This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Chinese
Vocabulary
情绪低落

B2 phrase #3,800 most common 8 min read

情绪低落

qíngxù dīluò Top 3,800

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 情绪低落 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 情绪低落 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '情绪低落' yet. You usually use simple words like '不高兴' (not happy) or '伤心' (sad). If you see this phrase, just think of it as a very strong way to say 'I am not happy today' or 'I feel down.' It is like saying 'My heart is low.' You might see it in simple stories about people feeling sad because of the weather or because they miss their family. Just remember: 情绪 = mood, 低 = low.

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more two-syllable words. '情绪' (mood) and '低落' (low/dropped) are good to recognize. You can use it in basic sentences to describe why someone isn't smiling. For example: '他今天情绪低落' (His mood is low today). It's a bit more 'grown-up' than saying '他伤心.' Use it when you want to sound more descriptive about a feeling that lasts all day, not just for a moment.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use '情绪低落' to describe personal feelings in journals or emails. You understand that it's a state of being. You can start pairing it with reasons: '因为考试没考好，他情绪低落' (Because he didn't do well on the exam, his spirits are low). You also start to see the difference between this and '沮丧' (frustrated). '情绪低落' is your general feeling, while '沮丧' is usually because something specific went wrong.

At the B2 level, you should use '情绪低落' naturally in discussions about mental health, work-life balance, and literature. You understand its nuance: it's a 'low spirit' state that could be clinical or just a temporary slump. You can use adverbs like '显得' (appears) or '感到' (feels) to make your sentences more precise. You also know that it can describe the 'morale' of a group, like a sports team that just lost a game. It's a key phrase for expressing empathy in professional and social settings.

At the C1 level, you use '情绪低落' with precision in formal writing and academic contexts. You might use it in a psychological analysis of a character in a book or to describe social trends in an essay. You are comfortable using it in complex structures, such as '陷入了情绪低落的谷底' (fell into the trough of low spirits). You also recognize when it's being used metaphorically in high-level journalism to describe economic or social atmospheres.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of '情绪低落.' You can distinguish it from '忧郁,' '落寞,' '消沉,' and other subtle synonyms. You might use it in philosophical discussions about the human condition or in high-level medical translations. You understand the rhythm of the phrase and how to use it for stylistic effect in creative writing. You can also identify its use in classical-style modern prose where '低落' might refer to the decline of a certain era's spirit.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

情绪低落 in 30 Seconds

情绪低落 (qíngxù dīluò) describes a state of low spirits or mild depression, focusing on a sustained emotional 'low' rather than a sharp moment of pain.
It is a B2-level phrase, suitable for formal, medical, and professional contexts, as well as nuanced personal conversations about mental health and well-being.
Grammatically, it usually acts as a predicate (e.g., 他情绪低落) and can be modified by degree adverbs like '非常' or '有些'.
It is distinct from '伤心' (sadness) and '沮丧' (frustration), offering a more descriptive and less intense alternative to clinical '抑郁' (depression).

The phrase 情绪低落 (qíngxù dīluò) is a sophisticated yet common way to describe a state of being in low spirits, feeling depressed, or experiencing a slump in one's emotional well-being. Unlike the simple word for 'sad' (伤心 - shāngxīn), which often refers to a sharp, immediate reaction to a specific painful event, 情绪低落 describes a more prolonged or generalized state of emotional heaviness. It is frequently used in both clinical contexts to describe symptoms of depression and in everyday conversation to explain why someone seems 'off' or lacking their usual energy.

Semantic Breakdown: The term is composed of two parts: 情绪 (qíngxù), meaning 'mood' or 'emotions,' and 低落 (dīluò), which literally means 'to fall' or 'to be at a low level.' Together, they paint a picture of an emotional tide that has receded.

In a modern professional environment, you might hear this phrase used to describe workplace burnout or the general atmosphere of a team after a setback. It carries a certain level of formality and psychological weight, making it more appropriate for a doctor's visit or a serious heart-to-heart than a casual 'I'm bummed out.' However, it is not so formal that it sounds out of place in personal journals or literature. It captures the essence of a 'heavy heart' or a 'cloud hanging over someone.'

