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B1 noun 13 min read

低迷

dīmí

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 低迷 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 低迷 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '低迷' (dīmí) yet, as it is quite advanced. However, you can understand it as a way to say 'not good' or 'very low' for things like the economy or a person's mood. Imagine a person who is very tired and doesn't want to play; their energy is 'low.' In Chinese, we use '低' (dī) for low things, like a low table. '迷' (mí) is like being lost. So '低迷' is like being 'low and lost.' If you see this word in a news headline, just think: 'The situation is not good and things are moving very slowly.' At this stage, it is better to focus on simpler words like '不好' (not good) or '很慢' (very slow). But remember, if you see '经济' (economy) and '低迷' together, it means the country's money situation is having a hard time. You might hear it on TV when people look sad about prices or jobs. It is a 'big' word for a 'big' problem.

For A2 learners, '低迷' (dīmí) is a useful word to recognize when you read news or watch sports. It describes a 'slump.' Think about a time when you were playing a game and you kept losing, even though you usually win. That 'bad period' is called '低迷.' In A2, you already know '低' (low). You might also know '迷' from '迷路' (get lost). When you put them together, you get a word that describes a situation where things are 'low and stuck.' You can use it in simple sentences like '他的状态很低迷' (His state is very low/sluggish). This is common in sports. If a basketball player isn't scoring, the commentator might say this. It's a bit more professional than saying '他不积极' (He is not active). You will also see it in simple news about the '市场' (market). If no one is buying things, the market is '低迷.' It's a step up from '不好' and makes you sound more like a serious student of Chinese.

At the B1 level, you should start using '低迷' (dīmí) to describe economic and social trends. This is the level where you move from basic descriptions to more nuanced observations. '低迷' is perfect for describing a 'sluggish' economy or a 'depressed' market. You should learn to pair it with verbs like '处于' (to be in) or '陷入' (to fall into). For example, '经济处于低迷状态' (The economy is in a sluggish state). Notice how it is different from '下降' (to fall). '下降' is the movement down, but '低迷' is the state of staying down. It's like being in a valley. You can also use it for '士气' (morale) or '情绪' (mood). If a whole team feels sad after losing, you can say '士气低迷.' This word is very common in reading passages about business or society. It helps you describe a situation that is 'stagnant'—where there is no growth or energy. When you use '低迷,' you are showing that you understand the difference between a temporary drop and a prolonged slump.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '低迷' (dīmí) with precision in both writing and speaking. You should understand its formal register and how it differs from synonyms like '萧条' (depression) or '疲软' (weakness). '低迷' is particularly useful for describing 'sluggishness' where the underlying potential is still there, but the current activity is low. In a business presentation, you might say, '面对低迷的市场环境，我们需要创新' (Facing a sluggish market environment, we need to innovate). You should also be comfortable using it as an attributive, such as '低迷的股价' (sluggish stock prices). At this level, you should also recognize the metaphorical use of the word in literature or high-level journalism to describe a 'cultural slump' or a 'period of low creativity.' It's a versatile word that adds weight to your analysis of a situation. You can also use the phrase '走出低迷' (to emerge from a slump) to describe a recovery. This shows you can handle complex sentence structures and abstract concepts.

For C1 learners, '低迷' (dīmí) should be a natural part of your high-level discourse. You should be able to analyze the socio-economic implications of a '低迷' state. In an essay, you might discuss the 'long-term sluggishness' (长期低迷) of a particular sector and its impact on social stability. You should also be sensitive to the word's collocation with psychological terms like '低迷的集体意识' (a sluggish collective consciousness). At this level, you can use the word to create a specific atmosphere in your writing. For instance, describing a city's '低迷的气氛' (depressed atmosphere) after a major factory closes. You should also be able to contrast it with '过热' (overheating) in economic discussions. '低迷' is the opposite of a 'boom,' and you should be able to explain the transition between these states. Your usage should reflect a deep understanding of the word's nuance—that it implies a lack of 'vitality' (活力) and 'momentum' (动力). It’s not just about numbers; it’s about the 'spirit' of the market or the people.

At the C2 level, you command '低迷' (dīmí) with the nuance of a native scholar or professional. You can use it in complex, compound-complex sentences to describe the intricate interplay between global trends and local slumps. For example, you might analyze how '全球需求的持续低迷' (the continued sluggishness of global demand) acts as a catalyst for structural reforms in developing nations. You are aware of the word's historical and cultural weight, perhaps referencing it in discussions about 'lost decades' in certain economies. You can use it poetically or rhetorically to describe a 'low point' in a person's life or a nation's history, perhaps pairing it with more obscure idioms. At this level, '低迷' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for precise, high-level analysis. You can differentiate between '周期性低迷' (cyclical slump) and '结构性低迷' (structural slump) with ease. Your ability to use this word in a variety of registers—from a formal government report to a nuanced piece of literary criticism—demonstrates your near-native mastery of the Chinese language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

低迷 in 30 Seconds

低迷 means sluggish or depressed, usually for the economy or mood.
It is a formal word used in news, business, and sports.
It describes a state of low activity rather than just a single drop.
Commonly paired with '陷入' (fall into) or '处于' (be in).

