Meanings of 寂寞
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Podcast: 寂寞
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AI Study Notes for 寂寞
孤独 (gūdú) - use 寂寞 when emphasizing emotional loneliness, while 孤独 focuses more on the state of being alone.
Be careful not to confuse 寂寞 with other similar words like 孤独 (gū dú), which also means 'loneliness' but carries a slightly different nuance. 寂寞 is often used in informal contexts, while 孤独 can be more formal. Common phrases include '感到寂寞' (gǎn dào jì mò) meaning 'to feel lonely.'
As an HSK 5 word, 寂寞 connects with other emotional vocabulary at this level. Focus on using it in sentences to describe personal feelings or settings, as understanding its context will enhance your fluency. Practice distinguishing it from synonyms to grasp its unique connotation.
Learners often confuse 寂寞 with 幽静 (yōu jìng), which means 'tranquil' rather than 'lonely.' For example, saying '这个地方很寂寞' (Zhège dìfāng hěn jì mò) could imply sadness instead of simply describing a quiet place. Use '幽静' for tranquility.
Pronunciation of 寂寞
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Component Characters
How to say lonely in Chinese
“lonely” in Chinese is寂寞
寂寞 (jì mò) means feeling lonely or lonesome, often associated with a sense of solitude or isolation. It can also describe a quiet or silent place, emphasizing the emotional weight of loneliness. This word is commonly used in both personal reflections and literary contexts.
When to use 寂寞
Be careful not to confuse 寂寞 with other similar words like 孤独 (gū dú), which also means 'loneliness' but carries a slightly different nuance. 寂寞 is often used in informal contexts, while 孤独 can be more formal. Common phrases include '感到寂寞' (gǎn dào jì mò) meaning 'to feel lonely.'
寂寞 or something close to it
孤独 (gūdú) - use 寂寞 when emphasizing emotional loneliness, while 孤独 focuses more on the state of being alone.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 寂寞 with 幽静 (yōu jìng), which means 'tranquil' rather than 'lonely.' For example, saying '这个地方很寂寞' (Zhège dìfāng hěn jì mò) could imply sadness instead of simply describing a quiet place. Use '幽静' for tranquility.
Write 寂寞
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Practice writing 寂寞 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 寂寞
寂寞 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 4 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
内心痛苦、突感____的她去寻找琼－保罗。
Miserable, and unexpectedly lonely, she went in search of Jean-Paul.
Example Sentences for 寂寞 (4)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 寂寞
Yes, 寂寞 can describe a quiet place, but it often implies a sense of loneliness or emptiness rather than just silence.
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