骤降 in 30 Seconds
- 驟降 (zhòujiàng) means a sudden, sharp drop.
- Used for temperature, prices, performance, etc.
- Implies a rapid and significant decrease.
The Chinese word 骤降 (zhòujiàng) is a verb that describes a sudden and dramatic fall or decrease in something. Think of it as an abrupt plunge. It's not a gradual decline; it's a sharp, quick drop. This word is frequently used in various contexts to convey the idea of a rapid deterioration or reduction.
- Common Scenarios
- People often use 骤降 when talking about changes in temperature. For instance, if the weather suddenly becomes much colder, you might say the temperature has 骤降. Similarly, it's used for prices, like a sudden drop in stock market values or the price of a product. It can also describe a sharp decline in performance, such as a company's profits or an athlete's speed. Other applications include a sudden decrease in water levels, sales figures, or even popularity.
- The key element of 骤降 is the suddenness and the magnitude of the drop. It implies a change that is noticeable and often unexpected. When you see or hear 骤降, picture a steep downward slope, not a gentle incline.
The sudden drop in temperature made everyone shiver. 气温的骤降让所有人都打了个寒颤。
The company's stock prices experienced a sharp decline after the announcement. 公司股价在声明后出现了骤降。
We witnessed a sharp fall in sales last quarter. 我们目睹了上个季度销量的骤降。
- Key Characteristics
- The word 骤降 emphasizes speed and severity. It's the opposite of a gradual change. If something decreases slowly, you would use a different word. This word is often used in news reports, economic analyses, and discussions about weather phenomena due to its descriptive power.
- Consider the context: if a car's engine suddenly stops working, you wouldn't say it 骤降; you'd say it broke down. However, if the car's speed suddenly dropped from 100 km/h to 20 km/h, you could describe that as a 骤降 in speed. This distinction is important for accurate usage.
Using 骤降 effectively involves understanding its core meaning of a sudden, sharp decline. It's often paired with nouns that represent quantifiable things that can decrease significantly. Common sentence structures involve placing the subject before 骤降, or using it in a descriptive phrase.
- Basic Sentence Structure
- The most straightforward way to use 骤降 is as a verb following its subject. For example, if we're talking about the stock market:
The stock market experienced a sharp decline. 股市出现了骤降。
- Here, '股市' (stock market) is the subject, and '出现了骤降' (experienced a sharp decline) is the predicate. The verb '出现' (to appear) is often used with 骤降 to make the sentence sound more natural, though 骤降 itself can function as the verb.
- Another common pattern is to describe the subject of the drop:
The price of oil has dropped sharply. 油价骤降。
- In this case, '油价' (oil price) is the subject, and '骤降' directly acts as the verb, indicating the sharp fall in price.
- Here, '股市' (stock market) is the subject, and '出现了骤降' (experienced a sharp decline) is the predicate. The verb '出现' (to appear) is often used with 骤降 to make the sentence sound more natural, though 骤降 itself can function as the verb.
- Adding Context and Cause
- To make your sentences more descriptive, you can add phrases indicating the reason or time of the drop.
Due to the bad weather, the number of tourists suddenly decreased. 由于恶劣天气，游客数量出现了骤降。
- Here, '由于恶劣天气' (due to bad weather) provides the cause, and '游客数量' (number of tourists) is the subject that experienced the 骤降.
After the new policy was implemented, the company's profits plummeted. 新政策实施后，公司的利润出现了骤降。
- The phrase '新政策实施后' (after the new policy was implemented) sets the time and cause for the '公司的利润' (company's profits) to 骤降.
- Here, '由于恶劣天气' (due to bad weather) provides the cause, and '游客数量' (number of tourists) is the subject that experienced the 骤降.
- Using with Adverbs
- While 骤降 itself implies suddenness, you can sometimes use adverbs for emphasis, though it's less common as the word already carries that meaning.
The temperature suddenly dropped sharply. 气温突然骤降。
- In this example, '突然' (suddenly) reinforces the meaning of 骤降. However, in many cases, 骤降 alone is sufficient and more concise.
You'll encounter 骤降 (zhòujiàng) most frequently in contexts where rapid and significant changes are being discussed. It's a word that adds a sense of drama and urgency to descriptions of decline.
- News and Media
- News reports, especially those covering economics, finance, weather, and sometimes social trends, often use 骤降. For example, a financial news headline might read: “股市昨日出现罕见骤降” (The stock market experienced a rare sharp decline yesterday). Similarly, weather forecasts might mention a “气温骤降” (sudden drop in temperature).
The news reported a sharp drop in tourism. 新闻报道了游客数量的骤降。
- You might also hear it in discussions about public opinion or product popularity suddenly decreasing.
