En 15 segundos
- Literally means a tire or balloon is leaking air.
- Metaphorically describes losing confidence or 'deflating' socially.
- Commonly used for bikes, balls, and boastful friends.
Significado
It literally means a tire or balloon is leaking air, but it's also a funny way to describe someone losing their confidence or 'deflating' after a big boast.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Checking a bicycle
我的自行车轮胎漏气了。
My bicycle tire is leaking air.
A friend loses confidence during a speech
他刚才还很有信心，怎么突然漏气了？
He was so confident just now, why did he suddenly lose his steam?
Reporting a maintenance issue
师傅，这根管子好像在漏气。
Master, this pipe seems to be leaking gas.
Contexto cultural
The concept of 'Qi' (air/energy) is central to Chinese philosophy and medicine. This phrase treats a person's confidence like a pressurized vessel, suggesting that once you lose your 'inner air,' you lose your ability to function or impress others. It reflects a mechanical view of human energy that became popular during China's industrial era.
The 'Face' Connection
If you say someone `漏气` in public, it can mean they 'lost face.' Use it carefully if you don't want to offend!
Safety First
If you hear someone shout `漏气` near a gas stove, stop what you're doing. It's the standard word for a dangerous gas leak.
En 15 segundos
- Literally means a tire or balloon is leaking air.
- Metaphorically describes losing confidence or 'deflating' socially.
- Commonly used for bikes, balls, and boastful friends.
What It Means
At its heart, 漏气 is about something losing its pressure. Think of a bicycle tire hitting a nail. Or a birthday balloon slowly shrinking. In a physical sense, it means a leak. But in a social sense, it describes that awkward moment when someone’s ego or energy suddenly vanishes. It’s the sound of a 'psssssst' when things go wrong.
How To Use It
You can use it literally for objects. If your car tire is flat, you say it's 漏气了. For people, use it when someone was acting tough but then got scared. It’s like they were a big, puffed-up balloon that someone poked with a needle. You’ll often see it used with 了 to show a change in state.
When To Use It
Use it when you’re checking your bike before a ride. Use it when you’re at the gym and your friend gives up on their last set. It’s perfect for casual roasting among friends. If someone makes a big promise and then fails immediately, they have 漏气了. It’s a very visual, relatable way to describe losing steam.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this in a very serious business apology. If you fail a major project, saying you 'leaked air' sounds too lighthearted. Avoid using it for serious medical conditions or deep emotional depression. It’s a 'deflated' feeling, not a 'broken' soul. Keep it for tires, balls, and minor social embarrassments.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, 气 (Qi) is the life force or energy. When you have 'Qi,' you are full of vitality and strength. Therefore, 'leaking' that air is a metaphor for losing your power or face. It’s been used for decades, moving from literal mechanical repair talk into common slang for losing one's cool.
Common Variations
You might hear 泄气 (xièqì), which is more about feeling discouraged. There is also 出气 (chūqì), which means to vent your anger. While 漏气 is often an accident, these others describe intentional releases of 'air' or emotion. Stick to 漏气 for those 'oops' moments where the air just escapes.
Notas de uso
Very versatile. Use it literally for anything that holds air (tires, balls, pipes). Use it metaphorically for people who lose their 'cool' or confidence suddenly.
The 'Face' Connection
If you say someone `漏气` in public, it can mean they 'lost face.' Use it carefully if you don't want to offend!
Safety First
If you hear someone shout `漏气` near a gas stove, stop what you're doing. It's the standard word for a dangerous gas leak.
Puffing up
The opposite of `漏气` is often being 'puffed up' with pride. Chinese uses air metaphors for ego constantly!
Ejemplos
6我的自行车轮胎漏气了。
My bicycle tire is leaking air.
A standard, literal use of the phrase.
他刚才还很有信心，怎么突然漏气了？
He was so confident just now, why did he suddenly lose his steam?
Metaphorical use for losing confidence.
师傅，这根管子好像在漏气。
Master, this pipe seems to be leaking gas.
Professional but common way to address a repairman.
计划漏气了，大家快跑！
The plan 'leaked' (failed), everyone run!
Slang use meaning a plan has lost its momentum or secrecy.
下半场他们队完全漏气了。
Their team completely lost their energy in the second half.
Describing a team that stopped playing well.
别哭，气球只是漏气了。
Don't cry, the balloon is just losing air.
Comforting someone about a physical object.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best word for a flat car tire.
我的汽车轮胎___了，我得去修理店。
`漏气` specifically refers to the leaking of air from a tire.
How do you describe someone losing their nerve?
他一见到老板就___，不敢说话了。
In this context, it means the person lost their courage or 'deflated' in front of the boss.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of '漏气'
Talking about a flat bike tire or a friend failing.
你的球漏气了！
Reporting a gas leak or technical issue.
煤气罐漏气很危险。
Rarely used; '故障' (malfunction) is preferred.
设备发生漏气现象。
When to say '漏气'
At the Garage
My tire is flat.
At a Party
The balloons are shrinking.
With a Boastful Friend
He lost his confidence.
In the Kitchen
The gas stove is leaking.
Banco de ejercicios
2 ejercicios我的汽车轮胎___了，我得去修理店。
`漏气` specifically refers to the leaking of air from a tire.
他一见到老板就___，不敢说话了。
In this context, it means the person lost their courage or 'deflated' in front of the boss.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot exactly. It's more about losing confidence or 'deflating' after being proud. For physical tiredness, use 累 (lèi).
No, for secrets we use 漏消息 (lòu xiāoxi) or 走漏风声 (zǒulòu fēngshēng). 漏气 is specifically about air or confidence.
It's usually neutral or humorous. However, telling someone 你漏气了 when they fail can be seen as a mild tease.
No. For water, use 漏水 (lòushuǐ). 气 is only for air, gas, or metaphorical 'spirit'.
It means the plan lost its momentum or failed to impress, like a balloon that won't fly. 计划漏气了.
No, it's been around for a long time. It's a very standard way to describe both literal and metaphorical deflation.
You say 我的轮胎漏气了 (Wǒ de lúntāi lòuqì le).
No, that is 出气 (chūqì). 漏气 is usually unintentional.
Only in technical manuals (like for gas pipes). In literature, it's mostly used in dialogue.
漏气 is more about the act of leaking or losing face. 泄气 (xièqì) is more about feeling discouraged or giving up.
Frases relacionadas
泄气 (To feel discouraged)
出气 (To vent one's anger)
漏水 (To leak water)
加油 (To add gas/Keep going!)
