The word captures the visual and metaphorical state of losing life and vigor.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used for plants losing moisture and vitality.
- Metaphorically describes the decline of spirit or enthusiasm.
- Indicates a transition from a healthy state to a dry, lifeless one.
1) 概览：枯萎（kūwěi）是一个描述生命状态由盛转衰的动词，核心在于失去水分和活力。它既可以用于实指植物，也可以用于虚指抽象事物。
2) 用法模式：作为动词，它常作谓语，后可接补语或直接描述状态。例如“花朵枯萎了”或“意志逐渐枯萎”。
3) 常见语境：在自然语境中，它常与季节（如秋天）、缺水、干旱联系在一起；在文学或心理语境中，它常用来形容梦想破灭、热情消退或生命进入垂暮之年。
4) 近义词辨析：与“凋谢”相比，“凋谢”侧重于花朵从枝头脱落的过程，而“枯萎”侧重于整体干枯、失去水分的状态；与“萎缩”相比，“萎缩”更多用于经济、组织或身体器官的缩小，而“枯萎”更具画面感和生命气息。
Examples
那朵玫瑰花因为没晒到太阳而枯萎了。
everydayThe rose withered because it didn't get enough sunlight.
由于缺乏资金，这个项目逐渐走向枯萎。
formalDue to lack of funding, the project gradually withered away.
秋天到了，树叶开始枯萎。
informalAutumn has arrived, and the leaves are starting to wither.
在极端干旱的环境下，植被大面积枯萎。
academicIn extreme drought conditions, the vegetation withered on a large scale.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
枯萎凋零
wither and fall
濒临枯萎
on the verge of withering
枯萎状态
withered state
Often Confused With
Refers specifically to the falling of flowers after blooming. It focuses on the end of the blooming phase.
Usually refers to the shrinking or decline of organizations, economies, or muscles. It is less about moisture and more about size or function.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
枯萎 is neutral to formal in tone. It is used primarily for biological processes but is common in literary metaphors. Avoid using it for inanimate objects like electronics or non-living materials.
Common Mistakes
Don't confuse it with 'dry' (干), which is just about the absence of water. '枯萎' implies a loss of vitality and life, not just being dry. Beginners often use it for 'shrinking' objects, which is incorrect.
Tips
Visualize the drying plant
Imagine a flower losing its water and drooping down. This mental image helps connect the word to its physical meaning.
Don't confuse with physical shrinking
Avoid using it for inanimate objects like clothes shrinking. Use 'suo shui' for that instead.
Literary symbolism in Chinese
In Chinese poetry, 'withered' often symbolizes the passing of time or unrequited love. It carries a melancholic tone.
Word Origin
The character 枯 consists of the wood radical and the sound component, implying dry wood. 萎 implies a plant drooping down, capturing the visual essence of the word.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, the image of withered flowers is a classic trope in poetry to express the transience of beauty and life. It is often used to evoke a sense of empathy or sadness.
Memory Tip
Visualize the '枯' (dry wood) and '萎' (drooping). Together they represent a plant that has lost its life.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions不，它也可以形容人的精神或意志。例如“他的斗志在失败中逐渐枯萎”。
“干枯”侧重于完全没有水分，显得坚硬；“枯萎”侧重于失去生命力，显得萎靡不振。
通常不直接形容人的身体（除非比喻），形容人时多指人的精神面貌或热情。
比较常用，尤其是在描述自然现象或表达文学情感时。
Test Yourself
由于长期没有浇水，这盆花已经___了。
因为缺水，植物会失去生命力，符合枯萎的定义。
哪种情况适合使用“枯萎”？
枯萎专门用于植物失去生机的情况。
选出语法正确的句子。
枯萎作为形容词修饰树叶，用法准确。
Score: /3
Summary
The word captures the visual and metaphorical state of losing life and vigor.
- Used for plants losing moisture and vitality.
- Metaphorically describes the decline of spirit or enthusiasm.
- Indicates a transition from a healthy state to a dry, lifeless one.
Visualize the drying plant
Imagine a flower losing its water and drooping down. This mental image helps connect the word to its physical meaning.
Don't confuse with physical shrinking
Avoid using it for inanimate objects like clothes shrinking. Use 'suo shui' for that instead.
Literary symbolism in Chinese
In Chinese poetry, 'withered' often symbolizes the passing of time or unrequited love. It carries a melancholic tone.
Examples
4 of 4那朵玫瑰花因为没晒到太阳而枯萎了。
The rose withered because it didn't get enough sunlight.
由于缺乏资金，这个项目逐渐走向枯萎。
Due to lack of funding, the project gradually withered away.
秋天到了，树叶开始枯萎。
Autumn has arrived, and the leaves are starting to wither.
在极端干旱的环境下，植被大面积枯萎。
In extreme drought conditions, the vegetation withered on a large scale.