The Chinese term 低迷 (dīmí) is a sophisticated compound word used to describe a state of stagnation, sluggishness, or depression, primarily in economic, market, or emotional contexts. To understand its depth, we must look at its constituent characters: 低 (dī), meaning 'low' or 'to lower,' and 迷 (mí), meaning 'lost,' 'confused,' or 'blurred.' Together, they evoke the image of being stuck in a low, foggy valley where progress is difficult and the path forward is unclear. This is not just a simple 'downward trend' (which would be 下降 xiàjiàng); rather, it is a persistent state of being 'down and out.' In the modern world, you will encounter this word most frequently in financial news, sports commentary, and psychological discussions. For instance, when the global economy faces a recession, analysts will describe the situation as 经济低迷 (jīngjì dīmí). It suggests that the economy isn't just shrinking, but it lacks the vitality to bounce back. Similarly, if a star athlete is going through a period where they cannot score or perform to their usual standard, their condition is described as 状态低迷 (zhuàngtài dīmí). This implies a lack of energy and focus. The term carries a heavy, somber tone, suggesting a period of waiting for things to clear up.

Economic Context: Refers to a stagnant market where buying power is low and growth is non-existent. Example: 房地产市场持续低迷 (The real estate market remains sluggish).

由于全球需求减弱，出口贸易陷入了长期的低迷状态。 (Due to weakening global demand, export trade has fallen into a long-term slump.)

Emotional Context: Describes a collective or individual mood that is depressed or lacking in enthusiasm. Example: 球员们士气低迷 (The players' morale is low).

考试失败后，他的情绪一直非常低迷。 (After failing the exam, his mood has been very depressed.)

Culturally, the word reflects a Chinese worldview of cyclicality. When things are 低迷, there is an implicit understanding that they were once 繁荣 (fánróng - prosperous) and will hopefully become so again, but the current moment is one of endurance. It is a formal word, often seen in written reports (书面语), though it is common enough in spoken news to be recognized by any intermediate learner. In business meetings, using 低迷 shows a high level of professional vocabulary, as it sounds more precise than simply saying 'bad' or 'not good.' It captures the nuance of 'inactivity' rather than just 'negativity.' For example, a market can be 'bad' because prices are falling (negative), but it is 低迷 because no one is buying or selling (inactive). This distinction is crucial for business professionals working in a Chinese-speaking environment.

面对低迷的市场，公司决定缩减开支。 (In the face of a sluggish market, the company decided to cut expenses.)

Performance Context: Used when someone's output or skill level is temporarily below their average. Example: 状态低迷 (In a slump).

这位歌手最近状态低迷，演唱会表现不如预期。 (The singer has been in a slump lately, and the concert performance was not as expected.)

In summary, 低迷 is a versatile and essential word for discussing trends and states of being. Whether you are analyzing the stock market, discussing a team's performance, or describing the general mood of a community during a crisis, this word provides the necessary nuance of a 'low, stagnant state.' It is more than just a measurement of height or quantity; it is a measurement of vitality and momentum.

Using 低迷 (dīmí) correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. In Chinese, it can function as an adjective (statative verb) or occasionally as a noun representing a state. The most common structure is [Subject] + [很/非常/十分] + 低迷, which translates to '[Subject] is very sluggish/depressed.' Because it describes a state rather than a sudden action, it is frequently paired with verbs like 处于 (chǔyú - to be in a state of) or 陷入 (xiànrù - to fall into/sink into). This adds a sense of duration and weight to the sentence. For example, 股市陷入低迷 (The stock market fell into a slump). This phrasing suggests that the market didn't just drop; it entered a phase where it is now stuck.

Pattern 1: As a Predicate: [Noun] + 很 + 低迷. This is the simplest way to describe a current condition. Example: 现在的市场非常低迷 (The current market is very sluggish).

虽然政府出台了新政策，但消费者的信心依然低迷。 (Although the government introduced new policies, consumer confidence remains low.)

Pattern 2: As an Attributive: 低迷的 + [Noun]. Used to modify a noun directly. Example: 低迷的价格 (Sluggish prices).

在低迷的经济环境下，创业变得更加困难。 (In a sluggish economic environment, starting a business becomes even more difficult.)