- Business and Economics
- In business meetings or economic analyses, 骤降 is used to describe significant downturns. This could be a sales performance plummeting, market share dropping, or company profits nosediving. For example, a manager might say, “我们第三季度的销售额出现了严重的骤降。” (Our sales figures experienced a severe drop in the third quarter).
The company's profits saw a sharp decline. 公司的利润出现了骤降。
- Scientific and Technical Contexts
- In scientific fields, 骤降 can be used to describe sudden changes in measurements. For instance, in environmental science, it might refer to a sudden drop in air quality or water levels. In engineering or physics, it could describe a sudden drop in voltage or pressure.
The pressure in the system dropped sharply. 系统压力出现了骤降。
The number of visitors to the museum dropped sharply during the holiday. 博物馆的参观人数在假期出现了骤降。
While 骤降 (zhòujiàng) is a useful word, learners might make mistakes by using it in situations where a gradual change is happening, or by confusing it with words that describe other types of negative changes.
- Mistake 1: Applying it to Gradual Changes
- One common error is using 骤降 to describe a slow, steady decrease. 骤降 specifically implies a sudden and sharp fall. If something decreases gradually over time, you should use other words like 下降 (xiàjiàng - to descend/decrease, which can be gradual or sudden) or 减少 (jiǎnshǎo - to reduce, often gradual).
Incorrect: The population decreased gradually over the decade. 人口在过去十年里骤降。
- Correct: 人口在过去十年里逐渐减少 (The population gradually decreased over the past decade).
- Correct: 人口在过去十年里缓慢下降 (The population slowly declined over the past decade).
- Correct (if it was a sudden event): 由于一场突发的灾难，人口骤降 (Due to a sudden disaster, the population plummeted).
- Correct: 人口在过去十年里逐渐减少 (The population gradually decreased over the past decade).
- Mistake 2: Confusing with Related Concepts
- Learners might confuse 骤降 with words that describe other negative outcomes, like failure or collapse. While a sharp drop might lead to failure, 骤降 itself only describes the drop, not the ultimate consequence.
Incorrect: The company failed suddenly. 公司骤降。
- Correct: 公司突然倒闭了 (The company suddenly went bankrupt).
- Correct (if it refers to a performance drop leading to failure): 公司业绩的骤降导致了倒闭 (The sharp decline in the company's performance led to its bankruptcy).
- Correct: 公司突然倒闭了 (The company suddenly went bankrupt).
- Mistake 3: Overusing the Verb '出现'
- While '出现骤降' (to have a sharp decline) is common and natural, sometimes learners might overuse '出现' where 骤降 can stand alone as a verb. This isn't strictly wrong but can sometimes sound slightly redundant or less direct.
Slightly less concise: 气温的出现骤降。
- More concise and direct: 气温骤降。
While 骤降 (zhòujiàng) specifically denotes a sudden and sharp drop, several other Chinese words can describe decreases, offering different nuances in speed and intensity. Understanding these distinctions is key to precise vocabulary usage.
- 下降 (xiàjiàng)
- This is a general term for 'to descend,' 'to fall,' or 'to decrease.' It can be used for both sudden and gradual changes. It's a neutral term and lacks the dramatic emphasis of 骤降.
Temperature decreased. 气温下降。
- Comparison: 气温下降 is more general. If the temperature dropped very suddenly, you'd use 气温骤降.
- 减少 (jiǎnshǎo)
- This means 'to reduce' or 'to decrease' in quantity. It's often used for countable things and typically implies a more deliberate or gradual reduction rather than a sudden fall.
We need to reduce expenses. 我们需要减少开支。
- Comparison: You reduce expenses (减少开支), but if the demand for your product suddenly plummeted, you'd say 需求骤降.
- 下跌 (xiàdiē)
- Primarily used for prices, stocks, or levels falling. It can imply a drop, but not necessarily as abrupt as 骤降. It's common in financial contexts.
The stock price fell. 股价下跌。
- Comparison: While 股价下跌 can be sudden, 股价骤降 emphasizes the dramatic and rapid nature of the fall even more strongly.
- 暴跌 (bàodiē)
- This is a very strong synonym for 骤降, meaning 'to plunge,' 'to crash,' or 'to plummet.' It's often used interchangeably with 骤降, especially in financial news, to describe a catastrophic fall.
The market crashed. 市场暴跌。
- Comparison: 暴跌 is very similar to 骤降 and often used for extreme financial market collapses. Both convey a sense of sudden, severe decline.
- 断崖式下跌 (duànyáshì xiàdiē)
- Literally meaning 'cliff-like fall,' this is a more descriptive and emphatic term, often used in media to highlight an extremely sharp and precipitous decline, similar to 骤降 and 暴跌.
