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B1 noun #2,800 más común 7 min de lectura

挫折

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At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '挫折' (cuòzhé) often, as it is quite formal. However, you might hear it in very simple contexts about 'problems' or 'not being happy' because something didn't work. Think of it as a big 'Oh no!' or a 'bad thing' that happens when you try to do something. For example, if you are learning Chinese and you forget all the words, that is a small '挫折'. At this level, just remember that '挫' means something pushing down and '折' means breaking. It's a 'break' in your plans. You can simply understand it as 'a big problem' (大的问题).
For A2 learners, '挫折' (cuòzhé) starts to appear in stories about famous people or in simple classroom discussions. You should recognize it as a noun meaning 'setback.' You might see it in sentences like 'He had a setback' (他遇到了挫折). At this stage, you should know that it's more serious than a small mistake (错误) but not as final as a total failure (失败). It's a good word to use when you want to talk about why someone is sad or why a project stopped for a while. It helps you describe challenges in a more 'grown-up' way than just saying 'bad things' (坏事).
At the B1 level, '挫折' is a key vocabulary word. You are expected to use it to discuss personal experiences, career paths, and social issues. You should understand its common collocations, like '遭受挫折' (suffer a setback) and '克服挫折' (overcome a setback). You should also be able to distinguish it from '失败' (failure). In B1 exams, you might be asked to write about a time you faced a challenge; using '挫折' shows a good grasp of intermediate Chinese. It's about the 'frustration' you feel when things go wrong and the 'obstacle' itself. You should also start recognizing the concept of 'resilience' (抗挫力).
At the B2 level, you should use '挫折' (cuòzhé) with nuance in professional and academic settings. You should be able to describe the degree of the setback using adjectives like '沉重的' (heavy) or '连番的' (successive). You will encounter this word in business news, psychological articles, and literature. You should understand the cultural context of '挫折教育' (frustration education) in China and be able to debate its pros and cons. Your usage should be grammatically precise, ensuring you don't use it as a simple adjective for 'I am frustrated' (which would be 挫败 or 沮丧).
For C1 learners, '挫折' (cuòzhé) is a tool for sophisticated analysis. You should understand its role in classical-sounding idioms and formal writing. You might use it to discuss the 'dialectic' of success and failure—how setbacks are necessary for growth. You should be comfortable using it in abstract discussions about philosophy, history, or social development. You will also see it used as a verb in high-level literary texts (meaning to suppress or dampen someone's spirit). At this level, you should be able to compare '挫折' with more obscure synonyms like '舛错' or '蹉跎' in specific contexts.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '挫折' (cuòzhé). You understand its etymological roots in the 'Shuowen Jiezi' and how its meaning has shifted over millennia. You can use it in highly formal speeches, legal contexts (e.g., dampening an opponent's momentum), or poetic writing. You recognize its usage in Maoist political discourse or classical strategy (like '挫其锐气' - to blunt the enemy's spirit). For you, '挫折' is not just a word for a problem, but a versatile concept that can describe everything from a minor tactical delay to a profound existential crisis, used with perfect tone and register.
Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

挫折 en 30 segundos

  • 挫折 (cuòzhé) is a noun meaning 'setback' or 'frustration.'
  • It is commonly used with verbs like 'encounter' (遭遇) or 'overcome' (克服).
  • It differs from 'failure' (失败) by implying a temporary or surmountable obstacle.
  • It is a key term in discussions about resilience and personal growth.

The Chinese word 挫折 (cuòzhé) is a profound noun that encapsulates the essence of human struggle and resilience. At its core, it refers to a setback, frustration, or a defeat encountered during the pursuit of a goal. Etymologically, the character 挫 (cuò) means to dampen, push down, or grind, while 折 (zhé) means to break or bend. Together, they paint a vivid picture of an external force that attempts to break one's momentum or spirit. In modern usage, it is not merely a physical obstacle but a psychological and situational hurdle that tests one's character.

Primary Definition
A situation where progress is halted or reversed, often leading to feelings of disappointment or discouragement.
Psychological Nuance
The internal feeling of being 'thwarted' or 'stymied' when expectations do not meet reality.
Societal Context
Often used in educational and professional contexts to describe the 'growing pains' necessary for success.

"生活中难免会遇到挫折，关键在于你如何面对它。" (It is inevitable to encounter setbacks in life; the key lies in how you face them.)