When discussing people, 低迷 is often paired with 情绪 (qíngxù - mood/emotion) or 状态 (zhuàngtài - state/condition). It is important to note that you rarely use 低迷 to describe a person directly (e.g., *他很低迷 is less common than 他情绪低迷). The word targets the *quality* of the performance or the *vibe* of the emotion. In professional sports reporting, you will see 手感低迷 (shǒugǎn dīmí), which literally means 'shooting feel is low/sluggish,' used when a basketball player keeps missing shots. This specific usage highlights the word's ability to describe a lack of rhythm or 'flow.' In a broader sense, it can also describe the atmosphere of a place. For example, 整个办公室的气氛都很低迷 (The atmosphere of the entire office is very depressed). This implies a collective lack of energy or morale among the staff.

连续的失败让球队的士气陷入了低迷。 (Consecutive failures have caused the team's morale to sink into a slump.)

Pattern 3: With Resultative Verbs: [Verb] + 到了 + 低迷. Used to show how a situation reached that point. Example: 股市跌到了低迷期 (The stock market dropped into a sluggish period).

如果销售额持续低迷，工厂可能不得不裁员。 (If sales continue to be sluggish, the factory may have to lay off workers.)

Finally, consider the antonyms when structuring your thoughts. If you want to say something is recovering, you would use 回升 (huíshēng - to rise back) or 复苏 (fùsū - to recover/resuscitate). You can say 经济从低迷中复苏 (The economy is recovering from the slump). This contrast helps learners understand that 低迷 is a valley in a cycle. Mastering the use of 低迷 allows you to describe complex economic and psychological realities with the precision of a native speaker, moving beyond simple adjectives like 'bad' or 'sad'.

If you turn on a Chinese news channel like CCTV-4 or read a financial newspaper like the Economic Daily (经济日报), you will hear 低迷 (dīmí) almost daily. It is the standard term for describing any economic sector that is underperforming. For example, during a housing crisis, news anchors will frequently use the phrase 楼市低迷 (lóushì dīmí) to describe the lack of transactions and falling interest in real estate. This isn't just news jargon; it filters down into business culture. In corporate meetings, a manager might say, “由于近期行业低迷，我们需要调整策略” (Due to the recent industry slump, we need to adjust our strategy). It sounds professional, objective, and analytical. It avoids the emotional weight of 'failure' while acknowledging the difficulty of the current situation.

News & Media: Used to report on GDP growth, stock market trends, and international trade. Example: 全球股市陷入低迷 (Global stock markets fell into a slump).

新闻报道称，由于能源价格上涨，制造业表现低迷。 (News reports state that due to rising energy prices, the manufacturing industry is performing sluggishly.)

Sports Commentary: Used when a team or player is on a losing streak or playing poorly. Example: 球队近期的表现非常低迷 (The team's recent performance has been very sluggish).

主教练对球员们低迷的状态表示担忧。 (The head coach expressed concern over the players' sluggish state.)

In social media and casual conversation, 低迷 is used more metaphorically. You might hear young people talking about the 就业市场低迷 (jiùyè shìchǎng dīmí - sluggish job market) when discussing their difficulties in finding a job. It captures a collective sense of exhaustion. On platforms like Weibo or Little Red Book (Xiaohongshu), users might post about their 心情低迷 (xīnqíng dīmí - depressed mood) after a long week or a breakup. While 抑郁 (yìyù) is the clinical term for depression, 情绪低迷 is a more common, everyday way to say one is feeling 'down' or 'low energy.' It’s less clinical and more descriptive of a passing phase. In movies or TV dramas, particularly those centered around business or high-stakes competition, you'll hear the word used to heighten the drama of a 'rock bottom' moment before the protagonist makes a comeback.

在这个低迷的时期，我们需要互相支持。 (In this sluggish/depressed period, we need to support each other.)

Academic & Formal Writing: Found in research papers discussing sociology or macroeconomics. Example: 社会情绪的低迷与经济波动密切相关 (The slump in social mood is closely related to economic fluctuations).

论文分析了导致消费低迷的深层原因。 (The paper analyzed the deep-seated reasons leading to sluggish consumption.)

Whether you are listening to a podcast about personal growth or a report on the global supply chain, 低迷 acts as a bridge between the personal and the professional. It is a word that describes the 'weather' of a situation—sometimes the 'economic weather' is foggy and low, and sometimes the 'emotional weather' is the same. Understanding this word helps you navigate the somber side of Chinese discourse with nuance and empathy.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make when using 低迷 (dīmí) is confusing it with simple adjectives for 'low' or 'bad.' While 低迷 translates to 'sluggish' or 'depressed,' it cannot be used for physical height. You cannot say a building is 低迷 or a person is short using this word. For physical height, always use 矮 (ǎi) or 低 (dī) alone. Another frequent error is using it to describe a specific numerical drop. As mentioned before, 低迷 describes a *state*, not an *action*. You 'fall into' (陷入) a slump, but the slump itself is the environment you are in. You wouldn't say 'The price low-slumped' (价格低迷了); instead, you would say 'The price is in a sluggish state' (价格处于低迷状态).

Mistake 1: Physical Height: Incorrect: 这个桌子很低迷 (This table is 'sluggish'). Correct: 这个桌子很低 (This table is low).