自从失业以后，他的情绪低落了很久。(Since losing his job, his spirits have been low for a long time.)

When analyzing the frequency of this phrase, it appears heavily in psychological literature, news reports about social well-being, and fictional narratives focusing on internal character development. It is a key term for anyone reaching a B2 level of Chinese, as it bridges the gap between basic emotional vocabulary and more nuanced psychological expression. It allows the speaker to move beyond 'good' or 'bad' and describe the *level* or *intensity* of their inner state.

Usage Contexts: Commonly paired with adverbs of degree like '非常' (very), '有些' (somewhat), or '持续' (continuously). It often acts as the predicate of a sentence.

阴雨连绵的天气常使人感到情绪低落。(Continuous rainy weather often makes people feel downcast.)

Using 情绪低落 correctly requires understanding its grammatical function as an adjective phrase that typically describes a person's state. It is most commonly used as a predicate (the part of the sentence that says something about the subject). The structure is usually: [Subject] + [Optional Adverb] + 情绪低落. For example, '我最近情绪低落' (I have been in low spirits recently). Unlike some other emotional words, it is rarely used directly before a noun without a structural particle like '的', though even then, it is more common to see it as a state description.

Grammar Pattern 1: Subject + 情绪低落: This is the most direct way to use the phrase. Example: 他看起来情绪低落 (He looks like he is in low spirits).

Another common pattern involves the verb '感到' (gǎndào - to feel) or '显得' (xiǎnde - to appear). These verbs add a layer of perception to the sentence. '感到情绪低落' suggests an internal feeling, while '显得情绪低落' suggests an external observation. This distinction is important in B2-level writing where precision in perspective is expected. For instance, in a medical report, a doctor might write '患者显得情绪低落' to describe their clinical observation of the patient.

面对失败，我们不应该情绪低落，而应总结教训。(Facing failure, we should not be downcast, but rather summarize the lessons learned.)

Furthermore, the word '低落' can be modified by degree adverbs. '异常低落' (unusually low) or '极度低落' (extremely low) are used for emphasis. In literary contexts, you might see it paired with metaphorical descriptions of the environment to create 'pathetic fallacy,' where the weather reflects the character's mood. For example, '窗外的残花让他感到情绪更加低落' (The withered flowers outside the window made him feel even more downcast).

Comparative Usage: When comparing moods, you can use '比...更' (bǐ...gèng). Example: 他今天的情绪比昨天还要低落 (His mood today is even lower than yesterday's).

In contemporary Chinese society, mental health awareness is growing, and 情绪低落 has become a staple in conversations about self-care and psychological health. You will hear it in podcasts discussing lifestyle and wellness, where hosts might talk about 'seasonal affective disorder' (季节性情绪失调) leading to 情绪低落. It is a 'safe' word—it acknowledges a struggle without the potential stigma that sometimes still attaches to the clinical term '抑郁症' (depression).

In the Workplace: Managers might use this term in 1-on-1 meetings: '我注意到你最近情绪有些低落，是工作压力太大了吗？' (I noticed your spirits have been a bit low lately; is the work pressure too much?)

In television dramas (C-Dramas), particularly those focused on urban life or family relationships, characters often use this phrase to describe their state after a breakup or a professional setback. It serves as a cue for the audience that the character is in a period of reflection or vulnerability. On social media platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) or Weibo, users post about their '情绪低落的时刻' (moments of low spirits), sharing tips on how to '走出低谷' (get out of the trough/low point).

新闻报道：由于长期加班，许多年轻白领出现了情绪低落的现象。(News Report: Due to long-term overtime, many young white-collar workers have shown signs of low spirits.)

