Meanings of 愁眉苦脸
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AI study notes for 愁眉苦脸
忧心忡忡 (yōuxīnchōngchōng) - use 愁眉苦脸 for a focus on facial expression, while 忧心忡忡 emphasizes the feeling of worry.
This idiom is typically used in informal contexts to describe someone’s demeanor. Common mistakes include using it without context, as it should reflect genuine emotions rather than just a passing comment on someone's appearance.
Though this idiom is not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding it can help learners grasp the emotional nuances of Mandarin. Focus on the individual characters and their meanings to enhance comprehension.
Learners often confuse this idiom with expressions of general unhappiness, using it inappropriately for mild annoyance. For example, saying someone looks 愁眉苦脸 when they are just bored is incorrect; they should be genuinely anxious or sad.
Pronunciation of 愁眉苦脸
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Component characters
How to say to look anxious (idiom) in Chinese
“to look anxious (idiom)” in Chinese is愁眉苦脸
The idiom 愁眉苦脸 (chóu méi kǔ liǎn) describes a facial expression that reflects worry, sadness, or anxiety. It is commonly used to depict someone who is visibly troubled or distressed, often in response to difficult situations or concerns.
When to use 愁眉苦脸
This idiom is typically used in informal contexts to describe someone’s demeanor. Common mistakes include using it without context, as it should reflect genuine emotions rather than just a passing comment on someone's appearance.
愁眉苦脸 or something close to it
忧心忡忡 (yōuxīnchōngchōng) - use 愁眉苦脸 for a focus on facial expression, while 忧心忡忡 emphasizes the feeling of worry.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse this idiom with expressions of general unhappiness, using it inappropriately for mild annoyance. For example, saying someone looks 愁眉苦脸 when they are just bored is incorrect; they should be genuinely anxious or sad.
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Frequently asked questions about 愁眉苦脸
You can use it when describing someone who is visibly worried about an exam, a job interview, or personal issues.
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