错误：他长得很低迷。 (Wrong: He grows very 'sluggishly' - meaning short.) 正确：他长得很矮。 (Correct: He is very short.)

Mistake 2: Confusing with '低落' (dīluò): While similar, '低落' is almost exclusively for emotions (情绪低落), while '低迷' is much broader, covering economy, markets, and performance. You rarely hear '经济低落'.

虽然低迷可以形容情绪，但形容市场时，千万不要用“低落”。 (While 'dīmí' can describe mood, never use 'dīluò' when describing the market.)

A third mistake involves the word's register. 低迷 is quite formal. If you are just feeling a bit tired or sad in a casual conversation with a friend, saying “我今天很低迷” might sound a bit dramatic or overly literary. In casual settings, it’s better to say “我今天没精神” (I have no energy today) or “我心情不太好” (My mood isn't great). Reserve 低迷 for when you want to describe a persistent, heavy state, or when discussing professional topics. Additionally, learners sometimes forget to use the particle 的 when using it as an adjective before a noun. It should be 低迷的市场, not 低迷市场 (though the latter is sometimes used as a compound noun in headlines, 的 is safer for learners).

错误：这是一个低迷情况。 (Wrong: This is a 'sluggish' situation.) 正确：这是一个低迷的局面。 (Correct: This is a sluggish situation/phase.)

Mistake 4: Over-generalizing 'Bad': Don't use '低迷' for things that are broken or of poor quality. If a phone is bad, it's '不好' or '质量差', not '低迷'.

错误：这部电影的质量很低迷。 (Wrong: The quality of this movie is 'sluggish'.) 正确：这部电影很糟糕。 (Correct: This movie is terrible.)

In conclusion, avoid using 低迷 for physical height, specific numerical changes, or general 'badness.' Keep it focused on the lack of vitality in markets, performance, or collective moods, and you will use it like a pro.

To truly master 低迷 (dīmí), you must know how it compares to its synonyms. Chinese has a rich vocabulary for 'negativity,' and choosing the right word depends on the specific context. The most common alternative in economic contexts is 萧条 (xiāotiáo). While 低迷 suggests a sluggish, low-energy state, 萧条 is stronger, often translated as 'depression' or 'desolation.' It evokes an image of empty streets and closed shops. If 低迷 is a slow Sunday, 萧条 is a ghost town. Another important word is 疲软 (píruǎn), which literally means 'tired and soft.' This is used specifically for markets or currencies that lack the strength to rise. You will hear about a 疲软的美元 (weak US dollar) or 市场疲软 (market weakness).

低迷 vs. 萧条 (xiāotiáo): '低迷' is a state of low activity. '萧条' is a more severe economic depression or a desolate atmosphere. Example: 经济低迷 (sluggish economy) vs. 经济大萧条 (The Great Depression).

虽然市场低迷，但还没到萧条的地步。 (Although the market is sluggish, it hasn't reached the point of depression yet.)

低迷 vs. 疲软 (píruǎn): '疲软' emphasizes a lack of strength or 'softness' in performance. It's very common in financial contexts regarding exchange rates or demand. Example: 需求疲软 (weak demand).

由于消费疲软，零售业陷入了低迷。 (Due to weak consumption, the retail industry has fallen into a slump.)

For emotional contexts, the main competitor is 低落 (dīluò). As mentioned in the common mistakes section, 低落 is the go-to word for a 'down' mood. If you say 情绪低落, it sounds like a natural, personal feeling. If you say 情绪低迷, it sounds a bit more like a 'slump' or a 'fog' that is affecting your performance. Another word is 萎缩 (wěisuō), which means 'to shrink' or 'to wither.' This is used when a market is actually getting smaller in size, whereas 低迷 just means it isn't active. For example, 市场萎缩 (market shrinkage) means there are fewer customers than before; 市场低迷 means the customers are there but they aren't buying anything.

随着人口减少，当地的学校规模开始萎缩。 (As the population decreases, the size of local schools has begun to shrink.)

低迷 vs. 不景气 (bù jǐngqì): '不景气' is a very common, slightly more colloquial way to say 'business is bad.' It's often used for specific shops or industries. Example: 生意不景气 (Business is not booming).

最近餐饮业很不景气，很多饭店都关门了。 (The restaurant industry is very sluggish lately, and many restaurants have closed.)

By understanding these distinctions, you can choose the word that perfectly matches the 'vibe' of the situation you are describing. Whether it's the 'softness' of a market or the 'desolation' of a depression, your Chinese will sound more precise and professional.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '迷' contains the radical for 'walking' (辶), suggesting that being 'sluggish' is like walking while lost in a fog.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /diː miː/

US /diː miː/

The emphasis is equal on both syllables, but the rising tone of 'mí' gives it a sense of upward movement at the end.

