‘减退’ describes the gradual weakening or diminishing of functions, feelings, or conditions.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Gradual decline in function, strength, or intensity.
- Commonly used for health, economy, and emotions.
- Describes a process of weakening over time.
Overview
- 1概览：'减退' 是一个双音节动词，由‘减’（减少）和‘退’（倒退、退步）组成。它强调的是一种从强到弱、从高到低的动态演变过程，通常是一个逐渐发生的变化。2) 用法模式：该词既可以作谓语，也可以作名词性的主语或宾语。最常见的结构是‘[主语] + 减退’，如‘视力减退’。3) 常见语境：它广泛应用于医疗健康领域（如器官功能下降）、经济领域（如市场需求或增长放缓）以及心理情感领域（如兴趣或热情的消失）。4) 同义词辨析：与‘减少’相比，‘减退’更侧重于质量、功能或强度的下降，而‘减少’侧重于数量的变少。与‘衰退’相比，‘减退’的程度通常较轻，‘衰退’往往指大规模的、系统性的严重恶化（如经济衰退）。
Examples
他的听力随着年龄的增长而逐渐减退。
everydayHis hearing gradually declined with age.
全球经济增长的动力正在减退。
formalThe momentum of global economic growth is diminishing.
过了这么久，我对那件事的热情已经减退了。
informalAfter so long, my enthusiasm for that matter has faded.
实验结果显示，该药物能有效防止免疫功能减退。
academicExperimental results show that the drug can effectively prevent the decline of immune function.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
功能减退
hypofunction / decline in function
兴趣减退
loss of interest
Often Confused With
‘减少’ refers to a decrease in quantity or number (e.g., money, people), while ‘减退’ refers to a decline in quality or function.
‘衰退’ is more severe and often describes a systemic collapse or major recession (e.g., economic recession).
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
‘减退’ is a neutral to formal word. It is highly common in medical, psychological, and economic reports. In casual conversation, people might use '变差' (biàn chà) for health or '没兴趣了' (méi xìngqù le) for feelings, but '减退' adds a layer of precision.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake for learners is using '减退' for numbers (e.g., saying 'the price decreased' as '价格减退'). For prices or numbers, use '下降' or '减少'. Another mistake is confusing it with '退步', which implies a lack of progress in skills or grades due to lack of effort.
Tips
Pair with biological functions
It is most frequently used with senses like vision (视力), hearing (听力), or memory (记忆力).
Avoid using for physical counts
Do not use it for countable items like 'people' or 'apples'; use '减少' (jiǎnshǎo) instead.
Polite way to discuss aging
In Chinese culture, using '减退' is a formal and respectful way to describe the natural decline of an elderly person's health.
Word Origin
'减' (jiǎn) means to subtract or diminish. '退' (tuì) means to retreat or move back. Together they form the concept of a retreating or diminishing intensity.
Cultural Context
In China, discussing the '减退' of one's parents' health is a common topic in family discussions, showing concern for the elderly's well-being.
Memory Tip
Think of the character '减' (minus) and '退' (backwards). Your strength or function is being subtracted and moving backwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions通常不建议。形容风雨变小通常用‘减弱’，形容气温下降用‘降低’。‘减退’多用于功能或抽象状态。
两者意思基本相同，可以互换。‘减退’听起来稍微正式一点点，常出现在医学或书面报告中。
它是一个中性词，但因为它描述的是能力的丧失或状态的变差，在实际语境中往往带有负面色彩。
一般不直接形容努力。如果想说一个人不再努力了，用‘热情减退’或‘积极性减退’更合适。
Test Yourself
由于长期熬夜，他的视力明显___了。
‘视力’属于生理功能，与其搭配最地道的词是‘减退’。
找出错误的一项：
‘人口’通常用‘减少’，因为人口是可数的具体数量，而‘减退’用于抽象程度或功能。
让他 / 的 / 减退 / 很 / 记忆力 / 苦恼
‘记忆力的减退’作为主语，‘让他很苦恼’是谓语部分，符合汉语语法逻辑。
Score: /3
Summary
‘减退’ describes the gradual weakening or diminishing of functions, feelings, or conditions.
- Gradual decline in function, strength, or intensity.
- Commonly used for health, economy, and emotions.
- Describes a process of weakening over time.
Pair with biological functions
It is most frequently used with senses like vision (视力), hearing (听力), or memory (记忆力).
Avoid using for physical counts
Do not use it for countable items like 'people' or 'apples'; use '减少' (jiǎnshǎo) instead.
Polite way to discuss aging
In Chinese culture, using '减退' is a formal and respectful way to describe the natural decline of an elderly person's health.
Examples
4 of 4他的听力随着年龄的增长而逐渐减退。
His hearing gradually declined with age.
全球经济增长的动力正在减退。
The momentum of global economic growth is diminishing.
过了这么久，我对那件事的热情已经减退了。
After so long, my enthusiasm for that matter has faded.
实验结果显示，该药物能有效防止免疫功能减退。
Experimental results show that the drug can effectively prevent the decline of immune function.
