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March 24, 2026
挫cuò(cuo4)
The character 挫 (cuò) primarily means to obstruct or to fail, often implying an act of repression or damping down. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing a setback in personal goals or the act of suppressing emotions or ambitions.
Strokes10Radical扌Frequency#13417DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of 挫 is significant in Chinese culture, where perseverance in the face of setbacks is highly valued. The phrase '不怕挫折' (bù pà cuòzhé) meaning 'not afraid of setbacks' reflects the cultural attitude of resilience.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person trying to climb a steep hill, but they keep slipping back down due to the slippery surface. The character 挫 looks like a person struggling to move forward but getting pushed back (the top part resembles a person, and the bottom part can suggest the ground). This imagery helps connect the idea of failure and obstruction to the pronunciation 'cuò'.
Meanings of 挫
cuò(cuo4)
1obstructed
2to fail
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 挫
挫Simplified
10Strokes
扌Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#13417Frequency Rank
Podcast: 挫
Podcast: 挫
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AI Study Notes for 挫
Quick Contrast
挫 (cuò) vs 阻 (zǔ) — use 挫 when emphasizing failure or repression, while 阻 focuses on physical obstruction or hindrance.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person trying to climb a steep hill, but they keep slipping back down due to the slippery surface. The character 挫 looks like a person struggling to move forward but getting pushed back (the top part resembles a person, and the bottom part can suggest the ground). This imagery helps connect the idea of failure and obstruction to the pronunciation 'cuò'.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 挫 with similar-sounding characters, as it has a specific connotation related to failure or repression. The word is generally used in more formal contexts, particularly in literature or discussions about challenges. Common collocations include 挫折 (cuòzhé, setback) and 挫败 (cuòbài, to defeat).
HSK Study Tips
Although 挫 is not included in the official HSK lists, it can enrich vocabulary at advanced levels. Students should focus on understanding its nuanced meanings and how it relates to phrases expressing challenges or failures, linking it to other HSK vocabulary about emotions and obstacles.
Cultural Note
The concept of 挫 is significant in Chinese culture, where perseverance in the face of setbacks is highly valued. The phrase '不怕挫折' (bù pà cuòzhé) meaning 'not afraid of setbacks' reflects the cultural attitude of resilience.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 挫 with similar characters like 措 (cuò, to handle), leading to incorrect meanings. For instance, using '挫' to mean 'to handle' is incorrect; it should be '措'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 挫
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Grammar Patterns of 挫
挫 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 8 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
这件事如此丢脸，深深地____伤了我的自尊心。
It was so humiliating, a terrible blow to my self-esteem.
Example Sentences for 挫 (5)
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1
这件事如此丢脸，深深地挫伤了我的自尊心。
zhè jiàn shì rú cǐ diū liǎn， ， shēn shēn dì cuò shāng le wǒ de zì zūn。
It was so humiliating, a terrible blow to my self-esteem.
2
有时挫折和愤怒会以直接的暴力形式爆发出来。
yǒu shí cuò zhē hé fèn nù huì yǐ zhí jiē de bào lì xíng shì bào fā chū lái。
Sometimes frustration and anger can boil over into direct and violent action.
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Cultural Notes for 挫
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of 挫 is significant in Chinese culture, where perseverance in the face of setbacks is highly valued. The phrase '不怕挫折' (bù pà cuòzhé) meaning 'not afraid of setbacks' reflects the cultural attitude of resilience.
Word Family of 挫
Words Containing This Character10
挫折cuòzhésetback
挫cuòto fail
挫败to thwart挫敗
受挫thwarted
挫折感frustration
抑扬顿挫yìyángdùncuòcadence抑揚頓挫
力挫to fight off tough competition
顿挫a cadence頓挫
下挫to drop
顿挫抑扬cadence頓挫抑揚
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 挫折 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 挫
Common phrases include 挫折 (cuòzhé, setback) and 挫败 (cuòbài, to defeat), which emphasize overcoming obstacles.
While primarily found in formal contexts, it can also be used informally to describe everyday failures.
The pronunciation 'cuò' has a falling tone, so ensure to emphasize the drop in pitch when speaking.