Additionally, in educational settings, teachers might use it to describe a student's performance or morale. If a class performs poorly on an exam, the teacher might say '全班的情绪都很低落' (The morale of the whole class is very low). Here, it shifts from a personal emotional state to a collective 'morale' or 'atmosphere,' showing the versatility of the phrase in describing groups.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 情绪低落 with 伤心 (shāngxīn - sad) or 难过 (nánguò - feeling bad/sad). While they are related, 情绪低落 is more about a *low energy state* rather than just a *feeling of pain*. You wouldn't usually say '我很情绪低落' (I am very mood-low) in the same way you say '我很伤心' (I am very sad). While '情绪很低落' is correct, the inclusion of the word '情绪' (mood) is necessary; you cannot just say '我很低落' in all contexts, although it is sometimes shortened in very casual speech.

Mistake: Using it for physical height: '低落' only refers to abstract things like mood, morale, or levels (like water levels or prices in specific contexts). You cannot use it to describe a low ceiling or a short person.

Another error is using it as an active verb. 情绪低落 is a state, not an action. You cannot '情绪低落' someone else. You can *cause* someone to be in that state (使某人情绪低落), but you cannot use it transitively. Furthermore, learners often forget that '情绪' is a noun. You are describing the mood as being low. Therefore, '他的情绪低落' is grammatically 'His mood is low,' which is perfectly natural in Chinese.

Wrong: 我低落我的情绪。(I low my mood.)
Correct: 我情绪低落。(My spirits are low.)

Finally, be careful with the intensity. Using 情绪低落 for a minor inconvenience (like a restaurant being closed) might sound too heavy or dramatic. It implies a deeper emotional state that usually has a more significant cause or lasts for a period of time. For minor things, '不开心' (bù kāixīn) or '有点失望' (yǒu diǎn shīwàng) are better choices.

To truly master the B2 level, you must distinguish between the various shades of 'sad' and 'down.' 情绪低落 sits in the middle of a spectrum of emotional vocabulary. Understanding its neighbors will help you choose the exact word for your context.

情绪低落 vs. 抑郁 (yìyù): '抑郁' is the clinical term for depression. While 情绪低落 can describe a symptom of 抑郁, the latter is a diagnosis. Use 情绪低落 for the feeling and 抑郁 for the condition.
情绪低落 vs. 沮丧 (jǔsàng): '沮丧' is specifically 'frustrated' or 'dispirited' due to a failure or setback. If you fail a test, you are 沮丧. If you just feel generally 'down' on a rainy Tuesday, you are 情绪低落.
情绪低落 vs. 忧郁 (yōuyù): '忧郁' is more poetic and 'melancholy.' It often describes a personality trait or a romanticized sadness (like a '忧郁的王子' - a melancholy prince). 情绪低落 is more grounded and descriptive of a state.

Other alternatives include '垂头丧气' (chuítóu sàngqì), an idiom meaning to be crestfallen or dejected, literally 'hanging one's head and losing spirit.' This is much more visual and is often used to describe children or people who have clearly lost a competition. Another is '闷闷不乐' (mènmèn bù lè), which means to be depressed and unhappy, often showing in a quiet, brooding way.

Comparison:
1. 他因为失败而感到沮丧。(He feels frustrated because of failure.)
2. 他这几天一直情绪低落。(He has been in low spirits these past few days.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '落' (luò) originally depicted leaves falling from a tree. When applied to '情绪', it creates a vivid image of one's mood falling like autumn leaves.

Pronunciation Guide

UK tɕʰiŋ35 ɕy51 ti55 luɔ51

US tɕʰiŋ35 ɕy51 ti55 luɔ51

The emphasis is usually placed on the final character '落' to complete the description of the state.

Rhymes With

落 (luò) rhymes with 错 (cuò), 破 (pò), 货 (huò), 弱 (ruò), 阔 (kuò), 漠 (mò), 诺 (nuò), 迫 (pò).

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'q' like an English 'k'.
Missing the fourth tone on '落', making it sound like 'luō'.
Blending 'qíng' and 'xù' too quickly without distinct tones.
Mispronouncing 'dī' as 'dì'.
Forgetting the 'u' sound in 'luo'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Recognizing the characters is easy, but understanding the nuance requires B2 level context.

Writing 5/5

Requires correct placement as a predicate and proper use of degree adverbs.

Speaking 5/5

Tones on 'xù' and 'luò' must be precise to sound natural.

