挫败感
挫败感 in 30 Seconds
- A feeling of defeat or frustration when efforts fail.
- Experienced after trying hard but not achieving a goal.
- Related to disappointment and discouragement.
- Common in situations of setbacks and failures.
The Chinese word 挫败感 (cuò bài gǎn) directly translates to 'sense of defeat' or 'feeling of frustration'. It's a common emotion that arises when our efforts don't lead to the results we expect, causing us to feel discouraged, disheartened, or even a little bit helpless. Think of it as the emotional aftermath of encountering an obstacle that prevents you from reaching your goal.
- Core Meaning
- The core meaning revolves around the negative emotions associated with failure or setbacks.
- Situations of Use
- People often express 挫败感 in various scenarios: when a business venture fails, when a student struggles with difficult exams, when an athlete loses a competition, or even in personal relationships when communication breaks down. It’s a universal feeling that many can relate to.
- Emotional Nuance
- The term implies more than just simple disappointment; it suggests a deeper feeling of being unable to overcome challenges, leading to a sense of powerlessness. It's the feeling that your hard work has been in vain.
After trying for months to start his own business, the constant rejections from investors left him with a strong sense of 挫败感.
It's important to differentiate 挫败感 from simple sadness. While sadness can be a component, 挫败感 is specifically tied to the experience of failing to achieve something you've put effort into. It's the feeling of hitting a wall and not knowing how to get past it. This can manifest as a reluctance to try again, a questioning of one's abilities, or a general sense of discouragement about the task or goal at hand.
- Psychological Impact
- Experiencing 挫败感 can significantly impact one's motivation and self-esteem. It can lead to a cycle where the fear of experiencing this feeling again prevents individuals from taking risks or pursuing new challenges. Understanding this emotion helps in developing resilience and coping mechanisms.
- Everyday Examples
- Imagine trying to assemble a piece of furniture with unclear instructions, or attempting to learn a new complex skill like coding and facing numerous bugs. The recurring struggles and lack of progress can easily lead to a strong sense of 挫败感. It's a feeling that resonates with anyone who has strived for something and found the path to be unexpectedly difficult.
Using 挫败感 (cuò bài gǎn) in sentences is straightforward once you understand its meaning. It functions as a noun, referring to the feeling itself. You can use it as the subject of a sentence, the object, or after a verb that describes experiencing this feeling. The key is to place it in contexts where someone is facing difficulties, setbacks, or failures.
- Basic Sentence Structure
- A common structure is Subject + 感到 (gǎndào) + 挫败感. For example, 'I feel a sense of frustration.' (我感到挫败感 - Wǒ gǎndào cuò bài gǎn).
- Expressing Intensity
- You can add adverbs to describe the intensity of the feeling, such as 'very' (很 - hěn), 'extremely' (非常 - fēicháng), or 'a little' (有些 - yǒuxiē). For instance, 'He felt a great sense of frustration.' (他感到非常挫败感 - Tā gǎndào fēicháng cuò bài gǎn).
- As a Subject
- The feeling itself can be the subject of a sentence, describing its effect. For example, 'This sense of frustration is overwhelming.' (这种挫败感太强了 - Zhè zhǒng cuò bài gǎn tài qiáng le).
Despite studying diligently, the difficult exam left her with a profound sense of 挫败感.
Here are more examples to illustrate its usage:
- Example 1
- The repeated failures in his attempts to get a promotion led to a deep sense of 挫败感.
- Example 2
- She tried to explain her complex idea, but her colleagues' lack of understanding amplified her 挫败感.
- Example 3
- Overcoming the initial 挫败感 was crucial for him to continue pursuing his artistic dreams.
- Example 4
- The team's inability to reach a consensus created a pervasive sense of 挫败感 among its members.
You'll frequently encounter 挫败感 (cuò bài gǎn) in everyday conversations, media, and literature, especially when discussing personal struggles, professional challenges, or societal issues. It's a word that captures a very human emotion, making it relatable across many contexts.
- Personal Anecdotes
- When friends share their difficulties, they might say, 'I've been trying to learn this new skill for weeks, but I'm just not getting it. I feel so much 挫败感.' This is a very common way to express personal struggles.
- News and Media
- News reports discussing economic downturns, failed policy implementations, or the challenges faced by certain industries often use 挫败感 to describe the public's or stakeholders' reactions. For example, 'The public expressed a sense of 挫败感 regarding the slow progress of the reform.'
- Workplace Discussions
- In professional settings, when projects encounter significant roadblocks or fail to meet objectives, employees or managers might discuss the collective 挫败感 within the team. This helps in acknowledging the emotional impact of setbacks.
The documentary explored the artists' struggles, highlighting their feelings of 挫败感 when their work was not recognized.
Furthermore, 挫败感 is commonly used in discussions about education, sports, and personal development. For instance, a student might complain about the 挫败感 of failing an important exam despite their efforts. An athlete might talk about the 挫败感 of losing a crucial match. These are all natural contexts where this word fits perfectly.
- Social Commentary
- Discussions about societal inequalities or systemic issues that hinder individual progress often involve the concept of 挫败感. For example, 'Many young people feel a sense of 挫败感 due to the lack of opportunities in their hometown.'
- Therapy and Self-Help
- In therapeutic contexts or self-help literature, 挫败感 is often discussed as an emotion that needs to be understood and managed. Advice might be given on how to cope with or overcome this feeling.
While 挫败感 (cuò bài gǎn) is relatively straightforward, learners might make a few common mistakes, often related to overgeneralizing its usage or confusing it with similar but distinct emotions. Understanding these nuances will help you use the word more accurately.