— Common Chinese Proverb on Resilience

Unlike the word 失败 (shībài), which implies a final failure or the end of an attempt, 挫折 suggests a temporary state or a specific incident within a larger journey. It is a 'bump in the road' rather than the 'end of the road.' This distinction is crucial for learners: using 挫折 implies that the journey continues. It is frequently paired with verbs like 遭受 (zāoshòu - to suffer), 面对 (miànduì - to face), and 克服 (kèfú - to overcome).

"这次考试的失败对他来说是一个巨大的挫折。" (The failure of this exam was a huge setback for him.)

"他在创业初期经历了无数次挫折。" (He experienced countless setbacks in the early stages of his business.)

"不要因为一点点挫折就放弃。" (Don't give up just because of a little frustration.)

"艺术家的创作过程充满了挫折。" (The artist's creative process is full of setbacks.)

In summary, 挫折 is a versatile term that bridges the gap between external events and internal emotional states. It is the friction required for growth, the resistance that builds strength, and the inevitable companion of any ambitious endeavor.

Using 挫折 (cuòzhé) correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its specific collocations. While it can occasionally function as a verb in very formal or classical contexts (meaning 'to dampen' or 'to suppress'), in 99% of modern Mandarin, it is a noun. Here is a breakdown of how to integrate it into your speech and writing.

1. Common Verb Pairings

Because 挫折 is something you 'experience' or 'deal with,' it follows specific verbs:

  • 遭遇/遭受 (zāoyù/zāoshòu) + 挫折: To encounter or suffer a setback. Use this for external events.
  • 面对 (miànduì) + 挫折: To face a setback. This emphasizes the attitude toward the problem.
  • 克服 (kèfú) + 挫折: To overcome a setback. This is the positive resolution.
  • 战胜 (zhànshèng) + 挫折: To triumph over setbacks.
Example: Professional Setting
"我们的项目在研发阶段遭受了严重的挫折。" (Our project suffered a serious setback during the R&D phase.)

2. Using Adjectives to Describe Intensity

Not all setbacks are equal. You can modify 挫折 to show its scale:

  • 沉重的 (chénzhòng de): Heavy/Severe (e.g., 沉重的挫折).
  • 小小的 (xiǎoxiǎo de): Minor (e.g., 小小的挫折).
  • 连番的 (liánfān de): Successive/Repeated.

3. The 'Frustration Education' Concept

In academic or parenting discussions, you will often see 挫折教育 (cuòzhé jiàoyù). This refers to teaching children how to handle failure. Similarly, 抗挫折能力 (kàng cuòzhé nénglì) refers to resilience or the ability to withstand setbacks.

"现代教育应该注重培养学生的抗挫折能力。" (Modern education should focus on cultivating students' resilience against setbacks.)

Finally, remember that 挫折 is a formal to semi-formal word. In very casual conversation, people might just say "遇到麻烦了" (met with trouble), but 挫折 adds a layer of weight and significance to the struggle.

The word 挫折 (cuòzhé) is ubiquitous in Chinese society, appearing in professional, academic, and inspirational contexts. Understanding where you'll encounter it helps in grasping its emotional weight.

1. In the Workplace and Business News

Business reports often use 挫折 to describe market fluctuations, failed negotiations, or project delays. It sounds more professional than 'failure' because it implies the company is still in operation.

News Headline Style
"由于市场需求下降，该公司的扩张计划遭遇挫折。" (Due to declining market demand, the company's expansion plan hit a setback.)

2. In Motivational Speeches and Self-Help

If you watch TED talks in Chinese or read self-improvement books, 挫折 is a keyword. It is framed as a 'teacher' or a 'stepping stone' (垫脚石).

"每一个挫折都是成长的机会。" (Every setback is an opportunity for growth.)

3. In Education and Parenting

Teachers often use the word when counseling students who have failed exams or competitions. It is used to normalize the experience of failing.

4. In Sports Commentary

When a favored team loses a match or an athlete gets injured, commentators use 挫折 to describe the blow to their season or career.

"主力球员的受伤对球队来说是一个沉重的挫折。" (The injury of the star player is a heavy setback for the team.)

You will also hear it in movies and TV dramas, particularly in 'zero-to-hero' narratives where the protagonist must overcome multiple 挫折 before achieving success. It is a word that carries the 'drama' of struggle.

While 挫折 (cuòzhé) is a common word, learners often trip up on its grammatical category and its distinction from similar-sounding or similar-meaning words.

1. Confusing Noun and Adjective Usage

In English, 'frustrated' is an adjective. In Chinese, 挫折 is primarily a noun. Many learners incorrectly say "我觉得很挫折" (I feel very setback). This is grammatically awkward.