Rhymes With

稀 (xī) 衣 (yī) 鸡 (jī) 皮 (pí) 题 (tí) 离 (lí) 迷 (mí) 奇 (qí)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'dī' with a falling tone (dī vs dì).
Confusing 'mí' with 'mǐ' (rising vs dipping tone).
Aspirating the 'd' sound too much (sounding like 'tī').
Pronouncing 'i' like the 'i' in 'sit' instead of 'see'.
Failing to sustain the high level tone of 'dī'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in newspapers, but requires understanding of 'low' and 'lost' characters.

Writing 4/5

Writing '迷' correctly can be tricky for beginners due to the stroke order.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but requires knowing when it's appropriate (formal vs. informal).

Listening 3/5

Distinct sound, often emphasized in news broadcasts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

低 (low) 迷 (lost/confused) 经济 (economy) 市场 (market) 情绪 (mood)

Learn Next

萧条 (depression) 复苏 (recovery) 提振 (boost) 波动 (fluctuation) 停滞 (stagnation)

Advanced

通货紧缩 (deflation) 宏观调控 (macro-control) 周期性 (cyclicality)

Grammar to Know

Statative Verbs as Predicates

经济(S) + 很(Adv) + 低迷(V).

Attributive with '的'

低迷的(Adj) + 市场(N).

Resultative Verb '陷入'

陷入(V) + 低迷(N/State).

Prepositional Phrase '在...下'

在(Prep) + 低迷的背景(N) + 下(Postp).

Comparison with '比'

他的状态(S) + 比(Prep) + 昨天(N) + 更(Adv) + 低迷(Adj).

Examples by Level

这里的生意很低迷。

Business here is very sluggish.

Subject + 很 + 低迷.

他的心情有点低迷。

His mood is a bit low.

Describes mood simply.

市场低迷，买的人少。

The market is sluggish; few people buy.

Juxtaposition of state and result.

价格一直很低迷。

The price has been very sluggish/low.

Describes a persistent state.

今天的天气让人感觉低迷。

Today's weather makes people feel depressed.

Weather affecting feeling.

由于生病，他的状态低迷。

Due to illness, his state is sluggish.

Cause and effect.

这个地方的经济很低迷。

The economy of this place is very sluggish.

Basic economic description.

大家的情绪都很低迷。

Everyone's morale is very low.

Collective state.

虽然是周末，但商场依然低迷。

Although it's the weekend, the mall is still sluggish.

Contrast using 虽然...但...

他的手感低迷，投不进球。

His shooting feel is sluggish; he can't make a basket.

Specific sports term '手感'.

最近股市陷入了低迷。

The stock market has recently fallen into a slump.

Use of '陷入' (to fall into).

低迷的经济让很多人失业。

The sluggish economy has caused many people to lose their jobs.

Attributive '低迷的' + Noun.

球员们在比赛中表现低迷。

The players performed sluggishly in the match.

Adverbial use (though technically a predicate here).

我们需要改变这种低迷的局面。

We need to change this sluggish situation.

Object of '改变'.

房产中介说现在楼市很低迷。

The real estate agent says the housing market is very sluggish now.

Reported speech.

她的歌唱事业正处于低迷期。

Her singing career is currently in a sluggish period.

Phrase '处于...期'.

长期低迷的出口贸易影响了工厂的生产。

The long-term sluggish export trade has affected factory production.

Complex noun phrase.

面对全球经济低迷，各国都在寻找对策。

Facing the global economic slump, all countries are looking for countermeasures.

Participial phrase '面对...'.

由于缺乏创新，该品牌逐渐陷入低迷。

Due to a lack of innovation, the brand has gradually fallen into a slump.

Causal link.

这种低迷的情绪在年轻人中蔓延。

This depressed mood is spreading among young people.

Verb '蔓延' (to spread).

政府希望通过减税来提振低迷的消费。

The government hopes to boost sluggish consumption through tax cuts.

Verb '提振' (to boost/stimulate).

电影市场在春节过后进入了低迷期。

The movie market entered a sluggish period after the Spring Festival.

Time phrase + '进入了'.

尽管表现低迷，他依然没有放弃训练。

Despite his sluggish performance, he still hasn't given up training.

Concession using '尽管...依然...'.

公司内部士气低迷，员工纷纷离职。

Internal morale is low, and employees are leaving one after another.

Dual clause structure.

受国际局势影响，大宗商品价格持续低迷。

Affected by the international situation, commodity prices continue to be sluggish.

Passive influence '受...影响'.

如何走出低迷，是目前企业面临的首要问题。

How to emerge from the slump is the primary problem currently faced by enterprises.

Nominalized phrase as a subject.

作者在书中描述了那个时代低迷的社会氛围。

The author describes the sluggish social atmosphere of that era in the book.

Descriptive attributive.

消费者的购买意愿低迷，导致库存积压严重。

Consumers' willingness to buy is sluggish, leading to serious inventory buildup.