- Mistake 1: Confusing with Simple Disappointment
- Mistake: Using 挫败感 for minor disappointments where no significant effort was involved.
Correction: 挫败感 implies a sense of defeat after trying hard. For a small disappointment, simpler words like 'disappointed' (失望 - shīwàng) might be more appropriate.
Example: If you planned to go out but it rained, you might feel 'disappointed' (失望), not necessarily a deep 'sense of defeat' (挫败感). - Mistake 2: Using it for General Sadness
- Mistake: Applying 挫败感 to any negative emotion, including general sadness or grief.
Correction: 挫败感 is specifically about the feeling of being thwarted in one's efforts. For general sadness, use words like 'sad' (伤心 - shāngxīn) or 'unhappy' (难过 - nánguò). - Mistake 3: Incorrect Grammatical Usage
- Mistake: Treating it as a verb or adjective directly.
Correction: 挫败感 is a noun. You 'feel' (感到 - gǎndào) it or it 'is' (是 - shì) a certain way.
Example: Incorrect: 'I frustrate.' (我挫败 - Wǒ cuò bài). Correct: 'I feel frustrated.' (我感到挫败感 - Wǒ gǎndào cuò bài gǎn).
He felt a sense of 挫败感 after his project was rejected, not simply sadness.
Another common pitfall is the overuse of the word. While it's a useful term, constantly describing every minor setback with 挫败感 can dilute its impact. It's best reserved for situations where the feeling of defeat is significant and directly linked to unfulfilled efforts.
- Mistake 4: Forgetting the 'Effort' Component
- Mistake: Using 挫败感 when something simply doesn't happen without any prior effort.
Correction: The word implies that effort was made, and that effort was met with failure. If you didn't try, you wouldn't feel defeated in this specific way.
Example: If you didn't apply for a job and didn't get it, you wouldn't feel 挫败感; you might just acknowledge the situation. - Mistake 5: Over-attributing Negative Feelings
- Mistake: Attributing every negative outcome to 挫败感 without considering other possible emotions like anger, confusion, or simply resignation.
Correction: While 挫败感 is common, it's not the only response to failure. Be mindful of the specific emotional shade you want to convey.
Understanding words similar to 挫败感 (cuò bài gǎn) helps in expressing nuanced emotions. While they might overlap, each carries a slightly different weight or focus. Here's a comparison:
- 挫败感 (cuò bài gǎn) vs. 失望 (shīwàng)
- 挫败感 (cuò bài gǎn): Sense of defeat, frustration, feeling thwarted after effort. Implies a struggle and a sense of being unable to overcome.
失望 (shīwàng): Disappointment. This is a broader term and can occur when expectations are not met, even without significant effort or a feeling of defeat. It's often a less intense emotion than 挫败感.
Example: You might feel 挫败感 after failing a difficult exam you studied hard for. You might feel 失望 if a friend cancels plans last minute, even if you didn't put much effort into the plans. - 挫败感 (cuò bài gǎn) vs. 沮丧 (jǔsàng)
- 挫败感 (cuò bài gǎn): Sense of defeat, frustration.
沮丧 (jǔsàng): Dejection, low spirits, feeling dejected or dispirited. This often describes a more prolonged state of low mood resulting from setbacks, which can include 挫败感 as a cause.
Example: A series of setbacks might lead to 挫败感, and if these continue, one might feel generally 沮丧. - 挫败感 (cuò bài gǎn) vs. 气馁 (qìněi)
- 挫败感 (cuò bài gǎn): Sense of defeat, frustration.
气馁 (qìněi): Discouraged, disheartened. This is very close to 挫败感, often implying a loss of spirit or confidence. 气馁 can be a direct result of experiencing 挫败感.
Example: After facing many obstacles, he felt 气馁 about continuing the project.
The constant challenges led to a feeling of 挫败感, making him feel 气馁.
Understanding these distinctions allows for more precise expression:
- 挫败感 (cuò bài gǎn) vs. 灰心 (huīxīn)
- 挫败感 (cuò bài gǎn): Sense of defeat, frustration.
灰心 (huīxīn): To lose heart, to be discouraged. Similar to 气馁, it implies a loss of hope or enthusiasm due to difficulties. 挫败感 can be a cause for feeling 灰心.
Example: After repeated failures, he felt 灰心 and stopped trying. - 挫败感 (cuò bài gǎn) vs. 无力感 (wúlì gǎn)
- 挫败感 (cuò bài gǎn): Sense of defeat, frustration.
无力感 (wúlì gǎn): Sense of powerlessness, helplessness. This is a component of 挫败感. When you feel defeated, you often also feel powerless to change the situation.
Example: The overwhelming bureaucracy left him with a strong sense of 无力感, contributing to his 挫败感.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character '挫' (cuò) often appears in words related to breaking or crushing things, suggesting a forceful obstruction. '败' (bài) is a very common character for failure in many contexts, from battles to business.
Pronunciation Guide
- Mispronouncing the initial 'tsw' sound, often replacing it with a simple 's' or 'ch'.
- Not aspirating the 'p' in 'bài', making it sound too soft.
- Pronouncing 'gǎn' with a strong aspiration, making it sound like 'khǎn'.
Difficulty Rating
At A2 level, learners can understand <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark> in simple sentences. Recognizing it in more complex texts might require higher proficiency.
Learners can use <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark> in basic sentences at A2. Constructing nuanced and accurate sentences requires more practice.
Speaking about personal feelings like <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark> can be challenging for A2 learners, but basic expression is achievable.