Correct Version A
"我感到很挫败 (cuòbài)." (I feel frustrated/defeated.)
Correct Version B
"我遇到了挫折 (cuòzhé)." (I encountered a setback.)

2. Overusing it for Minor Inconveniences

挫折 implies a significant hurdle. If you just can't find your keys or the bus is five minutes late, don't use 挫折. That's just 麻烦 (máfan) or 不顺 (búshùn).

3. Confusion with 失败 (shībài)

While related, they are not interchangeable. 失败 is 'failure' (the opposite of success). 挫折 is a 'setback' (an obstacle on the way to success). You can experience a 挫折 without the whole endeavor being a 失败.

"失败是结果，挫折是过程。" (Failure is a result; setback is a process.)

4. Mispronunciation

The second tone on 折 (zhé) is often flattened by learners. Ensure you use the rising tone. Also, don't confuse 挫 (cuò) with 错 (cuò) (wrong), although they share the same pinyin and tone, their meanings are distinct.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you'll sound much more like a native speaker who understands the nuance of resilience in the Chinese language.

To truly master 挫折 (cuòzhé), you must see where it sits in the landscape of Chinese words for 'difficulty' and 'failure.' Here are the most common synonyms and related terms.

1. 挫败 (cuòbài)

Very similar to 挫折, but often functions more as a verb or an adjective describing a state of mind. It carries a stronger sense of 'defeat.'

  • 挫折: The event (a setback).
  • 挫败: The feeling of being defeated or the act of defeating someone.

2. 坎坷 (kǎnkě)

Literally means a 'bumpy road.' It is used metaphorically to describe a life or career full of hardships and ups and downs.

Nuance
挫折 is a specific point of failure; 坎坷 is a long-term state of difficulty.

3. 磨难 (mónàn)

Refers to 'tribulations' or 'suffering.' This is much heavier than 挫折. It implies a long period of intense trial that tests one's soul.

"他的一生经历了无数磨难。" (His life has gone through countless tribulations.)

4. 阻碍 (zǔ'ài)

Means 'obstacle' or 'hindrance.' This is more objective and less emotional than 挫折. A traffic jam is a 阻碍, but not necessarily a 挫折.

5. 逆境 (nìjìng)

Literally 'adverse circumstances.' This is the environment in which you encounter 挫折. It is the opposite of 顺境 (shùnjìng - favorable circumstances).

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Informal

""

Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

Ejemplos por nivel

1

他遇到了一个小挫折。

He met a small setback.

Subject + 遇到 + (Adjective) + 挫折

2

不要怕挫折。

Don't be afraid of setbacks.

Negative imperative '不要' + verb '怕'

3

挫折不可怕。

Setbacks are not scary.

Noun + 不 + Adjective

4

这是我的挫折。

This is my setback.

Possessive '的' with noun

5

他因为挫折哭了。

He cried because of the setback.

因为 (because of) + Noun

6

学习有很多挫折。

There are many setbacks in learning.

Topic + 有 + 很多 + Noun

7

我们一起面对挫折。

We face setbacks together.

Adverb '一起' + Verb

8

挫折让他更强。

Setbacks make him stronger.

Noun + 让 + Person + Adjective

1

他在工作中遭受了挫折。

He suffered a setback at work.

遭受 (suffer) is a common verb for 挫折

2

面对挫折，我们要勇敢。

Facing setbacks, we must be brave.

面对 (facing) as a participle-like phrase

3

这次失败是一个巨大的挫折。

This failure is a huge setback.

巨大的 (huge) as an adjective

4

没有人的一生没有挫折。

No one's life is without setbacks.

Double negative for emphasis

5

他学会了如何处理挫折。

He learned how to handle setbacks.

学会了 (learned) + how to

6

挫折是成功的一部分。

Setbacks are part of success.

A 是 B 的一部分

7

虽然有挫折，但他没放弃。

Although there were setbacks, he didn't give up.

虽然...但是... (Although... but...)

8

小小的挫折不算什么。

A small setback is nothing.

不算什么 (doesn't count as anything)

1

我们要培养孩子的抗挫折能力。

We need to cultivate children's resilience.

抗挫折能力 (resilience) is a fixed compound

2

他在创业初期经历了重重挫折。

He experienced numerous setbacks in the early stages of his business.

经历 (experience) + 重重 (layer upon layer)

3

这种挫折感让他难以入睡。

This sense of frustration made it hard for him to sleep.