Listening 4/5

Common in media; usually spoken with a slow, heavy cadence.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

情绪心情低落不开心

Learn Next

抑郁症心理健康调节自我安慰压力

Advanced

消极怠工意志薄弱多愁善感悲天悯人

Grammar to Know

Causative '使/让/令'

这件事让他情绪低落。

Adverbs of Degree

他情绪极其低落。

Aspect marker '了' for state change

他的情绪低落了许多。

Preposition '因为...而...'

他因为失败而情绪低落。

Duration with '一直'

他这两天一直情绪低落。

Examples by Level

他今天不开心，情绪低落。

He is not happy today, his spirits are low.

Simple subject + mood + low.

天气不好，我情绪低落。

The weather is bad, I am in low spirits.

Reason + subject + phrase.

你不高兴吗？为什么情绪低落？

Are you unhappy? Why are your spirits low?

Question form.

他情绪低落，不想说话。

He is in low spirits and doesn't want to talk.

Consequence of the state.

看到他情绪低落，我也很难过。

Seeing him in low spirits makes me sad too.

Using 'seeing...' as a cause.

别情绪低落了，我们去玩吧！

Don't be down anymore, let's go play!

Imperative 'Don't...'

我的情绪有点低落。

My spirits are a bit low.

Using '有点' (a bit).

他因为想家而情绪低落。

He is in low spirits because he is homesick.

Because of + reason + state.

他看起来情绪很低落，发生了什么？

He looks very downcast, what happened?

Looks + state.

如果你感到情绪低落，可以听听音乐。

If you feel low, you can listen to music.

If... then... structure.

这几天她一直情绪低落。

She has been in low spirits these past few days.

Duration + state.

全班同学的情绪都很低落。

The whole class's spirits are very low.

Describing a group.

虽然输了比赛，但不要情绪低落。

Although we lost the game, don't be downcast.

Although... but...

他在电话里听起来情绪低落。

He sounded downcast on the phone.

Sounds like...

工作太多让我情绪低落。

Too much work makes me feel down.

Subject + makes me + state.

他情绪低落的时候喜欢一个人呆着。

When he is in low spirits, he likes to be alone.

When... (的时刻).

这种漫长的等待常使人情绪低落。

This long wait often makes people feel downcast.

Causative '使'.

他最近情绪低落，可能是压力太大了。

He's been in low spirits lately; maybe the pressure is too much.

Suggesting a reason with '可能是'.

我们应该多关心那些情绪低落的朋友。

We should care more about those friends who are in low spirits.

Using the phrase as an adjective for 'friends'.

她的情绪低落并没有持续太久。

Her low spirits didn't last very long.

Negation of duration.

面对挫折，他显得有些情绪低落。

Facing setbacks, he appeared somewhat downcast.

Facing... appears...

不要让一时的失败让你情绪低落。

Don't let a temporary failure make you feel down.

Don't let... make you...

他试图掩饰自己情绪低落的样子。

He tried to hide his downcast appearance.

Verb + hiding + appearance.

这种药物可能会引起情绪低落。

This medicine might cause low spirits.

Scientific/medical cause.

失业的打击使他陷入了长期的情绪低落。

The blow of unemployment plunged him into long-term low spirits.

Plunged into (陷入).

医生建议情绪低落的患者多参加户外活动。

The doctor suggests that patients in low spirits should participate more in outdoor activities.

Professional advice.

这种季节性的情绪低落通常在春天会好转。

This seasonal low spirits usually improves in the spring.

Abstract subject + improvement.

他虽然嘴上不说，但眼神中透着情绪低落。

Although he doesn't say it, his eyes reveal low spirits.

Reveal (透着).

持续的情绪低落可能是抑郁症的征兆。

Persistent low spirits could be a sign of depression.

A sign of (征兆).

在这部小说中，主角始终处于情绪低落的状态。

In this novel, the protagonist is consistently in a state of low spirits.

State of (状态).

由于项目进展不顺，团队成员普遍情绪低落。

Due to the project's poor progress, team members are generally in low spirits.

General/widespread (普遍).