Understanding <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark> in spoken Chinese at A2 level depends on the clarity and speed of speech.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Using 感到 (gǎndào) and 觉得 (juéde) to express feelings.
我感到很失望。(Wǒ gǎndào hěn shīwàng.) - I feel very disappointed.
我觉得很累。(Wǒ juédé hěn lèi.) - I feel very tired.
我感到挫败感。(Wǒ gǎndào cuò bài gǎn.) - I feel a sense of frustration.
Using 的 (de) to form adjective phrases.
强烈的挫败感 (qiángliè de cuò bài gǎn) - strong frustration.
深深的挫败感 (shēnshēn de cuò bài gǎn) - deep frustration.
Using 词 (cí) like 尽管 (jǐnguǎn - although) and 但是 (dànshì - but) to connect clauses when discussing challenges and feelings.
尽管他很努力,但是他还是感到了挫败感。(Jǐnguǎn tā hěn nǔlì, dànshì tā háishì gǎndào le cuò bài gǎn.) - Although he tried hard, he still felt a sense of frustration.
Using verbs like 克服 (kèfú - overcome) and 面对 (miànduì - face) with abstract nouns like 挫败感.
我们需要克服挫败感。(Wǒmen xūyào kèfú cuò bài gǎn.) - We need to overcome frustration.
他勇敢地面对挫败感。(Tā yǒnggǎn de miànduì cuò bài gǎn.) - He bravely faces frustration.
Using measure words for abstract nouns (though less common for 挫败感, sometimes '一种' - yī zhǒng - 'a kind of' is used).
他感到一种挫败感。(Tā gǎndào yī zhǒng cuò bài gǎn.) - He felt a kind of frustration.
Examples by Level
我学习这个很难,我感到挫败感。
I find it hard to learn this, I feel a sense of frustration.
感到 (gǎndào) means 'to feel'.
他尝试了很多次,但还是失败了,所以他有挫败感。
He tried many times, but still failed, so he has a sense of defeat.
所以 (suǒyǐ) means 'so'.
今天的比赛我们输了,大家都有点挫败感。
We lost today's game, everyone feels a bit of frustration.
有点 (yǒudiǎn) means 'a bit'.
这个项目太难了,我感觉到了挫败感。
This project is too difficult, I feel a sense of defeat.
感觉 (gǎnjué) also means 'to feel'.
第一次做饭,我把菜弄坏了,有点挫败感。
It was my first time cooking, I ruined the dish, I feel a little frustrated.
弄坏了 (nòng huài le) means 'ruined'.
他想学习开车,但是一直学不会,有挫败感。
He wants to learn to drive, but he can't learn it, he feels a sense of defeat.
学不会 (xué bù huì) means 'cannot learn'.
这本书太复杂了,我读不懂,有挫败感。
This book is too complicated, I can't understand it, I feel frustrated.
读不懂 (dú bù dǒng) means 'cannot understand by reading'.
我们想去公园,但是下雨了,我感到一些挫败感。
We wanted to go to the park, but it rained, I feel some frustration.
一些 (yīxiē) means 'some'.
尽管他付出了很多努力,但最终未能成功,这让他感到强烈的挫败感。
Although he put in a lot of effort, he ultimately did not succeed, which made him feel a strong sense of frustration.
尽管 (jǐnguǎn) - although, 最终 (zuìzhōng) - finally/ultimately, 未能 (wèinéng) - could not/failed to.
当她的想法不被同事理解时,她感到一阵挫败感。
When her ideas were not understood by her colleagues, she felt a wave of frustration.
当...时 (dāng...shí) - when, 不被理解 (bù bèi lǐjiě) - not be understood.
面对如此多的障碍,我们很难不产生挫败感。
Facing so many obstacles, it's hard for us not to feel a sense of defeat.
面对 (miànduì) - facing, 障碍 (zhàng'ài) - obstacles, 很难不 (hěn nán bù) - it is difficult not to.
这种持续的挫败感正在影响他的自信心。
This continuous sense of frustration is affecting his self-confidence.
持续的 (chíxù de) - continuous, 自信心 (zìxìn xīn) - self-confidence.
他试图克服这种挫败感,并重新开始。
He tried to overcome this sense of frustration and start again.
克服 (kèfú) - overcome, 重新开始 (chóngxīn kāishǐ) - start again.
团队在项目初期就遇到了很多问题,这给他们带来了挫败感。
The team encountered many problems in the early stages of the project, which brought them a sense of frustration.
初期 (chūqī) - early stages, 遇到 (yùdào) - encountered, 带来了 (dài lái le) - brought.
即使是最有经验的运动员,也会有感到挫败感的时候。
Even the most experienced athletes will have times when they feel a sense of defeat.
即使 (jíshǐ) - even if, 最有经验的 (zuì yǒu jīngyàn de) - most experienced, 运动员 (yùndòngyuán) - athlete.
他写了一篇小说,但没有得到发表的机会,这让他感到很大的挫败感。
He wrote a novel but didn't get the chance to publish it, which made him feel a great sense of frustration.
小说 (xiǎoshuō) - novel, 发表 (fābiǎo) - publish, 机会 (jīhuì) - opportunity.
当长期努力的计划最终化为泡影时,那种深入骨髓的挫败感几乎让人无法承受。
When a plan that has been worked on for a long time ultimately comes to nothing, that deep-seated sense of defeat is almost unbearable.
长期 (chángqī) - long-term, 化为泡影 (huàwéi pàoyǐng) - come to nothing/vanish like bubbles, 深入骨髓 (shēnrù gǔsuǐ) - deep-seated/penetrating to the bone, 承受 (chéngshòu) - bear/endure.
