In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe someone looking visibly defeated and dejected.
- Literally means hanging one's head and losing spirit.
- Commonly used in storytelling, sports, and academic contexts.
Meaning
This phrase describes someone who looks totally defeated and bummed out. Imagine someone walking with their head down and shoulders slumped because they just lost a game or failed a test.
Key Examples
3 of 6After failing a test
考试没及格，他垂头丧气地走出了教室。
He failed the exam and walked out of the classroom dejectedly.
Losing a sports match
比赛输了以后，球员们都垂头丧气的。
After losing the game, the players all looked dejected.
A job interview gone wrong
面试不顺利，他显得有些垂头丧气。
The interview didn't go well, and he seemed a bit downcast.
Cultural Background
This idiom dates back to the Tang Dynasty, appearing in the works of famous writers like Han Yu. It reflects the traditional Chinese emphasis on 'Qi' (vital energy) and how internal emotions are physically manifested through posture. It remains one of the most common idioms taught to children to describe emotions in writing.
The 'De' Connection
When using this to describe an action, always add '地' (de) after it, like '垂头丧气地走' (walking dejectedly).
Don't overdo it
Because it is a four-character idiom, using it too often in a single conversation can make you sound like you are reading from a textbook.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe someone looking visibly defeated and dejected.
- Literally means hanging one's head and losing spirit.
- Commonly used in storytelling, sports, and academic contexts.
What It Means
垂头丧气 (chuí tóu sàng qì) is the ultimate visual of disappointment. The first half, 垂头, literally means your head is hanging down. The second half, 丧气, means you have lost your 'qi' or your inner energy. When you see someone looking like a wilted plant after a long drought, this is the phrase you need. It describes that heavy, slumped-over feeling we all get when things don't go our way.
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase as an adjective or an adverb. You can say someone 'is' 垂头丧气 or they 'walked away' 垂头丧气. It is a four-character idiom (chengyu), so it packs a lot of punch in just four syllables. It often follows the word 显得 (xiǎnde - to appear) or is used with 地 (de) to describe an action. Don't overthink the grammar; just treat it like a big, fancy word for 'depressed' or 'dejected.'
When To Use It
Use it when the disappointment is visible. If your friend's favorite team loses the championship, they are 垂头丧气. If your colleague's big presentation got rejected, they might walk back to their desk 垂头丧气. It is perfect for sports, exams, job interviews, or even when a kid loses their ice cream scoop. It adds a bit of drama and vivid imagery to your storytelling.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this for serious tragedies or deep clinical depression. It is a bit too 'visual' and descriptive for someone grieving a major loss. Also, don't use it if someone is just a little bit tired. They need to be visibly discouraged. If you use it for someone who is just sleepy, people might think they are having a life crisis! It is also a bit too descriptive for a very short, formal email to a boss you don't know well.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, 'Qi' (气) is your vital life force. When you are happy, your 'Qi' is high and flowing. When you are 丧气, you have literally 'lost' that spirit. Historically, keeping your head up was a sign of dignity and strength. Dropping the head was a sign of admitting defeat or shame. This phrase has been around for centuries, appearing in classic literature to show a character's lowest point.
Common Variations
You might hear people just say 丧气 (sàngqì) to mean 'bad luck' or 'discouraging.' Another similar one is 没精打采 (méi jīng dǎ cǎi), which means 'listless' or 'low energy.' However, 垂头丧气 is much more specific about the physical posture of being sad. It is the gold standard for describing a 'sad puppy' look.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral-register idiom. While it's a 'chengyu,' it's extremely common in spoken Mandarin. Avoid using it for profound grief; stick to disappointments and setbacks.
The 'De' Connection
When using this to describe an action, always add '地' (de) after it, like '垂头丧气地走' (walking dejectedly).
Don't overdo it
Because it is a four-character idiom, using it too often in a single conversation can make you sound like you are reading from a textbook.
The Power of Qi
The 'Qi' in this phrase is the same 'Qi' in 'Tai Chi.' Losing it means losing your vital energy, which is why it's such a strong word for sadness.
Examples
6考试没及格，他垂头丧气地走出了教室。
He failed the exam and walked out of the classroom dejectedly.
Uses 'de' to describe the manner of walking.
比赛输了以后，球员们都垂头丧气的。
After losing the game, the players all looked dejected.
Describes the collective mood of a group.
面试不顺利，他显得有些垂头丧气。
The interview didn't go well, and he seemed a bit downcast.
Uses 'xiande' (appears) to soften the description.
别垂头丧气的，明天会更好！
Don't be so down! Tomorrow will be better!
Used as an encouragement to cheer someone up.
不就是没买到奶茶吗？至于这么垂头丧气吗？
Is it really worth being so depressed just because you didn't get bubble tea?
Playfully pointing out someone is overreacting.
小狗没吃到肉骨头，垂头丧气地回窝了。
The puppy didn't get the bone and went back to its bed looking dejected.
Anthropomorphizing a pet for a cute effect.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to describe someone who just lost their wallet.
钱包丢了，他一直___的。
Losing a wallet is a disappointing event that makes one look dejected.
Complete the sentence to describe a defeated team.
虽然输了比赛，但我们不能___，要继续努力。
The context suggests not giving up or looking defeated after a loss.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '垂头丧气'
Used with friends to describe a bad day.
别垂头丧气的啦！
Common in novels and news stories.
他垂头丧气地离开了。
Used in literature to describe a character's state.
战败后，士兵们垂头丧气。
When to use 垂头丧气
Failing an exam
考试不及格
Losing a game
比赛输了
Rejected proposal
求婚被拒
Job search failure
没找到工作
Breaking a favorite item
打碎了花瓶
Practice Bank
2 exercises钱包丢了，他一直___的。
Losing a wallet is a disappointing event that makes one look dejected.
虽然输了比赛，但我们不能___，要继续努力。
The context suggests not giving up or looking defeated after a loss.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! It is very common to describe children looking sad, like 那个小孩垂头丧气的 (That kid looks so dejected).
Yes, you can say 我很垂头丧气 (I am very dejected), but it's more common to use it to describe how someone else looks.
It is neutral. You can use it in daily conversation, but it's also perfectly fine in a formal essay or book.
The opposite is 兴高采烈 (xìng gāo cǎi liè), which means to be in high spirits and full of joy.
It's more specific than just 'sad.' It specifically describes the look of having given up or feeling defeated.
Yes, if you are describing a competitor's reaction or a failed project, like 大家不要垂头丧气 (Everyone, don't be discouraged).
No, it is a traditional idiom (chengyu) that has been used for over a thousand years.
It is 'sàng' (4th tone). Make sure not to confuse it with 'sāng' (1st tone), which is related to funerals.
Only if the rain makes you feel defeated and you are physically slumping. Usually, it's for specific events.
People sometimes just say 丧 (sàng) as modern slang to mean 'depressed' or 'unlucky,' but the full idiom is more descriptive.
Related Phrases
没精打采
Listless; low energy
灰心丧气
Lose heart; be discouraged
兴高采烈
In high spirits (Antonym)
得意洋洋
Triumphant; immensely proud (Antonym)