The stock experienced a cliff-like fall. 股票出现了断崖式下跌。
- Comparison: This is a more vivid and often used in sensationalized reporting, emphasizing the steepness of the drop, much like 骤降.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character 骤 itself is composed of 犭 (quǎn, meaning 'dog' or radical related to animals) and 骤 (zhòu, which historically referred to a fast-running horse or a rapid pace). This etymology suggests an origin related to swift movement, fitting its modern meaning of suddenness. The character 降 has a more complex origin, involving components that suggest descent or yielding.
Pronunciation Guide
- Mispronouncing the 'zh' sound: Learners might substitute it with 'z' or 'j' sounds that are too soft or too forward.
- Incorrect tones: The falling tone (51) on 'zhòu' and the rising tone (214) on 'jiàng' are critical for meaning. Incorrect tones can lead to misunderstanding.
- Pronouncing 'jiàng' as a single vowel sound instead of a diphthong (i-ang).
Difficulty Rating
At a B1 level, readers can encounter 骤降 in news articles, weather reports, or simple business contexts. Understanding the specific nuance of 'sudden and sharp' requires some familiarity with the word's connotations. It's not an everyday word for basic conversations but is common in descriptive texts.
Learners at B1 can begin to use 骤降 when describing events that are indeed sudden and sharp. Overuse or misuse in contexts of gradual decline is a common pitfall. Accurate usage requires a good grasp of the word's specific meaning and context.
When speaking, learners at B1 might use 骤降 to add emphasis to descriptions of events like weather changes or market fluctuations. It's a word that adds impact. However, spontaneous use might be less frequent than in reading or writing, as learners might default to simpler terms.
In spoken Chinese, hearing 骤降 indicates a significant and rapid event. Listeners at B1 can likely identify the core meaning of a sudden drop, especially in contexts like news broadcasts or weather reports. The tone and surrounding words will help confirm the meaning.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Using 出现 (chūxiàn) with verbs indicating events.
Subject + 出现 + Verb. For example, '股市出现了骤降' (The stock market experienced a sharp decline). 出现 is often used to introduce an event or phenomenon.
Using 由于 (yóuyú) to indicate cause.
由于 + [Cause], + [Effect]. For example, '由于恶劣天气，气温骤降' (Due to bad weather, the temperature dropped sharply).
Using time phrases to specify when an event occurred.
Time Phrase + Subject + Verb. For example, '昨天，股价骤降' (Yesterday, stock prices dropped sharply).
Using adverbs to modify the manner of the drop.
Subject + [Adverb] + 骤降. For example, '气温突然骤降' (The temperature suddenly dropped sharply). Note that 骤降 already implies suddenness, so adverbs are for extra emphasis.
Using 的 (de) to form noun phrases describing the drop.
Subject + 的 + 骤降. For example, '销量的骤降' (The sharp decline in sales).
Examples by Level
The temperature dropped.
Use a simple word for temperature and a verb for dropping.
Focus on simple subject-verb structure.
The price went down.
Use a common word for price and a verb for decrease.
Basic sentence structure for describing change.
It got cold quickly.
Describe the weather becoming cold rapidly.
Using adverbs to describe speed.
Sales were lower.
Describe a decrease in sales.
Simple past tense to indicate a past decrease.
The speed reduced.
Use a word for speed and a verb for reduction.
Focus on describing a change in a measurable quantity.
The water level fell.
Describe a decrease in water level.
Simple past tense for a past event.
The number of people decreased.
Use a word for number and a verb for decrease.
Describing a reduction in quantity.
The performance was not good.
Describe a decline in performance.
Focus on describing a negative outcome.
The temperature dropped sharply overnight.
Use the target word for sharp drop and 'overnight'.
Using 骤降 with a time adverbial.
The stock prices experienced a sudden plunge.
Use the target word for sudden plunge and 'stock prices'.
Using 骤降 with 'experienced' (出现).
After the announcement, customer numbers saw a sharp decline.
Use the target word for sharp decline and mention 'customer numbers' and 'after the announcement'.
Using 骤降 to describe a decrease in quantity.
The company's profits plummeted in the last quarter.
Use the target word for plummet and 'company's profits' and 'last quarter'.
Using 骤降 to describe a financial downturn.
We witnessed a sudden drop in air quality due to the factory.
Use the target word for sudden drop and mention 'air quality' and the cause.
Using 骤降 to describe environmental changes.
The demand for the product saw a sharp decrease.
Use the target word for sharp decrease and 'demand for the product'.
Describing market trends with 骤降.
His performance on the exam was a sharp fall from his usual standard.
Use the target word for sharp fall and 'his performance on the exam' and 'usual standard'.
Using 骤降 to describe a decline in personal achievement.
The sudden drop in temperature caused widespread power outages.
Use the target word for sudden drop and mention its consequence.
Showing cause and effect with 骤降.
The economic indicators showed a precipitous decline following the policy changes.
