In 15 Seconds
- Used when someone feels discouraged or loses their motivation.
- Literally means 'leaking air,' like a deflated balloon or tire.
- Commonly used to encourage others by saying 'Don't lose heart.'
Meaning
Imagine a balloon slowly losing air until it's flat and sad. That is exactly what this word feels like—it describes losing your motivation, feeling discouraged, or 'losing steam' when things don't go your way.
Key Examples
3 of 6Encouraging a friend who failed a driving test
这次没考过没关系，千万别泄气。
It's okay that you didn't pass this time; whatever you do, don't lose heart.
Complaining about a cancelled vacation
航班又取消了，真让人泄气。
The flight is cancelled again; it's so discouraging.
A manager motivating a team after a lost deal
虽然我们失去了这个客户，但大家不要泄气。
Although we lost this client, everyone, please don't lose your drive.
Cultural Background
The phrase is rooted in the concept of 'Qi' (vital energy). In ancient thought, maintaining one's 'Qi' was essential for success and health. Today, it remains a popular way to describe the psychological state of losing momentum in a fast-paced society.
The 'Don't' Rule
90% of the time, you will use this with '别' (bié) or '不要' (bú yào). It's the ultimate phrase for cheering someone up!
Don't confuse with 生气
They both have '气', but '生气' (shēngqì) is angry. '泄气' is the opposite—it's when you have no energy left to be angry!
In 15 Seconds
- Used when someone feels discouraged or loses their motivation.
- Literally means 'leaking air,' like a deflated balloon or tire.
- Commonly used to encourage others by saying 'Don't lose heart.'
What It Means
Think of your motivation as air inside a tire. When you are 泄气, someone or something has poked a hole in that tire. You feel deflated. It is that 'ugh' moment when you want to give up. It covers both the physical act of a ball losing air and the emotional act of a human losing hope.
How To Use It
You can use it as a verb or an adjective. If your friend is ready to quit the gym, tell them 别泄气 (don't lose heart). If you failed a test, you might say 真让人泄气 (this is really discouraging). It is a very versatile word for any 'deflating' situation.
When To Use It
Use it when a project fails or a plan falls through. It is perfect for sports when the team loses energy. Use it in texting when you are venting about a bad day. It works great when you want to encourage someone who looks down. It is a very 'human' word that everyone understands.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for deep, clinical depression. It is too light for that. Also, avoid using it in extremely formal legal documents. While it is okay for an office meeting, do not use it to describe a serious national tragedy. It is better suited for personal setbacks and daily frustrations.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, 'Qi' (气) is your life force or energy. If your 'Qi' leaks out (泄), you lose your drive. This reflects the traditional belief that internal energy fuels our external actions. When you are 泄气, you are literally losing your vital spark for a moment.
Common Variations
You will often hear 别泄气 (Don't give up). Another common one is 泄了气的皮球 (A deflated ball). This is a funny way to describe someone who has lost all their confidence. They are just sitting there, flat and useless, like a punctured basketball.
Usage Notes
It is a neutral-to-informal term. It's most commonly used in the negative imperative ('Don't lose heart') to provide emotional support.
The 'Don't' Rule
90% of the time, you will use this with '别' (bié) or '不要' (bú yào). It's the ultimate phrase for cheering someone up!
Don't confuse with 生气
They both have '气', but '生气' (shēngqì) is angry. '泄气' is the opposite—it's when you have no energy left to be angry!
The Deflated Ball
If you want to sound like a native, call someone a 'xiè le qì de píqiú'. It's a vivid way to say they look totally defeated.
Examples
6这次没考过没关系，千万别泄气。
It's okay that you didn't pass this time; whatever you do, don't lose heart.
Here it functions as a warm encouragement.
航班又取消了，真让人泄气。
The flight is cancelled again; it's so discouraging.
Describes a situation that causes the feeling.
虽然我们失去了这个客户，但大家不要泄气。
Although we lost this client, everyone, please don't lose your drive.
Professional but empathetic usage.
玩了十次都过不去，我快泄气了。
I've played ten times and still can't pass; I'm about to give up.
Informal use for minor frustrations.
他看起来像个泄了气的皮球。
He looks like a deflated ball.
A humorous idiom for someone lacking energy.
你的态度真的让我很泄气。
Your attitude really makes me feel discouraged.
Used to express emotional exhaustion.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to encourage someone who is about to quit.
别___！再试一次，你一定会成功的。
'Bié xièqì' is the standard way to say 'don't lose heart' or 'don't give up'.
Describe a situation that is very discouraging.
努力了这么久还是失败了，真让人___。
'Zhēn ràng rén xièqì' means 'really makes one feel discouraged'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use 泄气
Venting to friends about a bad day.
我真泄气。
Standard daily conversation or workplace motivation.
大家别泄气。
Speeches or professional writing (less common but okay).
不可泄气。
When you'll feel 泄气
Sports Loss
Losing in the final minute.
Job Hunt
Getting a rejection email.
Learning
Forgetting a word you just studied.
Dating
Being stood up for a dinner date.
Practice Bank
2 exercises别___！再试一次，你一定会成功的。
'Bié xièqì' is the standard way to say 'don't lose heart' or 'don't give up'.
努力了这么久还是失败了，真让人___。
'Zhēn ràng rén xièqì' means 'really makes one feel discouraged'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questionsIt literally means 'to leak air.' Figuratively, it means to feel discouraged or to lose confidence after a setback.
Not exactly. 'Giving up' is 放弃 (fàngqì), which is an action. 泄气 is the feeling of discouragement that might lead you to give up.
Yes, it's neutral. A boss might say 大家不要因为这次失败而泄气 to keep the team's spirits up.
No, it's standard Chinese. However, the variation 泄了气的皮球 is more colloquial and colorful.
The most natural way is 别泄气 (bié xièqì) or 千万别泄气 (qiānwàn bié xièqì).
Yes! You can use it for a flat tire or a ball that lost air, though 漏气 (lòuqì) is more common for physical leaks.
灰心 (huīxīn) is a bit heavier and more emotional, like 'losing heart' completely. 泄气 is often about a temporary loss of momentum.
You can say 他很泄气, meaning he feels discouraged right now. It describes a temporary state, not a personality trait.
The opposite would be 鼓气 (gǔqì) or 加油 (jiāyóu) to pump someone up with energy.
Not at all. It's an empathetic word. Telling someone 别泄气 shows you care about their feelings.
No, if you're physically tired, use 累 (lèi). Use 泄气 only if your lack of energy comes from disappointment.
Related Phrases
灰心
To lose heart / be discouraged (more emotional)
放弃
To give up (the action)
加油
Go for it / Add oil (the opposite)
漏气
To leak air (physical objects)
