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March 24, 2026
糟糕zāogāo(zao1gao1)
糟糕 (zāo gāo) is an expression used to convey disappointment or frustration, similar to saying 'too bad' or 'how terrible' in English. It is often used in situations where something has gone wrong or when one encounters bad luck. The nuance suggests a sense of regret or bad circumstances.
Strokes33Frequency#625DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing disappointment is often done in a light-hearted manner among friends, and using 糟糕 can evoke empathy and camaraderie in shared misfortunes, reflecting the value placed on social connections.
Memory Tip
Imagine a chef who has ruined a dish completely; the dish is '糟' (zāo) and the situation is '糕' (gāo). Together, they sound like 'too bad' because the chef's dreams of serving a great meal have turned into a disaster.
Meanings of 糟糕
zāogāo(zao1gao1)
1too bad
2how terrible
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About 糟糕
糟糕Simplified
33Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#625Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 糟糕
Podcast: 糟糕
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AI Study Notes for 糟糕
Quick Contrast
糟糕 (zāogāo) vs 差 (chà) — use 糟糕 to emphasize disappointment in a situation, while 差 describes something as poor or inferior without the same emotional weight.
Usage Notes
糟糕 is generally used in informal contexts, often when expressing frustration or disappointment. Be careful not to use it in overly formal situations, as it may come off as too casual. Common collocations include '糟糕的情况' (terrible situation) and '糟糕的运气' (bad luck).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 糟糕 connects to other emotional expressions and adjectives. Focus on using it in context, particularly with verbs that indicate action or events, to describe negative outcomes.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 糟糕 with similar expressions like 不好 (bù hǎo), which means 'not good' but lacks the same emotional weight. For example, saying '这件事不糟糕' (this matter is not terrible) instead of '这件事很糟糕' (this matter is terrible) misuses the context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 糟糕
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糟糕 (zāo gāo) is an expression used to convey disappointment or frustration, similar to saying 'too bad' or 'how terrible' in English. It is often used in situations where something has gone wrong or when one encounters bad luck. The nuance suggests a sense of regret or bad circumstances.
When to use 糟糕
糟糕 is generally used in informal contexts, often when expressing frustration or disappointment. Be careful not to use it in overly formal situations, as it may come off as too casual. Common collocations include '糟糕的情况' (terrible situation) and '糟糕的运气' (bad luck).
糟糕 or something close to it
糟糕 (zāogāo) vs 差 (chà) — use 糟糕 to emphasize disappointment in a situation, while 差 describes something as poor or inferior without the same emotional weight.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 糟糕 with similar expressions like 不好 (bù hǎo), which means 'not good' but lacks the same emotional weight. For example, saying '这件事不糟糕' (this matter is not terrible) instead of '这件事很糟糕' (this matter is terrible) misuses the context.
Write 糟糕
糟
糕
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Grammar Patterns of 糟糕
糟糕 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 5 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.