Use the target word for precipitous decline and mention 'economic indicators' and 'policy changes'.
Using 骤降 in a formal economic context.
Following the scandal, the company's reputation experienced a dramatic nosedive.
Use the target word for dramatic nosedive and 'company's reputation' and 'scandal'.
Using 骤降 to describe a severe loss of credibility.
The sudden drop in the water table is a cause for concern among environmentalists.
Use the target word for sudden drop and 'water table' and mention 'environmentalists'.
Using 骤降 in an environmental science context.
Analysts predicted a sharp fall in consumer spending due to inflation.
Use the target word for sharp fall and 'consumer spending' and 'inflation'.
Predicting a decline using 骤降.
The unexpected drop in performance threatened the team's playoff chances.
Use the target word for unexpected drop and 'performance' and 'playoff chances'.
Using 骤降 to describe a critical decline in sports.
The sharp decrease in oil prices had a significant impact on the global market.
Use the target word for sharp decrease and 'oil prices' and its impact.
Discussing the broad consequences of a 骤降.
The rapid fall in the birth rate has become a major demographic challenge.
Use the target word for rapid fall and 'birth rate' and 'demographic challenge'.
Using 骤降 to describe demographic shifts.
The sudden drop in website traffic after the update caused concern for the developers.
Use the target word for sudden drop and 'website traffic' and 'developers'.
Describing a technical issue with 骤降.
The geopolitical instability precipitated a precipitous decline in foreign investment.
Use the target word for precipitous decline and 'geopolitical instability' and 'foreign investment'.
Using 骤降 in a sophisticated geopolitical and economic context.
The abrupt cessation of funding led to a catastrophic fall in research output.
Use the target word for catastrophic fall and 'abrupt cessation of funding' and 'research output'.
Emphasizing the severity of the drop with 骤降.
Following the viral outbreak, there was a marked drop in public confidence in the healthcare system.
Use the target word for marked drop and 'public confidence' and 'healthcare system'.
Describing a decline in trust using 骤降.
The unexpected collapse in demand necessitated a radical restructuring of the supply chain.
Use the target word for unexpected collapse and 'demand' and 'restructuring of the supply chain'.
Using 骤降 to describe a critical market shift.
The sharp deterioration in air quality during the wildfire season was alarming.
Use the target word for sharp deterioration and 'air quality' and 'wildfire season'.
Using 骤降 to describe environmental crises.
The sudden drop in technological innovation has raised concerns about future economic growth.
Use the target word for sudden drop and 'technological innovation' and 'economic growth'.
Discussing macro-economic trends with 骤降.
The sharp decline in voter turnout in recent elections is a worrying trend.
Use the target word for sharp decline and 'voter turnout' and 'worrying trend'.
Analyzing political trends with 骤降.
The drastic fall in biodiversity is a critical threat to ecosystem stability.
Use the target word for drastic fall and 'biodiversity' and 'ecosystem stability'.
Using 骤降 in an ecological context.
The exogenous shock precipitated a systemic collapse, manifesting as a sharp decline in asset values across all sectors.
Use the target word for sharp decline and 'exogenous shock', 'systemic collapse', and 'asset values'.
Utilizing 骤降 in highly technical financial or economic discourse.
The abrupt erosion of institutional trust resulted in a profound drop in social cohesion.
Use the target word for profound drop and 'erosion of institutional trust' and 'social cohesion'.
Applying 骤降 to abstract sociological concepts.
The unanticipated downturn in global manufacturing output signaled a potential recession, characterized by a precipitous fall in trade volumes.
Use the target word for precipitous fall and 'unanticipated downturn', 'global manufacturing output', and 'trade volumes'.
Using 骤降 in a detailed analysis of global economic conditions.
The ecological cascade triggered by the invasive species led to a dramatic drop in native population numbers.
Use the target word for dramatic drop and 'ecological cascade', 'invasive species', and 'native population numbers'.
Employing 骤降 in advanced ecological discussions.
The sudden devaluation of the currency caused a sharp contraction in purchasing power.
Use the target word for sharp contraction and 'devaluation of the currency' and 'purchasing power'.
Using 骤降 to describe severe economic consequences.
The abrupt decline in academic research funding has had a chilling effect on innovation.
Use the target word for abrupt decline and 'academic research funding' and 'chilling effect on innovation'.
Discussing the impact of funding cuts with 骤降.
The sharp drop in atmospheric pressure preceded the severe storm.
Use the target word for sharp drop and 'atmospheric pressure' and 'severe storm'.
Using 骤降 in meteorological forecasting.
The rapid obsolescence of technology contributed to a sudden decrease in the market value of older devices.
Use the target word for sudden decrease and 'obsolescence of technology' and 'market value of older devices'.
