Meanings of 颓废
By ear
Play it, then pick what 颓废 means.
About 颓废
Podcast: 颓废
Podcast: 颓废
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 颓废
消沉 (xiāochén) - use 颓废 when emphasizing a sense of defeat or giving up, while 消沉 focuses more on a general state of depression.
Learners often confuse 颓废 with similar terms like 沮丧 (ju3 sang4), which also means depressed but may imply a temporary state rather than a more chronic feeling. This word is more often used in informal contexts, especially among young people discussing emotional struggles. Be cautious with tone, as mixing up the tones can change the meaning.
While 颓废 is not part of the official HSK vocabulary, understanding it can be helpful in discussions about mental health or personal challenges, which are common themes in intermediate language learning. Students should focus on recognizing context clues that indicate emotional states.
Learners sometimes misuse 颓废 by using it in contexts that describe simple tiredness or fatigue, which is better expressed with 累 (lei4). For example, saying '我今天很颓废，因为我累' (I'm very dispirited today because I'm tired) is incorrect; it should be '我今天很累' for tiredness.
Pronunciation of 颓废
Drill the tone of 颓废, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 颓废 to you
Let me explain 颓废 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 颓废 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 颓废?
Learning Lab
Knowing 颓废 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component characters
How to say decadent in Chinese
“decadent” in Chinese is颓废
The term 颓废 (tui2 fei4) refers to a state of being dispirited or dejected, often associated with feelings of hopelessness and lack of motivation. It describes a mental and emotional condition where one feels defeated or overwhelmed, frequently used in contexts where someone has lost enthusiasm for life or work.
When to use 颓废
Learners often confuse 颓废 with similar terms like 沮丧 (ju3 sang4), which also means depressed but may imply a temporary state rather than a more chronic feeling. This word is more often used in informal contexts, especially among young people discussing emotional struggles. Be cautious with tone, as mixing up the tones can change the meaning.
颓废 or something close to it
消沉 (xiāochén) - use 颓废 when emphasizing a sense of defeat or giving up, while 消沉 focuses more on a general state of depression.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes misuse 颓废 by using it in contexts that describe simple tiredness or fatigue, which is better expressed with 累 (lei4). For example, saying '我今天很颓废，因为我累' (I'm very dispirited today because I'm tired) is incorrect; it should be '我今天很累' for tiredness.
Write 颓废
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 颓废 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 颓废?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 颓废
You can say, '他最近觉得很颓废，没什么动力去工作。' (He has been feeling very dispirited lately and has no motivation to work.)
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 颓废?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.