教育体系中的某些僵化规定,常常会给富有创造力的教师带来巨大的挫败感。
Certain rigid regulations within the education system often bring immense frustration to creative teachers.
教育体系 (jiàoyù tǐxì) - education system, 僵化规定 (jiānghuà guīdìng) - rigid regulations, 富有创造力的 (fùyǒu chuàngzàolì de) - creative.
他试图通过分析失败的原因来缓解内心的挫败感,但进展甚微。
He attempted to alleviate his inner frustration by analyzing the reasons for failure, but with little progress.
分析 (fēnxī) - analyze, 缓解 (huǎnjiě) - alleviate, 内心 (nèixīn) - inner, 进展甚微 (jìnzhǎn shènwēi) - little progress.
面对国际竞争的激烈,许多本土企业在发展过程中都经历了不同程度的挫败感。
In the face of fierce international competition, many local enterprises have experienced varying degrees of frustration during their development process.
国际竞争 (guójì jìngzhēng) - international competition, 本土企业 (běntǔ qǐyè) - local enterprises, 不同程度 (bùtóng chéngdù) - varying degrees.
这种无法控制局面的挫败感,有时会演变成对自身能力的怀疑。
This sense of frustration, stemming from an inability to control the situation, can sometimes escalate into doubt about one's own abilities.
无法控制 (wúfǎ kòngzhì) - unable to control, 局面 (júmiàn) - situation, 演变成 (yǎnbiàn chéng) - evolve into, 怀疑 (huáiyí) - doubt.
尽管媒体报道了许多成功案例,但普通民众在面对高房价时仍旧感受到强烈的挫败感。
Despite media reports of many success stories, ordinary people still feel a strong sense of frustration when facing high housing prices.
媒体报道 (méitǐ bàodào) - media reports, 普通民众 (pǔtōng mínzhòng) - ordinary people, 高房价 (gāo fángjià) - high housing prices.
他意识到,只有正视并接纳这种挫败感,才能找到前进的动力。
He realized that only by facing and accepting this sense of frustration could he find the motivation to move forward.
意识到 (yìshí dào) - realize, 正视 (zhèngshì) - face squarely, 接纳 (jiēnà) - accept, 前进的动力 (qiánjìn de dònglì) - motivation to move forward.
在科技飞速发展的时代,一些传统行业从业者因跟不上步伐而体验到了前所未有的挫败感。
In an era of rapid technological advancement, practitioners in some traditional industries experience unprecedented frustration due to their inability to keep pace.
科技飞速发展 (kējì fēisù fāzhǎn) - rapid technological development, 传统行业 (chuántǒng hángyè) - traditional industries, 跟不上步伐 (gēnbùshàng bùfá) - cannot keep pace, 前所未有 (qiánsuǒwèiyǒu) - unprecedented.
这种源于宏大叙事破灭的集体挫败感,往往会转化为社会层面的不安与焦虑。
This collective sense of defeat, stemming from the shattering of grand narratives, often transforms into societal unease and anxiety.
源于 (yuányú) - originate from, 宏大叙事 (hóngdà xùshì) - grand narrative, 破灭 (pòmiè) - shatter/crush, 集体 (jítǐ) - collective, 社会层面 (shèhuì céngmiàn) - societal level, 不安 (bù'ān) - unease, 焦虑 (jiāolǜ) - anxiety.
艺术家们在追求艺术的纯粹性过程中,常常要面对来自市场和评论界的双重挫败感。
In the pursuit of artistic purity, artists often have to face a dual sense of frustration from both the market and critics.
追求 (zhuīqiú) - pursue, 纯粹性 (chúncuì xìng) - purity, 评论界 (pínglùnjiè) - critics/critical circles, 双重 (shuāngchóng) - dual.
过度强调个人奋斗的价值观,可能忽视了结构性因素导致的普遍挫败感。
An overemphasis on the value of individual striving may overlook the widespread frustration caused by structural factors.
过度强调 (guòdù qiángdiào) - overemphasize, 个人奋斗 (gèrén fèndòu) - individual striving, 价值观 (jiàzhí guān) - values, 结构性因素 (jiégòuxìng yīnsù) - structural factors, 普遍 (pǔbiàn) - widespread.
他试图通过象征性的语言来表达那种难以名状的,混合了失落与无助的挫败感。
He attempted to express that ineffable sense of frustration, a mixture of loss and helplessness, through symbolic language.
象征性的语言 (xiàngzhēng xìng de yǔyán) - symbolic language, 难以名状 (nányǐ míngzhuàng) - ineffable/hard to describe, 混合了 (hùnhé le) - mixed with, 失落 (shīluò) - loss/disappointment, 无助 (wúzhù) - helpless.
改革进程中的反复与妥协,难免会引发参与者的挫败感,甚至对其信念产生动摇。
The repetitions and compromises in the reform process inevitably trigger frustration among participants, even shaking their beliefs.
改革进程 (gǎigé jìnchéng) - reform process, 反复 (fǎnfù) - repetition/back-and-forth, 妥协 (tuǒxié) - compromise, 难免 (nánmiǎn) - inevitably, 参与者 (cānyù zhě) - participants, 信念 (xìnniàn) - beliefs, 动摇 (dòngyáo) - shake/waver.
在这种信息爆炸的时代,个体在追寻真相时常常会因信息的碎片化而体验到一种认知上的挫败感。
In this era of information explosion, individuals often experience a cognitive frustration due to the fragmentation of information when seeking truth.