Describing market dynamics related to technological change with 骤降.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To experience a sharp decline. This is a very common way to use 骤降, often implying that the drop is a notable event.
The stock market experienced a sharp decline yesterday. 股市昨日出现了骤降。
— To cause a sharp decline. This phrase is used when explaining the reason behind a sudden drop.
The new policy led to a sharp decline in sales. 新政策导致了销量的骤降。
— To undergo or experience a sharp decline. Similar to 出现骤降, it emphasizes that something has gone through this event.
The company's profits underwent a sharp decline last quarter. 公司上季度的利润经历了一次骤降。
— To face or be confronted with a sharp decline. This suggests a challenging situation where a significant drop is imminent or occurring.
The industry is facing a sharp decline due to new competition. 该行业正面临着由于新竞争而导致的骤降。
— A sharp decline of something. This is a possessive structure where the noun indicating what has declined is placed before 骤降.
We observed a sharp decline in user engagement. 我们观察到了用户参与度的骤降。
— Suddenly drops sharply. While 骤降 itself implies suddenness, adding '突然' (suddenly) can provide extra emphasis.
The temperature suddenly dropped sharply. 气温突然骤降。
— Severely drops sharply. '严重' (serious/severe) adds emphasis to the magnitude of the decline.
The company's performance saw a severe drop. 公司业绩出现了严重骤降。
— Rare sharp decline. Used to describe a drop that is unusual or uncommon.
The stock market experienced a rare sharp decline yesterday. 股市昨日出现了罕见的骤降。
— Unannounced sharp decline. Highlights that the drop was unexpected.
The price of the product experienced an unannounced sharp decline. 该产品的价格出现了无预警的骤降。
— Market sharp decline. Refers specifically to a sharp drop in a market.
The market experienced a sharp decline due to economic uncertainty. 由于经济不确定性，市场出现了骤降。
Often Confused With
下降 is a general term for 'to decrease' or 'to fall' and can be gradual or sudden. 骤降 specifically means a sudden and sharp fall, emphasizing speed and intensity. Using 骤降 for a slow decrease would be incorrect.
减少 means 'to reduce' or 'to decrease' in quantity. It often implies a more deliberate or gradual action and is typically used for countable items. 骤降 describes a dramatic, often involuntary, fall.
下跌 is commonly used for prices, stocks, or levels falling. While it can imply a sharp fall, 骤降 emphasizes the suddenness and abruptness more strongly, often used for more dramatic events.
Idioms & Expressions
— To drop ten thousand feet at once; to drop drastically or plummet. This idiom is very similar in meaning to 骤降 and 暴跌, emphasizing a sudden and significant fall, often used for reputation, status, or prices.
After the scandal, his reputation dropped drastically. 丑闻发生后，他的声誉一落千丈。
Figurative, common— A cliff-like fall. This is a more modern, often media-driven idiom that vividly describes an extremely steep and sudden drop, much like 骤降.
The stock experienced a cliff-like fall after the bad news. 这只股票在坏消息传出后出现了断崖式下跌。
Figurative, common in media— To drop one's glasses; to be very surprised by a sudden event, often a negative one like a sharp decline. While not directly meaning 'to drop sharply', it's related to the shock of a sudden, unexpected fall.
The unexpected drop in sales really surprised everyone. 销量出乎意料的骤降让所有人都跌破了眼镜。
Figurative, informal— To fall from the clouds; to experience a sudden and dramatic downfall from a high position or state of success. Similar to 骤降 in its implication of a sudden, significant drop from a high point.
The once-popular celebrity fell from grace after the scandal. 这位曾经受欢迎的名人因丑闻而从云端跌落。
Figurative, literary— To flow down a thousand miles in one go; describes a rapid and unstoppable descent or decline, often used for water, prices, or momentum.
The market conditions caused the prices to fall rapidly. 市场行情导致价格一泻千里。
Figurative, common— The general trend/situation is gone; implies a situation has deteriorated beyond recovery, often following a significant decline.
After the major product failure, it was clear the company's success was over. 在产品重大失败后，很明显公司的成功大势已去。
Figurative, common— To fall into the bottom of a valley; to reach the lowest point, often after a period of decline.
The company's stock price reached its lowest point. 公司股价跌入了谷底。
Figurative, common— To turn sharply and descend straight down; describes a situation that rapidly deteriorates or changes for the worse.
The political situation changed rapidly for the worse. 政治局势急转直下。
Figurative, common— Like a river flowing downhill day by day; describes a situation that steadily deteriorates or declines.
The country's economy has been declining for years. 这个国家的经济多年来江河日下。
Figurative, formal— Adding frost to snow; making a bad situation worse. While not directly about a drop, it's often used when a decline (like financial loss) is compounded by further bad news.