如何调节情绪低落是现代人必须面对的课题。

How to regulate low spirits is a topic that modern people must face.

Gerund-like 'How to...' subject.

那种莫名的情绪低落如阴云般挥之不去。

That inexplicable low spirit lingered like dark clouds that couldn't be brushed away.

Simile and literary description.

他在文章中深刻地剖析了当代青年情绪低落的根源。

In his article, he deeply analyzed the root causes of low spirits among contemporary youth.

Analyze the root (剖析根源).

这种整体性的情绪低落反映了社会竞争的残酷。

This holistic low spirit reflects the cruelty of social competition.

Reflects (反映).

长期处于情绪低落之中，会严重损害身心健康。

Being in a state of low spirits for a long time will seriously damage physical and mental health.

Damage (损害).

他以一种近乎自虐的方式沉溺于情绪低落里。

He indulged in low spirits in an almost self-torturing way.

Indulge in (沉溺于).

这种情绪低落并非偶然，而是长期压抑的结果。

This low spirit is not accidental, but the result of long-term suppression.

Not... but... (并非...而是...).

诗人用忧伤的笔触描绘了那种难以言说的情绪低落。

The poet depicted that unspeakable low spirit with sorrowful strokes.

Depict (描绘).

通过心理咨询，他逐渐走出了情绪低落的阴影。

Through psychological counseling, he gradually emerged from the shadow of low spirits.

Emerge from the shadow (走出阴影).

这种弥漫在都市上空的情绪低落，是时代转型的阵痛。

This low spirit permeating the city is the labor pain of an era's transformation.

Permeating (弥漫).

他笔下的角色往往带着一种宿命般的情绪低落。

The characters in his writing often carry a fatalistic low spirit.

Fatalistic (宿命般的).

我们不应将个体的情绪低落简单归因于性格缺陷。

We should not simply attribute an individual's low spirits to personality flaws.

Attribute to (归因于).

那种深植于灵魂深处的情绪低落，唯有时间可以抚平。

That low spirit deeply rooted in the soul can only be smoothed over by time.

Deeply rooted (深植于).

哲学上的虚无主义往往会导致某种程度的情绪低落。

Philosophical nihilism often leads to a certain degree of low spirits.

Nihilism (虚无主义).

这种情绪低落既是感性的宣泄，也是理性的反思。

This low spirit is both a sensory release and a rational reflection.

Both... and... (既是...也是...).

在全球经济衰退的背景下，民众的情绪低落显而易见。

Against the backdrop of a global economic recession, the low spirits of the public are obvious.

Against the backdrop (在...背景下).

他试图通过艺术创作来升华这种情绪低落。

He tries to sublimate this low spirit through artistic creation.

Sublimate (升华).

Common Collocations

感到情绪低落

显得情绪低落

陷入情绪低落

情绪低落的征兆

走出情绪低落

引起情绪低落

缓解情绪低落

普遍情绪低落

极度情绪低落

情绪低落期

Common Phrases

因为...而情绪低落

— To be in low spirits because of something.

他因为考试成绩不好而情绪低落。

情绪低落的时候

— When one is in low spirits.

情绪低落的时候，我喜欢听歌。

容易情绪低落

— Prone to low spirits.

他在冬天很容易情绪低落。

长期情绪低落

— Long-term low spirits.

长期情绪低落会影响健康。

摆脱情绪低落

— To get rid of/shake off low spirits.

他终于摆脱了情绪低落。

集体情绪低落

— Collective low spirits (low morale).

由于降薪，公司集体情绪低落。

莫名其妙的情绪低落

— Inexplicable low spirits.

我今天有一种莫名其妙的情绪低落。

伴随情绪低落

— Accompanied by low spirits.

这种病常伴随情绪低落。

调节情绪低落

— To regulate/adjust low spirits.

学会调节情绪低落很重要。

避免情绪低落

— To avoid low spirits.

保持积极的心态可以避免情绪低落。

Often Confused With

情绪低落 vs 伤心

伤心 is a sharp pain/sadness; 情绪低落 is a low energy state.

情绪低落 vs 沮丧

沮丧 is specifically about frustration from failure.