信息爆炸 (xìnxī bàozhà) - information explosion, 追寻真相 (zhuīxún zhēnxiàng) - seek truth, 碎片化 (suìpiàn huà) - fragmentation, 认知上 (rènzhī shàng) - cognitively.
他深知,克服这种根深蒂固的挫败感,需要比以往任何时候都更大的决心和毅力。
He knew deeply that overcoming this deep-rooted sense of frustration required greater determination and perseverance than ever before.
深知 (shēnzhī) - know deeply, 根深蒂固 (gēnshēndìgù) - deep-rooted, 决心 (juéxīn) - determination, 毅力 (yìlì) - perseverance.
文化转型期的阵痛,往往体现在个体对旧有价值观的依恋与新现实带来的挫败感之间的张力。
The pains of cultural transition are often reflected in the tension between individuals' attachment to old values and the frustration brought by new realities.
文化转型期 (wénhuà zhuǎnxíng qī) - cultural transition period, 阵痛 (zhèntòng) - pains/contractions, 体现在 (tǐxiàn zài) - reflected in, 依恋 (yīliàn) - attachment, 新现实 (xīn xiànshí) - new realities, 张力 (zhānglì) - tension.
历史的洪流裹挟着个体的命运,当宏伟的理想在现实的残酷面前化为泡影时,那种深切的、弥漫性的挫败感便成为集体无意识的一部分。
The torrent of history sweeps individual destinies along; when grand ideals vanish into nothingness before the cruelty of reality, that deep, pervasive sense of defeat becomes part of the collective unconscious.
洪流 (hóngliú) - torrent, 裹挟 (guǒxié) - sweep along/entangle, 宏伟的理想 (hóngwěi de lǐxiǎng) - grand ideals, 残酷 (cánkù) - cruelty, 弥漫性 (mímàn xìng) - pervasive, 集体无意识 (jítǐ wúyìshí) - collective unconscious.
后殖民语境下,受压迫民族在寻求文化自主的过程中,所体验到的结构性挫败感,往往比经济上的贫困更为蚀骨。
In the post-colonial context, the structural frustration experienced by oppressed peoples in their quest for cultural autonomy is often more corrosive than economic poverty.
后殖民语境 (hòuzhímín yǔjìng) - post-colonial context, 受压迫民族 (shòu yāpò mínzú) - oppressed peoples, 文化自主 (wénhuà zìzhǔ) - cultural autonomy, 结构性 (jiégòuxìng) - structural, 蚀骨 (shígǔ) - corrosive/bone-gnawing.
存在主义者认为,个体面对荒谬世界的徒劳抗争,其本质上就是一种无休止的、深刻的挫败感。
Existentialists posit that the individual's futile struggle against an absurd world is, in its essence, an unending, profound sense of defeat.
存在主义者 (cúnzài zhǔyì zhě) - existentialists, 荒谬世界 (huāngmiù shìjiè) - absurd world, 徒劳抗争 (túláo kàngzhēng) - futile struggle, 其本质上 (qí běnzhì shàng) - in its essence, 无休止的 (wúxiūzhǐ de) - unending.
当科学研究的严谨逻辑遭遇社会现实的非理性阻碍时,研究者内心滋生的那种理性人的挫败感,是难以言喻的。
When the rigorous logic of scientific research encounters irrational obstacles in social reality, the sense of frustration experienced by the researcher, that of a rational being, is ineffable.
严谨逻辑 (yánjǐn luójí) - rigorous logic, 非理性阻碍 (fēilǐxìng zǔ'ài) - irrational obstacles, 滋生 (zīshēng) - breed/germinate, 理性人 (lǐxìng rén) - rational person.
全球化进程中,本土文化在强势文化冲击下所显露的无力与失落,催生了一种复杂的、多层次的文化性挫败感。
In the process of globalization, the powerlessness and loss revealed by local cultures under the impact of dominant cultures give rise to a complex, multi-layered cultural frustration.
强势文化 (qiángshì wénhuà) - dominant culture, 冲击 (chōngjí) - impact/shock, 显露 (xiǎnlù) - reveal, 催生 (cuīshēng) - give rise to, 多层次 (duōcéngcì) - multi-layered, 文化性 (wénhuà xìng) - cultural (adjective).
艺术史的叙事往往聚焦于那些突破性的成功,却很少顾及那些在时代局限下默默承受挫败感而终究未被铭记的创作者。
The narratives of art history often focus on groundbreaking successes, yet rarely consider those creators who silently endured frustration under the limitations of their era and were ultimately not remembered.
艺术史 (yìshù shǐ) - art history, 叙事 (xùshì) - narrative, 聚焦于 (jùjiāo yú) - focus on, 时代局限 (shídài júxiàn) - limitations of the era, 默默承受 (mòmò chéngshòu) - silently endure, 终究 (zhōngjiū) - eventually/ultimately, 铭记 (míngjì) - remember/commemorate.
当个体价值与社会评价体系发生严重错位时,由此产生的结构性无力感和个体性挫败感交织,构成了一种深刻的生存困境。
When individual value and the social evaluation system become severely misaligned, the resulting structural powerlessness and individual frustration intertwine, constituting a profound existential dilemma.
个体价值 (gètǐ jiàzhí) - individual value, 社会评价体系 (shèhuì píngjià tǐxì) - social evaluation system, 严重错位 (yánzhòng cuòwèi) - severely misaligned, 结构性无力感 (jiégòuxìng wúlì gǎn) - structural powerlessness, 个体性 (gètǐ xìng) - individual (adjective), 交织 (jiāozhī) - intertwine, 生存困境 (shēngcún kùnjìng) - existential dilemma.