Causal relationship with '导致'.

在行业整体低迷的背景下，这家公司却实现了增长。

Against the backdrop of an overall industry slump, this company achieved growth.

Prepositional phrase '在...背景下'.

他的创作陷入了长达三年的低迷期。

His creative work fell into a three-year-long slump.

Duration phrase '长达...'.

这种低迷的状态如果不改变，后果将不堪设想。

If this sluggish state is not changed, the consequences will be unimaginable.

Conditional '如果...将...'.

股市的低迷反映了投资者对未来的担忧。

The stock market's slump reflects investors' concerns about the future.

Verb '反映' (to reflect).

通货紧缩的阴影笼罩着低迷的零售市场。

The shadow of deflation looms over the sluggish retail market.

Metaphorical '笼罩' (to envelop/shroud).

我们需要深刻反思导致长期低迷的结构性矛盾。

We need to deeply reflect on the structural contradictions that lead to long-term sluggishness.

Academic terminology '结构性矛盾'.

该地区的旅游业因自然灾害而陷入前所未有的低迷。

The region's tourism industry has fallen into an unprecedented slump due to natural disasters.

Idiom '前所未有' (unprecedented).

这种精神上的低迷比物质上的匮乏更令人担忧。

This spiritual sluggishness is more worrying than material scarcity.

Comparative '比...更...'.

政策的滞后性使得市场低迷的状态难以在短期内扭转。

The lag in policy makes it difficult to reverse the sluggish state of the market in the short term.

Complex subject with '使得'.

他在职业生涯的低迷期选择了出国深造。

He chose to go abroad for further studies during the slump in his career.

Temporal clause '在...期'.

整个社会的创新动力似乎正处于一种低迷的停滞状态。

The innovative drive of the entire society seems to be in a sluggish state of stagnation.

Nuanced description '停滞状态'.

尽管数据略有回升，但整体基调依然显得低迷。

Although the data has risen slightly, the overall tone still appears sluggish.

Formal word '基调' (tone/keynote).

全球供应链的紊乱加剧了跨国贸易的低迷态势。

The disruption of global supply chains has exacerbated the sluggish trend of transnational trade.

Formal verb '加剧' (to exacerbate).

这种低迷不仅是经济周期的产物，更是社会转型期的阵痛。

This sluggishness is not only a product of the economic cycle but also the labor pains of a social transition period.

Correlative '不仅是...更是...'.

长期低迷的生育率已成为制约该国可持续发展的瓶颈。

The long-term sluggish birth rate has become a bottleneck restricting the country's sustainable development.

Metaphorical '瓶颈' (bottleneck).

在资本市场低迷的寒冬里，唯有真正的强者方能生存。

In the cold winter of a sluggish capital market, only the truly strong can survive.

Literary '寒冬' (winter) as a metaphor.

该研究探讨了低迷的社会流动性对阶层固化的影响。

The study explored the impact of sluggish social mobility on class stratification.

Sociological terminology.

市场的低迷往往孕育着新的机遇，关键在于能否洞察先机。

Market slumps often breed new opportunities; the key lies in whether one can perceive the first signs.

Philosophical '孕育' (to breed/nurture).

政府若无法有效应对低迷的就业局势，恐将引发社会动荡。

If the government cannot effectively respond to the sluggish employment situation, it may trigger social unrest.

Formal '若' (if) and '恐将' (fearfully will).

历史证明，任何伟大的文明都曾经历过漫长的低迷与沉寂。

History proves that any great civilization has experienced long periods of slump and silence.

Broad historical perspective.

Common Collocations

经济低迷

股市低迷

情绪低迷

状态低迷

士气低迷

陷入低迷

走出低迷

持续低迷

楼市低迷

低迷的局面

Common Phrases

处于低迷状态

— To be in a sluggish state. Used to describe a persistent condition.

目前全球贸易仍处于低迷状态。

摆脱低迷

— To shake off a slump. Used when describing a recovery process.

企业正在努力摆脱经营低迷。

低迷不振

— Sluggish and lacking vitality. A four-character phrase for emphasis.

市场长期低迷不振，令人担忧。

手感低迷

— A sports term for a player whose 'feel' for the game (e.g., shooting) is off.

库里今天手感低迷，三分球多次投失。

低迷期

— A period of slump or sluggishness.

每个伟大的运动员都会经历低迷期。

价格低迷

— Prices remaining at a low level without rising.

由于供应过剩，农产品价格低迷。

人气低迷

— Low popularity or lack of public interest.

这部电影上映后人气低迷，票房惨淡。

行业低迷

— An entire industry suffering from a lack of growth or activity.

受疫情影响，旅游行业陷入了严重低迷。

消费低迷

— Low consumer spending or demand.

消费低迷是当前经济面临的主要挑战之一。

成交低迷

— Low transaction volume in a market.