Losing his job was bad enough, but then his car broke down, adding frost to snow. 失业已经够糟了，但他的车又坏了，真是雪上加霜。
Figurative, commonEasily Confused
Both words describe a decrease or fall.
下降 is a general term for decrease and can be gradual or sudden. 骤降 specifically denotes a sudden, sharp, and significant drop, emphasizing speed and intensity. For example, '气温下降' (temperature decreased) could be gradual, while '气温骤降' (temperature dropped sharply) implies a rapid, noticeable change.
The temperature decreased gradually over the week. <mark>气温在一周内逐渐下降</mark>。 The temperature dropped sharply overnight. <mark>气温一夜之间骤降</mark>。
Both words describe a very sharp fall.
暴跌 and 骤降 are very close synonyms, often used interchangeably, especially in financial contexts. 暴跌 can sometimes imply an even more catastrophic or overwhelming fall, like a market 'crash'. 骤降 focuses slightly more on the abruptness and suddenness of the drop itself.
The stock market crashed dramatically. <mark>股市出现了暴跌</mark>。 The stock market experienced a sudden sharp decline. <mark>股市出现了一次骤降</mark>。
Both imply a significant reduction.
锐减 means 'to decrease sharply' or 'to reduce drastically', emphasizing the magnitude of the reduction. 骤降 emphasizes the suddenness and abruptness of the fall. While a 锐减 can be sudden, 骤降 inherently includes the element of suddenness.
The company's profits decreased drastically last year. <mark>公司去年的利润锐减</mark>。 The company's profits dropped sharply last quarter. <mark>公司上个季度的利润出现了骤降</mark>。
Both are used for falls, especially in markets.
下跌 is a general term for 'to fall' or 'to decline', commonly used for prices and markets. It can describe both gradual and sudden falls. 骤降 specifically highlights the suddenness and steepness of the fall, making it more dramatic than a simple 下跌.
The price of gold fell today. <mark>黄金价格今天下跌了</mark>。 The price of gold experienced a sharp drop today. <mark>黄金价格今天出现了骤降</mark>。
Both indicate a rapid descent.
急降 means 'to descend rapidly' and is often used for temperature, altitude, or speed. 骤降 is very similar and often interchangeable, but 骤降 can feel slightly more dramatic and is perhaps more broadly applicable to abstract concepts like performance or stock prices, whereas 急降 might lean more towards physical quantities.
The temperature dropped rapidly. <mark>气温急降</mark>。 The temperature dropped sharply. <mark>气温骤降</mark>。
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 骤降
气温骤降。(The temperature dropped sharply.)
Subject + 出现 + 骤降
股市出现了骤降。(The stock market experienced a sharp decline.)
由于 + [Cause], + Subject + 骤降
由于恶劣天气，游客数量骤降。(Due to bad weather, the number of tourists dropped sharply.)
Subject + 的 + 骤降 + 导致 + [Consequence]
油价的骤降导致了交通成本的降低。(The sharp drop in oil prices led to lower transportation costs.)
[Time/Context] + Subject + 出现 + 骤降
上个季度，公司利润出现了骤降。(Last quarter, the company's profits experienced a sharp decline.)
Subject + 骤降，[Resulting State]
经济指标骤降，引发了对衰退的担忧。(Economic indicators dropped sharply, triggering concerns about a recession.)
形容词 + 的 + 骤降
一次罕见的骤降。(A rare sharp decline.)
Subject + 骤降 + [Cause/Reason]
由于技术故障，系统性能骤降。(Due to a technical glitch, system performance dropped sharply.)
Word Family
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Medium-High, especially in media and formal contexts.
-
Using 骤降 for gradual decreases.
→
Use 骤降 only for sudden and sharp drops. For gradual decreases, use words like 下降 (xiàjiàng) or 减少 (jiǎnshǎo).
骤降 specifically implies a rapid and significant fall. If the decrease is slow or steady, 骤降 is inappropriate and misrepresents the situation.
-
Confusing 骤降 with words for failure or collapse.
→
骤降 describes the drop itself, not necessarily the ultimate outcome. Use words like 倒闭 (dǎobì - to go bankrupt) or 失败 (shībài - failure) for the consequence.
While a sharp drop might lead to failure, 骤降 is about the action of dropping. For instance, a company's performance might drop sharply (业绩骤降), which could lead to bankruptcy (导致倒闭).
-
Mispronouncing the tones.
→
Practice the tones: 'zhòu' is a falling tone (51), and 'jiàng' is a rising tone (214).
Incorrect tones can significantly alter the meaning or make the word unintelligible. Proper pronunciation is key to effective communication.
-
Overusing '出现' with 骤降.
→
While '出现骤降' is common, sometimes 骤降 can be used directly as a verb (e.g., '气温骤降').
Using '出现' is natural and common, but direct verb usage can be more concise and equally correct in many situations. Overreliance on '出现' might sound slightly less direct.
