萎靡不振
wēi mí bù zhèn
Dispirited
Literally: Withered and drooping (萎靡), not rousing or uplifting (不振).
In 15 Seconds
- Describes a total lack of energy, spirit, or morale.
- More intense and descriptive than just saying 'tired'.
- Used for people, teams, or even the general economy.
Meaning
It describes that feeling when someone is totally drained of energy and spirit. Imagine someone slumped over their desk with zero motivation left in their soul.
Key Examples
3 of 6Observing a tired coworker
他最近工作压力太大，整个人看起来萎靡不振。
He's under too much pressure lately; he looks completely dispirited.
Talking about a losing sports team
下半场比赛，球员们显得有些萎靡不振。
In the second half, the players seemed to lose their spirit.
Texting a friend after a breakup
别再萎靡不振了，出来喝杯咖啡吧！
Stop being so down in the dumps! Come out for a coffee!
Cultural Background
The phrase is often used to describe the 'Sang' ({丧|sàng}) culture among youth, a reaction to the high-pressure '996' work culture. In TCM, this state is seen as a lack of 'Yang' energy or a depletion of 'Qi'. It's treated with herbs and exercise. Teachers frequently use this to scold students who aren't paying attention or lack 'fighting spirit' for the Gaokao exam. In Chinese financial media, this is the standard way to describe a 'bear market' or a sector that is failing to innovate.
Use it in Business
Using this to describe a slow market in a business meeting will make you sound very professional and native.
Don't overdo it
It's a strong word. If you use it for every little bit of tiredness, it loses its impact.
In 15 Seconds
- Describes a total lack of energy, spirit, or morale.
- More intense and descriptive than just saying 'tired'.
- Used for people, teams, or even the general economy.
What It Means
萎靡不振 is the ultimate way to say someone has lost their spark. It is more than just being tired. It is about a lack of spirit or morale. Think of a plant that hasn't been watered for a week. That drooping, sad look is exactly what this phrase captures in a person.
How To Use It
You usually use it as an adjective to describe a person's state. You can say someone 显得 (appears) or 总是 (is always) 萎靡不振. It often follows a reason, like a breakup or a long work week. It sounds a bit more descriptive than just saying someone is 'sad'.
When To Use It
Use it when your friend looks like a zombie after a 12-hour shift. Use it when a sports team is losing and gives up. It is great for describing a gloomy office atmosphere. You can even use it to describe the economy if things are slow. It fits perfectly in novels or serious heart-to-heart chats.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for a quick yawn or a five-minute nap. It implies a deeper, more lasting state of low energy. Avoid using it to describe a hyper child; it's the polar opposite. If someone is just physically sleepy, use 困 instead. This phrase is about the spirit, not just the eyes closing.
Cultural Background
This phrase has deep roots in classical Chinese literature. It reflects the traditional value of 精气神 (spirit and vitality). In Chinese culture, showing a strong spirit is very important for success. Being 萎靡不振 was often seen as a sign of a failing state or character. Today, it's a common way to vent about modern burnout.
Common Variations
You might hear people just say 没精神 in very casual speech. Another similar one is 无精打采, which is slightly more common for daily tiredness. 萎靡不振 feels a bit more 'literary' and heavy. It carries more weight when you want to sound serious about your exhaustion.
Usage Notes
This is a standard Chengyu (idiom). It functions mostly as a predicate or an attribute. It is slightly more formal than '没精神' but common enough for daily life.
Use it in Business
Using this to describe a slow market in a business meeting will make you sound very professional and native.
Don't overdo it
It's a strong word. If you use it for every little bit of tiredness, it loses its impact.
Examples
6他最近工作压力太大，整个人看起来萎靡不振。
He's under too much pressure lately; he looks completely dispirited.
Describes a visible state of burnout in a professional setting.
下半场比赛，球员们显得有些萎靡不振。
In the second half, the players seemed to lose their spirit.
Used to describe a drop in team morale.
别再萎靡不振了，出来喝杯咖啡吧！
Stop being so down in the dumps! Come out for a coffee!
A supportive way to encourage a friend to snap out of a funk.
没喝咖啡前的我总是萎靡不振。
Before coffee, I am always a walking zombie.
Using a big word for a small, relatable problem.
由于连日降雨，大家的情绪都有些萎靡不振。
Due to days of rain, everyone's mood is a bit sluggish.
Describes a collective emotional state caused by the environment.
你最近上课怎么总是萎靡不振的？
Why have you been so listless in class lately?
A concerned inquiry about a person's lack of engagement.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct idiom.
{虽然|suīrán}{输|shū}{了|le}{比赛|bǐsài}，{但|dàn}{我们|wǒmen}{不能|bùnéng}_______，{要|yào}{总结|zǒngjié}{教训|jiàoxun}。
The sentence means 'Although we lost, we shouldn't be spiritless.'
Which situation is most appropriate for {萎靡不振|wěimǐ bùzhèn}?
Choose the best context:
{萎靡不振|wěimǐ bùzhèn} is perfect for describing long-term stagnation or lack of vitality.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {你|nǐ}{怎么|zěnme}{整天|zhěngtiān}_______{的|de}？ B: {我|wǒ}{最近|zuìjìn}{压力|yālì}{太|tài}{大|dà}{了|le}，{什么|shénme}{都|dōu}{不|bù}{想|xiǎng}{做|zuò}。
B's response about pressure and not wanting to do anything matches the meaning of listlessness.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises{虽然|suīrán}{输|shū}{了|le}{比赛|bǐsài}，{但|dàn}{我们|wǒmen}{不能|bùnéng}_______，{要|yào}{总结|zǒngjié}{教训|jiàoxun}。
The sentence means 'Although we lost, we shouldn't be spiritless.'
Choose the best context:
{萎靡不振|wěimǐ bùzhèn} is perfect for describing long-term stagnation or lack of vitality.
A: {你|nǐ}{怎么|zěnme}{整天|zhěngtiān}_______{的|de}？ B: {我|wǒ}{最近|zuìjìn}{压力|yālì}{太|tài}{大|dà}{了|le}，{什么|shénme}{都|dōu}{不|bù}{想|xiǎng}{做|zuò}。
B's response about pressure and not wanting to do anything matches the meaning of listlessness.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, but it sounds a bit dramatic. '{我|wǒ}{最近|zuìjìn}{状态|zhuàngtài}{不|bù}{太|tài}{好|hǎo}' is more common for self-description.
Absolutely. It's very common in sports to describe a team that has lost its morale.
Related Phrases
{没精打采|méijīng dǎcǎi}
similarListless, out of sorts
{垂头丧气|chuítóu sàngqì}
similarDejected, crestfallen
{振作起来|zhènzuò qǐlái}
contrastTo pull oneself together
{死气沉沉|sǐqì chénchén}
similarLifeless, dead atmosphere
