In 15 Seconds
- Feeling discouraged or losing heart after a failure.
- Commonly used to encourage others: 'Don't give up!'
- Translates to 'wilting spirit' or 'deflated energy'.
- Best for sports, exams, or career setbacks.
Meaning
It describes that sinking feeling when you lose your drive or confidence after a setback. It is like your internal battery just hit 1% because things didn't go your way.
Key Examples
3 of 6Encouraging a friend who failed a test
这次没考好别气馁，下次再努力。
Don't be discouraged by the bad grade; just try harder next time.
A coach talking to a team after a loss
虽然我们输了，但大家千万不要气馁。
Although we lost, everyone must not lose heart.
Texting a friend after a job rejection
别气馁，你这么优秀，肯定能找到更好的。
Don't let it get you down; you're so talented, you'll find something better.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Qi' is central to Chinese culture, influencing medicine, martial arts, and language.
Use it with '不要'
It's the most natural way to use it.
In 15 Seconds
- Feeling discouraged or losing heart after a failure.
- Commonly used to encourage others: 'Don't give up!'
- Translates to 'wilting spirit' or 'deflated energy'.
- Best for sports, exams, or career setbacks.
What It Means
气馁 is that heavy feeling in your chest when you fail. It literally means your 'qi' (vital energy) is wilting away. Think of a flat tire or a balloon losing air. You had a goal, you missed it, and now you feel like giving up. It is more than just being sad. It is about losing the spark to keep trying.
How To Use It
You usually pair it with 不要 (don't) or 感到 (to feel). It functions like an adjective or a verb. If your friend fails a HSK exam, you tell them 别气馁. It is a very supportive word. It focuses on the psychological state of wanting to quit. You can use it to describe yourself or encourage others.
When To Use It
Use it when someone is facing a tough challenge. It is perfect for sports, exams, or job hunting. If your startup fails, you might feel 气馁. If you are texting a friend who got rejected by a crush, use it. It shows you recognize their effort and their current low mood. It sounds empathetic and mature.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for tiny, silly inconveniences. If a cafe is out of oat milk, you are 'annoyed', not 气馁. It is too heavy for minor hiccups. Also, avoid using it to describe someone who is just lazy. 气馁 implies they actually tried hard first. If there was no effort, there is no 'qi' to lose!
Cultural Background
Chinese culture places a massive premium on 'perseverance' or 坚持. Because of this, 气馁 is often seen as the enemy of success. There are countless proverbs about not losing heart. Historically, it was used in military contexts. A general would tell his troops not to let their spirits wilt. Today, it is the ultimate 'pep talk' word for students and workers.
Common Variations
You will often see it in the idiom 胜不骄，败不馁. This means 'don't be arrogant in victory, don't be discouraged in defeat.' It is the gold standard for sportsmanship in China. Another common one is 垂头丧气, which is the physical version of 气馁. That is when you are literally walking with your head hanging down.
Usage Notes
It is a neutral-to-slightly-formal term that fits almost any situation where someone is facing a setback. It is most frequently used in the negative imperative form ('Don't be discouraged').
Use it with '不要'
It's the most natural way to use it.
Examples
6这次没考好别气馁，下次再努力。
Don't be discouraged by the bad grade; just try harder next time.
A classic way to offer support using 'don't be discouraged'.
虽然我们输了，但大家千万不要气馁。
Although we lost, everyone must not lose heart.
Used here to maintain team morale in a professional setting.
别气馁，你这么优秀，肯定能找到更好的。
Don't let it get you down; you're so talented, you'll find something better.
Softens the blow of rejection with a compliment.
面试又失败了，我真的有点气馁。
The interview failed again; I'm feeling a bit discouraged.
Expressing personal vulnerability and loss of confidence.
看到体重秤上的数字，我瞬间气馁了，决定吃个火锅压压惊。
Seeing the number on the scale, I immediately lost heart and decided to eat hotpot to calm down.
Uses a heavy word for a relatable, lighter situation for comedic effect.
在困难面前，我们绝不能气馁。
In the face of difficulties, we must never lose heart.
High-level, formal rhetoric used in speeches.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
面对困难，我们绝不能______。
气馁 fits the context of facing difficulties.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises面对困难，我们绝不能______。
气馁 fits the context of facing difficulties.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, use 累.
Related Phrases
灰心丧气
synonymTotally discouraged