-
Using 骤降 for positive increases.
→
骤降 exclusively refers to a decrease or fall. For increases, use antonyms like 飙升 (biāoshēng - to soar) or 激增 (jīzēng - to surge).
This is a fundamental misunderstanding of the word's meaning. 骤降 is always about a downward movement.
Tips
Emphasize Suddenness
Remember that 骤降's core meaning is 'sudden and sharp.' When you use it, ensure the context truly reflects a rapid and significant decrease, not a slow or gradual one.
Common Scenarios
You'll frequently encounter 骤降 when discussing weather changes (temperature), financial markets (stock prices, currency), sales figures, performance metrics, and sometimes scientific measurements.
Master the Tones
Pay close attention to the tones: 'zhòu' is a falling tone (51), and 'jiàng' is a rising tone (214). Correct tones are crucial for clear communication in Chinese.
Distinguish from Similar Words
Know the difference between 骤降 (sudden, sharp drop), 下降 (general decrease), and 暴跌 (plummet/crash). While similar, each has nuances in intensity and suddenness.
Practice Sentence Construction
Try creating sentences describing various sharp drops: 'The number of visitors dropped sharply after the event.' 'The computer's performance dropped sharply.' This active practice solidifies understanding.
Visual Metaphor
Visualize a steep cliff edge. 骤降 evokes the image of something plummeting straight down this cliff, emphasizing the suddenness and steepness of the fall.
Common Patterns
Familiarize yourself with patterns like 'Subject + 出现 + 骤降' (e.g., 股市出现了骤降) and using '由于' (due to) to explain the cause of the drop.
Impactful Descriptions
In Chinese media and formal contexts, 骤降 is used to describe dramatic events. Understanding its usage helps you interpret news and formal discussions more accurately.
Opposite Meanings
Remember that the opposite of a sharp drop (骤降) is a sharp rise, often described by words like 飙升 (biāoshēng - to soar) or 激增 (jīzēng - to surge).
Regular Review
Periodically review sentences and contexts where 骤降 is used. This reinforces its meaning and helps you use it more confidently and accurately.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'zoo' (sounds like 'zhòu') where suddenly, all the animals 'jumped down' (sounds like 'jiàng') from their enclosures at the same time! It was a sudden, sharp drop in order!
Visual Association
Picture a steep, jagged cliff face. The word 骤降 evokes the image of something plummeting straight down the side of this cliff, emphasizing the suddenness and steepness of the fall.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe five different scenarios where something might 骤降. For example: 'The stock market's 骤降', 'The temperature's 骤降', 'The number of viewers' 骤降'.
Word Origin
The word 骤降 is a compound word formed from two characters: 骤 (zhòu) and 降 (jiàng). 骤 means 'sudden,' 'abrupt,' or 'rapid,' while 降 means 'to descend,' 'to fall,' or 'to lower.' The combination clearly signifies a sudden and rapid descent or fall.
Original meaning: 'Sudden descent' or 'rapid fall'.
Sino-TibetanCultural Context
While 骤降 is a neutral descriptor of a phenomenon, its application can sometimes carry negative connotations, especially when referring to economic losses, performance failures, or drastic environmental changes. It's important to use it appropriately to avoid sounding overly dramatic or alarmist unless the situation warrants it.
In English, similar concepts are expressed with words like 'plummet,' 'nosedive,' 'crash,' 'plunge,' or 'sharp decline.' The intensity of the drop is often emphasized through these terms.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Weather reports discussing sudden temperature changes.
- 气温骤降
- 温度骤降
- 天气骤变
Financial news about stock market or price fluctuations.
- 股价骤降
- 市场骤降
- 价格骤降
- 经济指标骤降
Business discussions about sales, profits, or performance.
- 销量骤降
- 利润骤降
- 业绩骤降
- 市场份额骤降
Discussions about environmental changes or scientific measurements.
- 水位骤降
- 空气质量骤降
- 压力骤降
Describing a sudden decline in popularity or user numbers.
- 人气骤降
- 用户数量骤降
- 关注度骤降
Conversation Starters
"Did you hear about the sudden drop in temperature? It's freezing!"
"The news said the stock market experienced a sharp decline today. Were you affected?"
"I was surprised to see such a sudden drop in the price of that item."
"Have you noticed a sharp decrease in people visiting that place recently?"
"It's worrying to see such a sharp fall in the company's performance."
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you experienced a sudden, sharp drop in temperature. How did it affect you and your surroundings?
Think about a product or service whose price dropped dramatically. What was the reason, and how did it impact consumers?
Reflect on a situation where your personal performance (academic, athletic, etc.) experienced a sharp decline. What caused it, and what did you learn?
