyes were full of depression.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a movie with a depressing tone.
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Translate: 'Don't ignore the problem of teen depression.'
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Write a sentence about 'relieving depression through exercise'.
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Translate: 'He has a tendency towards depression.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a formal sentence about social pressure and depression.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Pronounce 抑郁 clearly with the correct tones.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Describe a person who is '抑郁寡欢'.
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Tell a friend 'I've been feeling a bit depressed lately.'
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قلت:
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Ask a friend: 'Why do you look so depressed today?'
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Explain to someone the difference between '抑郁' and '郁闷'.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Discuss: Do you think social media causes depression?
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قلت:
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Suggest a way to help a depressed friend.
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Describe a movie scene that feels '抑郁'.
Read this aloud:
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Say: 'Clinical depression is a serious illness.'
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قلت:
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Talk about seasonal depression in your hometown.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Say: 'He finally walked out of the shadow of depression.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Ask: 'Is there any medicine for depression?'
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Describe how stress at work makes you feel.
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قلت:
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Discuss the importance of mental health awareness.
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Say: 'I like cheerful people, not depressed people.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Give a short speech about 'Overcoming Depression'.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Say: 'Don't let these small things make you depressed.'
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Describe the term '抑郁寡欢' in your own words.
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Say: 'Postpartum depression is very common.'
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Talk about a book that made you feel depressed.
Read this aloud:
قلت:
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Listen and identify: Which word is used to describe the mood? (Audio: 他最近心情很抑郁。)
Listen and answer: Does the speaker think depression is serious? (Audio: 抑郁症可不是小事。)
Listen and identify the condition. (Audio: 她得了产后抑郁。)
Listen for the idiom. (Audio: 他整天抑郁寡欢的。)
Listen and answer: What is the suggested solution? (Audio: 运动可以缓解抑郁。)
Listen and identify: Which character in the story is depressed? (Audio: 那个诗人一生都很抑郁。)
Listen and answer: How long has the mood lasted? (Audio: 这种抑郁的情绪持续了一个月。)
Listen for the cause. (Audio: 工作的压力让他很抑郁。)
Listen and identify the tone of the movie. (Audio: 电影的基调很抑郁。)
Listen and answer: Is the person feeling better? (Audio: 他终于走出了抑郁。)
Listen for the medical term. (Audio: 抗抑郁药很有用。)
Listen and identify the target group. (Audio: 关注青少年的抑郁问题。)
Listen and answer: Why is he depressed? (Audio: 考试没考好,他很抑郁。)
Listen and identify the feeling. (Audio: 我感到极其抑郁。)
Listen and answer: What is the advice? (Audio: 别让这些事让你抑郁。)
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 抑郁 (yìyù) is your go-to term for 'depression' in a serious or medical sense. Unlike the casual 'bummed out,' it implies a heavy, stagnant psychological state. Example: '长期压力可能导致抑郁' (Long-term pressure may lead to depression).
- 抑郁 (yìyù) is the standard Chinese word for 'depressed' or 'gloomy,' used for serious emotional states or clinical conditions.
- It is an adjective (e.g., 很抑郁) but forms the noun for clinical depression when combined with 症 (抑郁症).
- It carries a nuance of 'suppression' and 'stagnation,' distinguishing it from lighter words like 郁闷 (frustrated) or 难过 (sad).
- Common in medical, literary, and social contexts, it is a key term for discussing mental health in modern China.
Adjective usage
Remember that '抑郁' doesn't need the verb 'to be' (是). Just say '他很抑郁.' Using '是' makes it sound like you're saying 'He is the definition of depression.'
The 'Yu' family
Distinguish between 抑郁 (depressed), 郁闷 (frustrated), and 忧郁 (melancholic). They all share '郁' but have different intensities and vibes.
Tone clarity
Since both tones are 4th, emphasize the downward movement. It helps convey the 'heavy' meaning of the word.
Sensitivity
In China, mental health is a sensitive topic. Use '抑郁' with empathy and avoid using it as a joke or insult.
مثال
他最近感到很抑郁,什么都不想做。
محتوى ذو صلة
هذه الكلمة بلغات أخرى
مزيد من كلمات health
一粒
A2حبة واحدة أو بذرة. تُستخدم للأشياء الصغيرة والمستديرة مثل الأرز أو الدواء. 'حبة دواء' هي '一粒药'.
一片
A2One tablet; a slice (for flat objects like pills).
不正常
A2غير طبيعي، شاذ؛ يشير إلى شيء لا يسير كالمعتاد.
以上
A2فوق، أكثر من (رقم). يشير إلى كمية أو مستوى يساوي أو يزيد عن نقطة مرجعية محددة.
酸痛
A2أشعر بألم في عضلاتي بعد التمرين.
倒是
A2على العكس من ذلك؛ في الواقع. يستخدم للإشارة إلى تباين غير متوقع.
针灸
A2Acupuncture; traditional Chinese therapy.
扎针
A2إعطاء حقنة أو القيام بالوخز بالإبر.
急性
B1حاد (مرض): يشير إلى حالة تحدث فجأة وعادة ما تكون شديدة ولكنها قصيرة الأمد. حاد (مرض): عند الحديث عن الأمراض، 'حاد' يصف شيئًا يبدأ بسرعة ويكون شديدًا، ولكنه لا يستمر لفترة طويلة.
急性病
B1مرض حاد يظهر فجأة ويتطلب عناية طبية فورية.