B2 noun Formal 1 min read

逆境

nijing /ni˥˩ tɕiŋ˥˩/
Practice it

Adversity is not an end, but a crucible for building inner strength.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Refers to difficult and challenging life circumstances.
  • Often implies a test of character and resilience.
  • Used in contexts of growth and overcoming obstacles.

Overview

  1. 1概述：逆境（Adversity）是一个描述性名词，指代那些阻碍个人发展或带来痛苦的外部环境。它不仅仅指暂时的困难，通常带有长期性、挑战性和考验性的含义，是衡量一个人韧性（Resilience）的核心指标。2) 用法模式：在中文语境中，逆境常与动词搭配，如“身处逆境”、“面对逆境”、“战胜逆境”。它通常作为句子的宾语，用来强调环境的恶劣。3) 常见语境：在励志文学、个人成长、职业发展以及心理学讨论中极为常见。例如，人们常说“逆境使人成长”，表达了对困难的辩证看法。4) 近义词辨析：与“困境”相比，“逆境”更强调一种与目标背道而驰的宏观环境，而“困境”往往指具体的、难以脱身的窘迫处境。与“绝境”相比，“逆境”仍留有希望和转机，而“绝境”则暗示几乎没有出路。

Examples

1

面对逆境，我们更应该保持乐观。

everyday

We should remain optimistic when facing adversity.

2

该企业在经济逆境中实现了逆势增长。

formal

The company achieved growth against the trend during economic adversity.

3

人生总有逆境，这很正常。

informal

Life always has its adversities; it is normal.

4

逆境对个体心理韧性的影响研究。

academic

A study on the impact of adversity on individual psychological resilience.

Common Collocations

身处逆境 to be in a state of adversity
战胜逆境 to overcome adversity
逆境磨练 tempered by adversity

Common Phrases

逆境求生

to strive for survival in adversity

逆境成长

to grow through adversity

逆境商数

Adversity Quotient (AQ)

Often Confused With

逆境 vs 困境

Refers to a specific, often temporary, difficult situation or dilemma. It focuses more on the lack of options.

逆境 vs 绝境

Refers to a desperate, hopeless situation with no way out. It is more extreme than adversity.

Grammar Patterns

身处 + 逆境 在 + 逆境 + 中 面对 + 逆境

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The term is formal and carries a serious tone. It is frequently used in motivational speeches, literature, and formal reports. Avoid using it in trivial daily situations like missing a bus.

Common Mistakes

Learners often use it interchangeably with 'problem'. Remember that 'problem' is specific, while '逆境' describes a broader, more challenging life state. Do not use it to describe minor inconveniences.

Tips

💡

Use with positive verbs

Pair '逆境' with verbs like '战胜' (conquer) or '超越' (transcend) to sound more professional and optimistic.

⚠️

Avoid overusing in casual chat

Using '逆境' in daily casual conversation might sound overly dramatic or literary. Use simpler terms like '困难' for everyday talk.

🌍

Confucian influence on adversity

Traditional Chinese culture often emphasizes that enduring adversity is a necessary step for moral and intellectual development.

Word Origin

The term derives from classical Chinese, where '逆' means 'opposite/contrary' and '境' means 'environment/situation'. Together they describe a situation that runs counter to one's desires.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, adversity is often viewed as a trial that tests a person's character. This is deeply rooted in the concept of '天将降大任于斯人也' (Heaven will bestow a great mission upon a person).

Memory Tip

Think of '逆' (against) and '境' (environment). It is an environment that goes against your wishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

逆境通常指大环境的不利，带有长期考验的色彩；困境则多指具体的、眼前的棘手问题，侧重于难以抉择的窘迫感。

你可以说“他在逆境中展现了卓越的领导力”，用来赞美某人在困难时期依然能够带领团队取得成果。

不一定。在中文文化中，常有“逆境出人才”的说法，强调困难磨练意志，使人变得更加坚强。

是的，它属于书面语，常出现在演讲、文章和正式谈话中，口语中较少使用。

Test Yourself

fill blank

他虽然身处___，却始终没有放弃自己的梦想。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 逆境

根据句意，他没有放弃梦想，说明他处于困难的环境中，故选逆境。

Score: /1

Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

adversity English
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