挫折感 (sense of frustration)

4

即使遇到挫折，也要保持乐观。

Even if you encounter setbacks, stay optimistic.

即使...也... (Even if... still...)

5

他的计划因为资金问题而遭受挫折。

His plan suffered a setback due to funding issues.

因为...而... (Because of... therefore...)

6

面对连番的挫折，他依然坚持。

Facing successive setbacks, he still persisted.

连番的 (successive/repeated)

7

挫折往往能激发人的潜力。

Setbacks often stimulate a person's potential.

往往 (often/usually)

8

我们不应该被一时的挫折吓倒。

We shouldn't be intimidated by temporary setbacks.

被...吓倒 (be intimidated by)

1

这次外交谈判遭遇了严重的挫折。

The diplomatic negotiations suffered a serious setback.

Formal register: 外交谈判

2

他将挫折视为通往成功的垫脚石。

He regards setbacks as stepping stones to success.

将 A 视为 B (Regard A as B)

3

心理素质差的人很难承受挫折。

People with poor psychological quality find it hard to bear setbacks.

承受 (bear/endure) + 挫折

4

该政策在实施过程中遇到了不小的挫折。

The policy encountered significant setbacks during implementation.

不小的 (not small/significant)

5

挫折教育在现代家庭中越来越受重视。

Frustration education is increasingly valued in modern families.

受重视 (be valued/emphasized)

6

他在成名之前，生活充满了坎坷与挫折。

Before becoming famous, his life was full of hardships and setbacks.

坎坷与挫折 (hardships and setbacks)

7

我们要学会从挫折中总结经验教训。

We must learn to summarize experiences and lessons from setbacks.

总结经验教训 (summarize lessons)

8

突如其来的挫折打乱了他的所有计划。

The sudden setback disrupted all his plans.

突如其来 (sudden/unexpected)

1

历史的发展从来不是一帆风顺的，总会伴随着挫折。

The development of history is never smooth sailing; it is always accompanied by setbacks.

伴随着 (be accompanied by)

2

他以顽强的毅力战胜了生命中的重重挫折。

With tenacious perseverance, he triumphed over the numerous setbacks in his life.

以...战胜... (Triumph over with...)

3

这种暂时的挫折并不能动摇他的决心。

This temporary setback cannot shake his determination.

动摇 (shake/weaken) + 决心

4

文学作品往往通过描写主人公的挫折来展现人性。

Literary works often reveal human nature by depicting the protagonist's setbacks.

通过...来... (Through... in order to...)

5

在逆境中成长的人，对挫折有更强的免疫力。

Those who grow up in adversity have a stronger immunity to setbacks.

对...有免疫力 (have immunity to)

6

他那原本锐不可当的气势被这一连串的挫折所挫伤。

His originally unstoppable momentum was dampened by this series of setbacks.

Passive construction with 所

7

挫折是灵魂的试金石，能检验出一个人的真伪。

Setback is the touchstone of the soul, testing a person's true nature.

Metaphorical usage: 试金石 (touchstone)

8

面对事业上的挫折，他选择了隐忍与积蓄力量。

Facing setbacks in his career, he chose endurance and the accumulation of strength.

隐忍 (endurance/restraint)

1

纵观古今，伟大的成就无一不是在历经挫折后取得的。

Throughout history, all great achievements have been attained after enduring setbacks.

无一不是 (none is not/all are)

2

其志不遂，屡遭挫折，然其爱国之心终不泯灭。

His ambitions were unfulfilled and he suffered repeated setbacks, yet his patriotism never faded.

Classical Chinese style (Wenyanwa)

3

这一挫折不仅是技术上的瓶颈，更是体制上的顽疾所致。

This setback is not only a technical bottleneck but also caused by systemic chronic issues.

不仅是...更是... (Not only... but even more...)

4

在宏大的历史叙事中，个人的挫折往往显得微不足道。

In grand historical narratives, individual setbacks often seem insignificant.

微不足道 (insignificant)

5

他试图通过外交手段挫折对方的扩张野心。

He attempted to thwart the other party's expansionist ambitions through diplomatic means.

挫折 used as a verb (to thwart/dampen)

6

这种深层次的心理挫折，源于他童年时期的不安全感。

This deep-seated psychological frustration stems from his childhood insecurity.

源于 (stem from/originate from)

7

面对命运的无情挫折，他以诗歌作为最后的避难所。

Facing the ruthless setbacks of fate, he used poetry as his final refuge.

以...作为... (Use... as...)

8

即便身处万劫不复的挫折之中，亦不可丧失做人的尊严。

Even in the midst of irrecoverable setbacks, one must not lose human dignity.