由于买家观望，二手房成交低迷。

Often Confused With

低迷 vs 低落 (dīluò)

Almost exclusively for mood or morale (情绪低落). You don't say '经济低落'.

低迷 vs 下降 (xiàjiàng)

Refers to the act of falling or decreasing. '低迷' refers to the state of being low.

低迷 vs 萎靡 (wěimǐ)

Refers to being listless or dispirited, usually for people. Much more emotional than '低迷'.

Idioms & Expressions

"萎靡不振"

— Spiritless and depressed. Often used for people's mental state.

他整天萎靡不振，一点活力也没有。

Literary

"百业萧条"

— All trades are in a state of depression. Describes a severe economic crisis.

战后初期，城市里百业萧条。

Formal

"一蹶不振"

— To collapse after a single setback and never recover.

这次失败让他一蹶不振。

Idiomatic

"死气沉沉"

— Lifeless; spiritless. Describes an atmosphere like a morgue.

这个会议开得死气沉沉的，大家都不说话。

Common

"无精打采"

— Listless; out of sorts; lacking energy.

他今天无精打采的，是不是没睡好？

Informal

"万马齐喑"

— Ten thousand horses are all silent. Describes a situation where no one dares to speak out.

在那段低迷的岁月里，文坛万马齐喑。

Literary

"门可罗雀"

— So quiet you can catch sparrows at the door. Describes a shop with no customers.

以前这里很热闹，现在却门可罗雀。

Idiomatic

"大势已去"

— The general trend is gone; a lost cause.

眼看大势已去，他只好选择了放弃。

Formal

"日薄西山"

— The sun is setting behind the western hills. Describes something in its final decline.

这家老牌企业已经日薄西山了。

Literary

"垂头丧气"

— To be crestfallen; dejected.

他垂头丧气地走出了考场。

Common

Easily Confused

低迷 vs 低落 (dīluò)

Both mean 'low' and can be used for emotions.

低落 is specifically for the emotional drop, while 低迷 is for a broader lack of activity in systems like markets.

他情绪低落 (He is down) vs. 经济低迷 (The economy is sluggish).

低迷 vs 萧条 (xiāotiáo)

Both describe a bad economy.

萧条 is much more severe (Depression) and implies desolation. 低迷 is just sluggishness.

经济大萧条 (Great Depression) vs. 股市低迷 (Stock market slump).

低迷 vs 疲软 (píruǎn)

Both are used in finance.

疲软 emphasizes 'weakness' or 'softness' (e.g., weak demand). 低迷 emphasizes 'stagnation'.

需求疲软 (Weak demand) vs. 消费低迷 (Sluggish consumption).

低迷 vs 停滞 (tíngzhì)

Both mean things aren't moving.

停滞 means a complete stop or standstill. 低迷 means things are moving, but at a very low, weak level.

技术停滞 (Tech stagnation) vs. 市场低迷 (Market slump).

低迷 vs 减少 (jiǎnshǎo)

Both imply a negative change.

减少 is a verb for 'to decrease' (quantity). 低迷 is a state of being low (quality of activity).

人口减少 (Population decrease) vs. 楼市低迷 (Housing market slump).

Sentence Patterns

由于[原因]，[主体]处于低迷状态。

由于需求减少，市场处于低迷状态。

[主体]陷入了长期的低迷。

该行业陷入了长期的低迷。

在[环境]低迷的情况下，[结论]。

在经济低迷的情况下，找工作很困难。

[主体]表现低迷，令人担忧。

这名前锋表现低迷，令人担忧。

扭转[主体]低迷的局面并非易事。

扭转股市低迷的局面并非易事。

[主体]低迷反映了深层次的[问题]。

消费低迷反映了深层次的社会问题。

[主体]的低迷态势短期内难以改变。

全球贸易的低迷态势短期内难以改变。

唯有[方法]，方能走出低迷的泥潭。

唯有创新，方能走出低迷的泥潭。

Word Family

Nouns

低迷期 (dīmíqī) - Period of slump

低迷态势 (dīmítàishì) - Sluggish trend

Adjectives

低迷的 (dīmí de) - Sluggish; depressed

降低 (jiàngdī) - To lower

迷茫 (mímáng) - Confused/lost

低落 (dīluò) - Dejected

沉迷 (chénmí) - To be addicted/obsessed

低谷 (dīgǔ) - Trough/low point

How to Use It

frequency

High in news and business; Medium in daily life.

Common Mistakes

这个建筑很低迷。 → 这个建筑很矮。
'低迷' cannot be used for physical height. Use '矮' (short) or '低' (low) instead.
价格低迷了10%。 → 价格下降了10%。
'低迷' is a state, not an action of decreasing. Use '下降' (to fall) for numerical drops.
经济很低落。 → 经济很低迷。
'低落' is only for emotions. For the economy, '低迷' is the correct term.
他是一个低迷的人。 → 他最近状态很低迷。
You don't describe a person's character as '低迷'. You describe their temporary state or mood.
电影的质量低迷。 → 电影的质量很差。
'低迷' refers to activity levels (like box office), not the inherent quality of a product.