政治变革的缓慢进程,往往在民众期待与现实成就之间制造出巨大的鸿沟,进而滋生出一种普遍的、难以消解的政治性挫败感。
The slow process of political change often creates a vast chasm between public expectations and actual achievements, thereby breeding a pervasive and difficult-to-dissipate political frustration.
政治变革 (zhèngzhì biàngé) - political change, 缓慢进程 (huǎnmàn jìnchéng) - slow process, 公众期待 (gōngzhòng qīdài) - public expectations, 现实成就 (xiànshí chéngjiù) - actual achievements, 巨大鸿沟 (jùdà hónggōu) - vast chasm, 进而 (jìn'ér) - thereby/furthermore, 难以消解 (nányǐ xiāojiě) - difficult to dissipate/resolve.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To feel a sense of defeat or frustration.
当项目遇到困难时,团队成员都感到挫败感。
— A strong sense of defeat or frustration.
这次比赛的失利让他感到强烈的挫败感。
— To overcome a sense of defeat or frustration.
我们需要振作起来,克服挫败感。
— A hint or slight feeling of defeat or frustration.
即使在成功时,他也可能有一丝挫败感。
— To face a sense of defeat or frustration.
他选择勇敢地面对挫败感,而不是逃避。
— To get rid of a sense of defeat or frustration.
他通过运动来摆脱挫败感。
— A deep sense of defeat or frustration.
长期的努力没有结果,带来了深深的挫败感。
— This sense of defeat or frustration.
这种挫败感让他开始怀疑自己。
— To generate or produce a sense of defeat or frustration.
不合理的规则常常会产生挫败感。
— No sense of defeat or frustration.
他似乎总是有成就感,没有挫败感。
Often Confused With
挫败感 implies effort and a sense of being thwarted, while 失望 is general disappointment when expectations aren't met.
挫败感 is the specific feeling of defeat from a setback, while 沮丧 is a broader state of low spirits or dejection.
Both mean discouraged, but 挫败感 focuses on the feeling of defeat from failure, while 气馁 emphasizes the loss of spirit.
Idioms & Expressions
— To fight and lose repeatedly; to suffer repeated failures. This idiom describes a situation that leads to 挫败感.
他屡战屡败,最终感到非常挫败。
Neutral— To be disheartened; to lose heart. This idiom describes the state of being discouraged, often as a result of 挫败感.
经历了多次失败后,他心灰意冷。
Neutral— To be dejected or disheartened after one setback; to be unable to recover from a failure. This describes a severe consequence of 挫败感.
这次打击太大了,他一蹶不振。
Neutral— Literally 'grey head and dusty face'; describes a dejected, dispirited, or defeated appearance.
比赛输了,他灰头土脸地回来了。
Informal— All thoughts extinguished; utter despair. This describes an extreme state of hopelessness, often following profound 挫败感.
当一切希望破灭时,他万念俱灭。
Formal— To have unfulfilled ambitions; to die with one's aspirations unmet. This describes a state of deep regret and 挫败感 from unachieved goals.
他一生都在追求理想,可惜壮志未酬。
Formal— Exhausted in mind and body; utterly worn out. This can be a consequence of prolonged 挫败感.
长期的奋斗让他心力交瘁。
Neutral— To find it difficult to make progress; to be in a difficult situation. This describes the state of struggle that often leads to 挫败感.
由于资金问题,项目举步维艰。
Neutral— To be powerless; to be unable to do anything. This is closely related to the feeling of 无力感 often experienced with 挫败感.
面对如此强大的对手,他感到无能为力。
Neutral— To draw water with a bamboo basket; to achieve nothing; to waste one's efforts. This describes a futile effort, leading to 挫败感.
他的努力就像竹篮打水,一场空。
InformalEasily Confused
Both relate to negative feelings about outcomes.
<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark> (cuò bài gǎn) specifically arises from trying hard and failing, leading to a sense of defeat. 失望 (shīwàng) is a broader term for disappointment when expectations are not met, regardless of the effort invested. You can feel <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark> after a tough exam you studied for, but you might just feel 失望 if a friend cancels plans.
考试没考好,我感到挫败感。(Kǎoshì méi kǎo hǎo, wǒ gǎndào cuò bài gǎn.) - I didn't do well on the exam, I feel a sense of defeat. <br>朋友取消了约会,我很失望。(Péngyǒu qǔxiāo le yuēhuì, wǒ hěn shīwàng.) - My friend canceled the appointment, I am disappointed.
Both describe negative emotional states related to difficulties.
<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark> (cuò bài gǎn) is the feeling of being thwarted and defeated after effort. 沮丧 (jǔsàng) refers to a more general state of dejection or low spirits that can result from prolonged <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark> or other factors. <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark> is often a cause or component of 沮丧.
连续的失败让他感到挫败感,并最终变得沮丧。(Liánxù de shībài ràng tā gǎndào cuò bài gǎn, bìng zuìzhōng biàn dé jǔsàng.) - Continuous failures made him feel frustrated, and he eventually became dejected.
Both imply discouragement due to setbacks.
<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark> (cuò bài gǎn) is the feeling of defeat itself, often stemming from a specific failure. 气馁 (qìněi) is the resulting state of losing spirit or confidence. Experiencing <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark> often leads to feeling 气馁.
这次的打击太大了,我感到很挫败,也有些气馁。(Zhè cì de dǎjī tài dà le, wǒ gǎndào hěn cuò bài, yě yǒuxiē qìněi.) - This blow was too big, I feel very defeated and also a bit discouraged.