万劫不复 (beyond redemption/irrecoverable)

Colocaciones comunes

遭受挫折
面对挫折
克服挫折
巨大的挫折
沉重的挫折
抗挫折能力
经历挫折
小小的挫折
连番的挫折
战胜挫折

Frases Comunes

挫折教育

挫折感

遇到挫折

不怕挫折

从挫折中学习

职场挫折

情感挫折

学业挫折

人生挫折

心理挫折

Se confunde a menudo con

挫折 vs 失败

挫折 vs 挫败

挫折 vs 困难

Modismos y expresiones

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Fácil de confundir

挫折 vs 折磨

挫折 vs 折断

挫折 vs 挫伤

挫折 vs 失败

挫折 vs 坎坷

Patrones de oraciones

Familia de palabras

Relacionado

Cómo usarlo

nuance

挫折 focuses on the process and the obstacle, while 失败 focuses on the final negative result.

collocation

Always use '遭受' or '遇到', never '做' or '干' with 挫折.

Errores comunes

  • 挫折 is a noun, not an adjective for feelings.

  • You 'encounter' a setback, you don't 'do' one.

  • While they are related, 'failure's setback' is redundant; use an intensity adjective instead.

  • In modern Chinese, 挫折 is rarely used as a transitive verb.

  • The 2nd tone is essential to distinguish it from 'this' (这).

Consejos

Verb Pairing

Always pair 挫折 with verbs like 遭受, 面对, or 克服. Avoid using it as a simple adjective.

Nuance

Use 挫折 to sound more optimistic than 失败. It implies the journey is still ongoing.

Resilience

Mention '抗挫折能力' in job interviews to show you have a strong character.

Tone Accuracy

Practice the 4th-2nd tone combination. The drop and then rise is key to being understood.

Adjectives

Use '沉重的' (heavy) to describe a major setback and '小小的' for a minor one.

Context Clues

In news, if you hear '遭受' followed by 'cuò', it's almost certainly 挫折.

Idiom Usage

Combine 挫折 with the idiom '百折不挠' (unyielding despite many setbacks) to sound like a pro.

Frustration vs Setback

Remember that 挫折 can mean both the event and the feeling of being thwarted.

Professionalism

Use 挫折 in reports to describe project delays without sounding like you've completely failed.

Progress

Treat your own language learning '挫折' as a necessary step to fluency!

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

When you encounter a 'setback', your plans 'break' (折) because life 'pushed' (挫) them down.

Origen de la palabra

挫 (to grind/press) + 折 (to break/bend).

Contexto cultural

Modern Chinese parents debate whether to shield children from setbacks or expose them to '挫折' early.

Classical heroes are often defined by how they handle '挫折'.

High '抗挫力' is a highly valued trait in Chinese job markets.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"你在工作中遇到过最大的挫折是什么？"

"你觉得挫折教育对孩子有好处吗？"

"面对挫折时，你通常会怎么做？"

"你认为挫折是成功的必经之路吗？"

"最近你有没有遇到什么小挫折？"

Temas para diario

描写一次你克服挫折的经历。

论述挫折如何改变了一个人的性格。

如果你可以避开人生中所有的挫折，你会这样做吗？为什么？

写一封信给正在经历挫折的朋友。

分析一个你崇拜的人是如何面对挫折的。

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is primarily a noun meaning 'setback.' While it can be used as a verb in very formal/classical contexts to mean 'to thwart,' learners should treat it as a noun.

No, that is incorrect. You should say '我感到很挫败' (I feel frustrated) or '我遇到了挫折' (I encountered a setback).

挫折 is a setback or obstacle during a process. 失败 is the final negative outcome or failure. You can have many 挫折 and still succeed eventually.

It refers to 'frustration education,' a concept where children are taught to handle failure and build resilience.

You say '克服挫折' (kèfú cuòzhé) or '战胜挫折' (zhànshèng cuòzhé).

It is semi-formal to formal. In very casual speech, people might say '遇到麻烦' or '不顺'.

In Chinese, nouns don't change form for plural, but you can add '重重' (chóngchóng) or '很多' to show there are many setbacks.

It is short for '抗挫折能力,' which means resilience or the ability to withstand setbacks.

Yes, the character is the same, but '打折' (dǎzhé) means a discount, while in '挫折' it carries the meaning of 'breaking' or 'bending'.

It's better not to. 挫折 usually implies a more significant hurdle in life, work, or study.

Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas

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Perfect score!

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