情绪低落 vs 落后

落后 means to fall behind in a race or development; 低落 is for abstract levels like mood.

Idioms & Expressions

"垂头丧气"

— To hang one's head in dejection.

他垂头丧气地回来了。

Common

"灰心丧气"

— To lose heart and be discouraged.

别灰心丧气，下次还有机会。

Common

"闷闷不乐"

— To be depressed and silent.

他整天闷闷不乐，不知在想什么。

Common

"愁眉苦脸"

— To have a worried/sad face.

你为什么整天愁眉苦脸的？

Common

"心神不宁"

— Restless and uneasy.

他最近心神不宁，情绪低落。

Common

"万念俱灰"

— To be utterly hopeless/all thoughts turned to ash.

他在破产后感到万念俱灰。

Literary

"郁郁寡欢"

— Melancholy and reserved.

性格内向的人容易郁郁寡欢。

Formal

"凄凄惨惨"

— Miserable and wretched.

他的晚年生活凄凄惨惨。

Literary

"无精打采"

— Listless; lacking energy.

他今天怎么无精打采的？

Common

"长吁短叹"

— To sigh and moan.

他坐在那里长吁短叹。

Literary

Easily Confused

情绪低落 vs 消沉

Both mean low spirits.

消沉 implies a loss of will or ambition, often used for someone who has given up.

他最近意志消沉，什么都不想干。

情绪低落 vs 忧郁

Both relate to sadness.

忧郁 is more of a personality trait or a poetic, lingering melancholy.

他天生忧郁。

情绪低落 vs 难过

General term for feeling bad.

难过 is a subjective feeling of discomfort/sadness; 情绪低落 describes the state of the mood.

听到这个消息我很难过。

情绪低落 vs 凄凉

Describes sadness.

凄凉 usually describes an environment or a life situation (desolate/miserable).

晚景凄凉。

情绪低落 vs 低沉

Sounds similar to 低落.

低沉 is usually for voices (deep) or weather (gloomy/overcast).

他的声音很低沉。

Sentence Patterns

S + 情绪低落。

他情绪低落。

S + 感到/显得 + 情绪低落。

她感到情绪低落。

因为 + Reason + S + 情绪低落。

因为下雨，他情绪低落。

S + 陷入了 + 情绪低落 + 之中。

他陷入了情绪低落之中。

S + 处于 + 情绪低落 + 的状态。

他处于情绪低落的状态。

这种 + Noun + 导致了 + 普遍的 + 情绪低落。

这种不公导致了普遍的情绪低落。

S + 试图 + 掩饰/克服 + 情绪低落。

他试图克服情绪低落。

情绪低落 + 并非 + ... + 而是 + ...

情绪低落并非软弱，而是疲惫。

Word Family

Nouns

情绪 (Mood)

低谷 (Trough/Low point)

低落感 (Feeling of being down)

Verbs

低落 (To fall/decline)

落 (To drop)

Adjectives

低落的 (Downcast)

低沉的 (Deep/Somber)

低调的 (Low-key)

心情

心态

情感

抑郁

消极

How to Use It

frequency

Common in newspapers, psychological blogs, and adult conversations.

Common Mistakes

我情绪很伤心。 → 我情绪很低落。
伤心 is a specific emotion; low spirits is a state of the mood.
他是一个低落的人。 → 他最近情绪低落。
It describes a temporary or current state, not usually a permanent personality type.
这个桌子很低落。 → 这个桌子很矮。
低落 is only for abstract levels like mood or morale.
因为失败，他情绪低落了比赛。 → 因为比赛失败，他情绪低落。
情绪低落 is intransitive; it cannot take an object.
他低落了他的情绪。 → 他的情绪低落了。
You don't 'low' your mood; your mood 'is low'.

Tips

Predicate Use

Always remember that 情绪低落 usually follows the subject directly or follows '感到'.

Degree Adverbs

Use '有些' for 'a bit' and '非常' or '极其' for 'very' to show intensity.

Softening

Use it to describe someone's state politely without being too intrusive.