Both involve negative feelings about one's ability to influence outcomes.
<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark> (cuò bài gǎn) is the feeling of defeat after trying. 无力感 (wúlì gǎn) is specifically the feeling of powerlessness or helplessness, the inability to act or change a situation. 无力感 is often a core component of <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark>, but <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark> is broader and includes the sense of defeat.
面对这种局面,我感到无力感,这加剧了我的挫败感。(Miànduì zhè zhǒng júmiàn, wǒ gǎndào wúlì gǎn, zhè jiājù le wǒ de cuò bài gǎn.) - Facing this situation, I felt powerless, which intensified my sense of defeat.
Both describe negative feelings related to lack of success.
<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark> (cuò bài gǎn) is a feeling of defeat after effort. 失意 (shīyì) means being disappointed or frustrated, often in a career or personal life context, and can be more about unfulfilled ambitions or lack of recognition. While related, <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark> is more about the direct emotional response to a specific failure.
他的计划被否定了,感到挫败感。(Tā de jìhuà bèi fǒudìng le, gǎndào cuò bài gǎn.) - His plan was rejected, he felt a sense of defeat. <br>他事业不顺,感到很失意。(Tā shìyè bù shùn, gǎndào hěn shīyì.) - His career is not going well, he feels very frustrated.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 感到 + 挫败感。
我感到挫败感。
Situation, + Subject + 有 + 挫败感。
失败了,他有挫败感。
Adverb + 的 + 挫败感
强烈的挫败感。
Subject + 克服/面对 + 挫败感。
他正在克服挫败感。
尽管 + Situation 1, + Subject + 感到 + 挫败感。
尽管很努力,他还是感到挫败感。
因为 + Cause, + Subject + 感到 + 挫败感。
因为项目失败,他感到挫败感。
这种 + 挫败感 + 导致/引发 + Consequence。
这种挫败感导致他不想再尝试。
Subject + 试图 + 克服/理解 + 这种 + 挫败感。
她试图理解这种挫败感。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Common
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Using 挫败感 for minor disappointments.
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Use 失望 (shīwàng) for general disappointment or 烦 (fán) for annoyance.
<mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark> implies a sense of defeat after significant effort. For example, forgetting your umbrella might cause disappointment, but not necessarily a sense of defeat.
-
Confusing 挫败感 with 沮丧 (jǔsàng).
→
挫败感 is the feeling of defeat from a setback; 沮丧 is a more general state of dejection or low spirits.
You might feel <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark> after failing a test, which could then lead to feeling 沮丧 if it persists. They are related but distinct.
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Using 挫败感 as a verb directly.
→
Use verbs like '感到' (gǎndào - to feel) or '有' (yǒu - to have) with 挫败感.
Incorrect: 我挫败。(Wǒ cuò bài.) Correct: 我感到挫败感。(Wǒ gǎndào cuò bài gǎn.) - I feel frustration.
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Overusing 挫败感 for any negative emotion.
→
Reserve <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark> for situations involving failure after effort.
Emotions like anger (生气 - shēngqì) or sadness (伤心 - shāngxīn) are different from the specific feeling of defeat inherent in <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark>.
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Forgetting the 'effort' component.
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Remember that <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark> arises from trying and failing, not just from something not happening.
If you didn't try for a job and didn't get it, you wouldn't feel <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark>; you might just acknowledge the situation.
Tips
Mastering the Tones
Pay close attention to the tones of each character: 'cuò' (4th tone), 'bài' (4th tone), 'gǎn' (3rd tone). Incorrect tones can alter the meaning or make the word difficult to understand.
Build with Related Words
Learn related words like 失败 (failure), 失望 (disappointment), and 克服 (overcome) to better understand and use 挫败感 in context.
Use Mnemonics
Create vivid mental images or short stories that connect the sound of the word to its meaning. For example, imagine a 'tsunami' ('cuò') that 'beats' ('bài') your efforts, leaving you with a 'feeling' ('gǎn') of defeat.
Active Recall
Test yourself regularly. Try to recall the meaning and usage of 挫败感 without looking at notes. Write sentences or explain its meaning aloud.
Cultural Nuances
Understand that while the emotion is universal, the way it's expressed and perceived can vary. In Chinese culture, resilience and learning from failure are often emphasized.
Noun Function
挫败感 is a noun. You typically 'feel' (感到 - gǎndào) it or it 'is' (是 - shì) a certain way. Avoid using it directly as a verb or adjective.
Distinguish Similar Words
Learn the subtle differences between 挫败感, 失望, and 沮丧 to express your emotions more precisely.
Real-World Scenarios
Think about real-life situations where you or others might experience 挫败感, such as failing a project or not achieving a personal goal.
Personal Connection
Reflect on your own experiences with failure and defeat. How did you feel? This personal connection will make the word more meaningful and easier to remember.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'tsunami' (sounds like 'cuò') that 'beats' (sounds like 'bài') down all your efforts, leaving you with a bad 'feeling' (gǎn). A tsunami beating down your efforts leads to a feeling of defeat.
Visual Association
Picture a runner tripping and falling just before the finish line, their face showing a look of pure frustration and defeat. The finish line represents the goal, and the fall is the 'cuò bài'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe a time you felt 挫败感 in your own words, using at least three other related vocabulary words like 'disappointment' or 'failure'.
Word Origin
The word 挫败感 (cuò bài gǎn) is composed of three characters. '挫' (cuò) means to frustrate, to thwart, or to break. '败' (bài) means to defeat or to fail. '感' (gǎn) means feeling or sensation. Together, they literally form 'frustration-defeat-feeling'.