Imagine you are a financial analyst. Write a short report about a recent sharp drop in a specific market, explaining its potential causes and consequences.
Consider a time when something you were looking forward to suddenly became less popular or accessible. Describe the sharp decline and your feelings about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe character 骤 (zhòu) means 'sudden' or 'rapid,' and 降 (jiàng) means 'to descend' or 'to fall.' So, literally, 骤降 means 'sudden descent' or 'rapid fall'.
While it's possible to use 骤降 metaphorically for a sudden, sharp drop in mood (e.g., '他的心情骤降' - his mood dropped sharply), it's more commonly used for quantifiable things like temperature, prices, or performance. For moods, words like '低落' (dīluò - low) or '沮丧' (jǔsàng - dejected) might be more typical, or you might use a more descriptive phrase.
Generally, 骤降 implies a negative change because it signifies a loss or deterioration. However, in some very specific technical contexts, a sudden drop might be neutral or even desired (e.g., a sudden drop in pressure in a controlled experiment), but in most common usage, it indicates a decline that is usually seen as undesirable.
下降 is a general term for 'to decrease' or 'to fall' and can be gradual or sudden. 骤降 specifically means a sudden, sharp, and significant drop, emphasizing speed and intensity. Think of 下降 as a hill and 骤降 as a cliff edge.
Yes, absolutely. If there's a sudden and significant decrease in the number of people in a place or participating in an event, you can use 骤降. For example, '由于恶劣天气，游客数量出现了骤降' (Due to bad weather, the number of tourists experienced a sharp decline).
Yes, 骤降 is frequently used in formal writing, especially in news reports, economic analyses, scientific articles, and business documents where describing rapid and significant changes is important.
暴跌 and 骤降 are very similar synonyms, often used interchangeably. Both describe a sudden, sharp fall. 暴跌 can sometimes imply an even more catastrophic or overwhelming collapse, like a market 'crash,' while 骤降 emphasizes the abruptness and suddenness of the drop itself. In many contexts, they are functionally the same.
It is pronounced zhòujiàng. The first syllable 'zhòu' has a falling tone (51), and the second syllable 'jiàng' has a rising tone (214).
Yes, 骤降 can be used for abstract concepts if they can be measured or perceived as declining sharply. For example, '公众信心骤降' (public confidence dropped sharply) is a valid usage, especially in news or social commentary.
Common collocations include 气温骤降 (temperature drop), 股价骤降 (stock price drop), 销量骤降 (sales drop), and 利润骤降 (profit drop).
Test Yourself 10 questions
/ 10 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
骤降 (zhòujiàng) is used to describe a sudden and significant decrease in something, like a sharp drop in temperature or a sudden fall in stock prices. It highlights the abruptness of the change. For example, 'The temperature dropped sharply overnight' can be translated as '气温一夜之间骤降'.
- 驟降 (zhòujiàng) means a sudden, sharp drop.
- Used for temperature, prices, performance, etc.
- Implies a rapid and significant decrease.
Emphasize Suddenness
Remember that 骤降's core meaning is 'sudden and sharp.' When you use it, ensure the context truly reflects a rapid and significant decrease, not a slow or gradual one.
Common Scenarios
You'll frequently encounter 骤降 when discussing weather changes (temperature), financial markets (stock prices, currency), sales figures, performance metrics, and sometimes scientific measurements.
Master the Tones
Pay close attention to the tones: 'zhòu' is a falling tone (51), and 'jiàng' is a rising tone (214). Correct tones are crucial for clear communication in Chinese.
Distinguish from Similar Words
Know the difference between 骤降 (sudden, sharp drop), 下降 (general decrease), and 暴跌 (plummet/crash). While similar, each has nuances in intensity and suddenness.
Example
由于经济危机，股市价格在一天内骤降。
Related Content
More economics words
农业
B1The science or practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of animals to provide food, wool, and other products.
津贴
B1A sum of money granted as an allowance for a specific purpose, often provided by an employer or government to cover extra expenses like travel, housing, or meals.
变动
B1To change or fluctuate, especially in terms of price, position, or personnel. It often describes shifts in data or schedules.
攀升
B1To rise steadily or climb rapidly, often used to describe data, prices, or levels.
崩溃
B1To fall down or give way suddenly; a sudden complete failure of an institution, system, or person's mental state.
消费
B1To use up a resource (time, money, energy) or to buy and use goods and services.
危机
B1A time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger. It can refer to financial, environmental, or personal situations.
下跌
B1To fall or drop in price, value, or number. It is the antonym of 增长 in financial and statistical contexts.
萧条
B1A state of economic decline or inactivity, characterized by low business activity, high unemployment, and lack of prosperity. It can also describe a desolate or lonely scene.
支配
B1To control, dominate, or allocate resources. It can refer to controlling someone's actions or managing time and money.