Tone Accuracy

Focus on the fourth tone of '落' (luò) to make it sound final and heavy.

Contextual Clues

Provide a reason (like weather or failure) to make your writing more natural.

News Reports

Listen for this phrase in reports about social health or the stock market.

Choose Wisely

Use '沮丧' if there is a specific failure; use '情绪低落' for a general state.

Idiom Pairing

Pair it with '无精打采' to describe someone who is both sad and energetic-less.

Doctor Visits

This is a key phrase to use if you need to describe your mental state to a doctor.

Not for Height

Never use '低落' to mean physically short or low in height.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine your 'Qíng' (Feeling) is a 'Balloon' that has 'Xù' (Sighed) out all its air and 'Dī-Luò' (Dropped) to the floor.

Visual Association

A thermometer where the 'red' emotional liquid is falling down to the very bottom.

Word Web

Mood Low Sad Energy Depression Morale Falling Quiet

Challenge

Try to use '情绪低落' in a sentence describing a character in a book you are reading, rather than just saying they are 'sad'.

Word Origin

Composed of '情绪' (qíngxù) and '低落' (dīluò). '情绪' traces back to early descriptions of human threads of feeling. '低落' comes from the physical sense of something falling from a higher level to a lower one.

Original meaning: A drop in the level of one's emotional state.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese).

Cultural Context

While more clinical than 'sad,' it is still a sensitive term. Use with empathy when describing others.

Similar to 'feeling blue' or 'in a slump,' but slightly more formal.

Commonly found in the lyrics of Mandopop ballads about heartbreak. Used in modern psychological self-help books like '如何走出情绪低落'. Frequent in news reports about 'Post-holiday blues' (节后情绪低落).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Mental Health

心理医生
情绪调节
走出阴影
抑郁倾向

Workplace

工作压力
团队士气
职业倦怠
效率低下

Relationships

失恋
争吵
缺乏沟通
安慰

School/Education

考试压力
成绩下滑
挫折教育
鼓励

Weather

阴雨天
季节性
阳光不足
沉闷

Conversation Starters

"你最近看起来情绪有些低落，出什么事了吗？ (You look a bit down lately, did something happen?)"

"天气这么阴沉，你会感到情绪低落吗？ (Does such gloomy weather make you feel down?)"

"当你的朋友情绪低落时，你会怎么安慰他们？ (When your friends are down, how do you comfort them?)"

"你觉得现在的年轻人为什么容易情绪低落？ (Why do you think young people today are prone to low spirits?)"

"你有什么摆脱情绪低落的好办法吗？ (Do you have any good ways to get rid of low spirits?)"

Journal Prompts

写一次你感到情绪低落的经历，你是如何走出来的？ (Write about a time you felt down; how did you get out of it?)

描述一个情绪低落的人的表情、动作和想法。 (Describe the expressions, actions, and thoughts of a downcast person.)

你认为社会压力是导致人们情绪低落的主要原因吗？为什么？ (Do you think social pressure is the main cause of low spirits? Why?)

如果你的工作让你长期情绪低落，你会选择辞职吗？ (If your job kept you in low spirits for a long time, would you choose to quit?)

写一封信给正在情绪低落的朋友。 (Write a letter to a friend who is currently in low spirits.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is better to say '我情绪很低落' or '我感到情绪低落.' Adding '情绪' (mood) makes it grammatically complete.

Not necessarily. While it can describe symptoms of depression, it is also used for temporary 'blues' or low morale.

The most direct opposite is '情绪高昂' (spirits are high).

Yes, but for children, simpler words like '不开心' or '难过' are more common unless you are speaking formally.

'Emo' is modern slang (e.g., 我emo了). 情绪低落 is the standard, proper phrase.

Yes, it is very common to say '阴天让人情绪低落' (Cloudy days make people feel down).

It functions as an adjective phrase (a state description).

Yes, you can say '市场情绪低落' (market sentiment is low).

Common ways include '运动' (exercise), '找朋友聊天' (chatting with friends), or '休息' (rest).

No, '情绪' is a modern term. Ancient Chinese would use words like '忧' or '悲'.