Original meaning: The characters themselves carry the meaning of being thwarted and defeated, leading to a negative emotional response.
Sino-TibetanCultural Context
When discussing 挫败感, be mindful that it's a sensitive emotion. Avoid dismissive language. Acknowledge the validity of the feeling and perhaps offer encouragement or support.
In English-speaking cultures, terms like 'frustration', 'disappointment', 'sense of defeat', or 'feeling down' are used. The emphasis on resilience and learning from failure is also a common theme.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Discussing personal challenges or setbacks in life.
- 我感到挫败感。
- 这次失败让我有挫败感。
- 克服挫败感很难。
- 我不想再有挫败感了。
Talking about work or academic struggles.
- 项目进展不顺利,大家都有挫败感。
- 考试没考好,我感到挫败。
- 工作中的挫败感。
- 面对职业挫败感。
Describing disappointment in sports or competitions.
- 输了比赛,队员们感到挫败。
- 这次失利带来了挫败感。
- 运动员的挫败感。
- 战胜挫败感。
Expressing feelings after failed attempts at a hobby or skill.
- 学不会新技能,我感到挫败。
- 烹饪失败,有点挫败感。
- 面对学习挫败感。
- 克服学习中的挫败。
Reflecting on societal or systemic issues.
- 社会不公让人产生挫败感。
- 改革进程中的挫败感。
- 普遍的挫败感。
- 应对社会挫败感。
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever felt a strong sense of defeat after trying very hard at something? What happened?"
"When do you think people are most likely to experience 挫败感 (cuò bài gǎn)?"
"How do you usually cope with feelings of frustration or defeat?"
"Can you share a time when you overcame a significant setback and the 挫败感 that came with it?"
"What's the difference between feeling disappointed and feeling defeated (挫败感) in your opinion?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a situation where you experienced <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark>. What were the circumstances, and how did it make you feel?
Reflect on a time you failed at something important. What did you learn from that experience, and how did you move past the feeling of defeat?
What strategies can you use to build resilience and prevent <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark> from overwhelming you?
How does the feeling of <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark> affect your motivation to try new things or pursue goals?
Think about someone you admire who has faced significant challenges. How might they have dealt with feelings of <mark class='bg-yellow-200 dark:bg-yellow-800 px-0.5 rounded'>挫败感</mark>?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe literal translation of 挫败感 (cuò bài gǎn) is 'frustrate-defeat-feeling'. It breaks down into '挫' (cuò) meaning to frustrate or thwart, '败' (bài) meaning to defeat or fail, and '感' (gǎn) meaning feeling or sensation.
You would use 挫败感 when you have put in significant effort towards a goal and then failed or encountered major obstacles, leading to a feeling of defeat. You would use 失望 (shīwàng) for general disappointment when expectations aren't met, even if you didn't invest much effort.
Yes, 挫败感 is a common word used in everyday conversations, media, and literature, especially when discussing personal struggles, professional challenges, or societal issues. It's a relatable emotion.
Primarily, 挫败感 refers to an emotional or psychological state. While strong emotions can sometimes manifest physically (e.g., feeling heavy or drained), the word itself denotes the mental and emotional aspect of defeat and frustration.
You can say '我感到挫败感' (Wǒ gǎndào cuò bài gǎn) or '我很有挫败感' (Wǒ hěn yǒu cuò bài gǎn), which means 'I feel a lot of frustration' or 'I have a lot of frustration'.
挫败感 (cuò bài gǎn) is the feeling of defeat from failure after effort. 气馁 (qìněi) is the resulting state of losing spirit or confidence. Experiencing 挫败感 often leads to feeling 气馁.
Generally, 挫败感 is used for more significant setbacks where effort was involved. For minor inconveniences, simpler words like 'annoyed' (烦 - fán) or 'disappointed' (失望 - shīwàng) might be more appropriate.
Common situations include failing an important exam despite studying hard, a business venture not succeeding, an athlete losing a key competition, or struggling to learn a difficult skill.
While the feeling itself is negative, overcoming 挫败感 can lead to growth, resilience, and a deeper understanding of one's limits and strengths. It can also be a catalyst for re-evaluation and finding new approaches.
It's difficult to completely avoid 挫败感 as it's a natural response to failure. However, developing resilience, setting realistic expectations, learning from mistakes, and seeking support can help manage and reduce its impact.
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Summary
挫败感 (cuò bài gǎn) describes the negative emotion of feeling defeated or frustrated after putting in effort but not succeeding. It's a common feeling when facing obstacles or setbacks.
- A feeling of defeat or frustration when efforts fail.
- Experienced after trying hard but not achieving a goal.
- Related to disappointment and discouragement.
- Common in situations of setbacks and failures.
Mastering the Tones
Pay close attention to the tones of each character: 'cuò' (4th tone), 'bài' (4th tone), 'gǎn' (3rd tone). Incorrect tones can alter the meaning or make the word difficult to understand.
Context is Key
Remember that 挫败感 implies effort was made and then thwarted. It's not for every small disappointment.
Build with Related Words
Learn related words like 失败 (failure), 失望 (disappointment), and 克服 (overcome) to better understand and use 挫败感 in context.
Use Mnemonics
Create vivid mental images or short stories that connect the sound of the word to its meaning. For example, imagine a 'tsunami' ('cuò') that 'beats' ('bài') your efforts, leaving you with a 'feeling' ('gǎn') of defeat.
Related Content
More emotions words
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
一点
A1A little; a bit; slightly.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.