Tips

Pair with '陷入'

Always remember that you 'fall into' a slump in Chinese using '陷入' (xiànrù). Example: 陷入低迷.

Sports Usage

If you want to sound like a native sports fan, use '状态低迷' to describe a player who is having a bad game.

Euphemism

Use '低迷' instead of '失败' (failure) in business contexts to be more polite and professional.

Use '持续'

If a market has been bad for a long time, use '持续低迷' (chíxù dīmí) to show duration.

News Context

When you hear '经济' (jīngjì) on the news, listen for '低迷' right after it to understand the trend.

Mood Description

For your own mood, '心情低迷' sounds more sophisticated than just '我不开心'.

The 'Low Fog' Mnemonic

Visualize a valley with a low fog. You are 'low' (低) and 'lost' (迷). That is the state of 低迷.

Don't confuse with '低落'

Remember: '低落' is for heart/mood, '低迷' is for market/state.

Attributive Use

When using it before a noun, don't forget '的'. Example: 低迷的市场.

Compound Forms

Learn '低迷期' (slump period) as a single unit; it's very common in analysis.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'D' (low grade) and a 'Mist' (fog). When you are low in the mist, you are 'D-Mi' (低迷) - sluggish and lost.

Visual Association

Imagine a stock market chart that is flat at the bottom, covered in a thick grey fog.

Word Web

经济 (Economy) 市场 (Market) 情绪 (Mood) 状态 (State) 低 (Low) 迷 (Lost) 萧条 (Depression) 复苏 (Recovery)

Challenge

Try to use '低迷' in three different contexts today: once for the weather, once for your energy, and once for a news topic.

Word Origin

The word is a modern compound. '低' dates back to ancient texts meaning 'to bow' or 'low'. '迷' originally meant to be lost in a path. The combination '低迷' began to appear in modern literature to describe a state of being 'down and lost.'

Original meaning: A state of being low and confused/blurred.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

While not offensive, using '低迷' to describe a person's physical disability or height is incorrect and could be seen as mocking their 'sluggishness.' Stick to abstract states.

English speakers might say 'in a funk' for mood or 'in the doldrums' for economy. 'Slump' is the closest single-word equivalent.

Economic reports regarding the 'Lost Decade' often use '长期低迷'. Sports news about Yao Ming's injury periods often used '状态低迷'. Literary descriptions of the 1930s Shanghai often use '经济低迷'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Stock Market Analysis

股市持续低迷
成交量低迷
板块表现低迷
走出低迷行情

Sports Commentary

状态低迷
手感低迷
全队低迷
陷入低迷期

Business Meetings

行业整体低迷
销售低迷
应对低迷局势
摆脱经营低迷

Psychological Health

情绪低迷
心情低迷
精神低迷
士气低迷

Real Estate News

楼市低迷
成交低迷
价格持续低迷
低迷的房产市场

Conversation Starters

"你觉得现在的经济形势是不是很低迷？"

"如果你的状态很低迷，你会怎么调节？"

"你对最近股市的低迷有什么看法？"

"为什么有些球员会突然陷入长时间的低迷？"

"你认为政府应该如何提振低迷的消费市场？"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你感到情绪低迷的经历，以及你是如何走出来的。

如果你是一家公司的老板，面对行业低迷，你会采取什么措施？

讨论一下经济低迷对普通人生活的影响。

分析一个你熟悉的行业，看看它目前是否处于低迷状态。

写一段话，描述一个在低迷时期依然坚持梦想的人。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. '低迷' is for abstract states like economy or mood. For height, use '矮' (ǎi) for short people or '低' (dī) for low objects like tables.

It is negative. It describes a lack of energy, progress, or vitality. It is used when things are not going well.

'经济低迷' (jīngjì dīmí) means a sluggish economy or a slump. '经济危机' (jīngjì wēijī) is much more serious and means an economic 'crisis' or 'crash'.

It sounds a bit strange. It's better to say '他的成绩一直处于低迷状态' (His grades have been in a slump) rather than just describing a single score as '低迷'.

You can use '走出低迷' (zǒuchū dīmí) or '摆脱低迷' (bǎituō dīmí). For example: '公司终于走出了低迷'.

No, it is very common in sports (state of a player) and psychology (mood/morale) as well.

The most common opposites are '繁荣' (fánróng - prosperity) for economy and '高涨' (gāozhǎng - high/rising) for morale or prices.

It is formal. You will see it in news and reports. In casual talk, people might use simpler words like '没精神' or '不景气'.

No, it functions as an adjective or a state-noun. You cannot say 'I am low-slumping the market'.

Because '迷' means blurred or lost. It suggests that the situation is not just low, but also lacks a clear direction, like being lost in a fog.