Meanings of 忧郁
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Podcast: 忧郁
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AI Study Notes for 忧郁
忧伤 (yōushāng) refers to sorrow or grief, typically associated with a specific loss, whereas 忧郁 (yōuyù) denotes a more pervasive and prolonged state of melancholy.
Be cautious with the tone of this word; it tends to carry a heavy emotional weight and is more appropriate in serious contexts. Common collocations include '忧郁症' (depression) and '忧郁的心情' (melancholic mood). Avoid using it in lighthearted conversations.
As an HSK Level 6 word, 忧郁 is related to emotional vocabulary, which often includes terms for feelings and mental states. Students should focus on understanding its nuances in contexts of mental health discussions and literature.
Learners often confuse 忧郁 with 快乐 (happy) due to their emotional nature; for example, saying '我很忧郁的' instead of '我很忧郁'. The correct form is '我很忧郁'.
Pronunciation of 忧郁
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Component Characters
How to say sullen in Chinese
“sullen” in Chinese is忧郁
忧郁 (yōu yù) refers to a state of deep sadness or melancholy, often characterized by a prolonged sense of unhappiness or gloom. It is commonly used to describe emotions related to depression or a sullen demeanor, and can be applied to both people and situations.
When to use 忧郁
Be cautious with the tone of this word; it tends to carry a heavy emotional weight and is more appropriate in serious contexts. Common collocations include '忧郁症' (depression) and '忧郁的心情' (melancholic mood). Avoid using it in lighthearted conversations.
忧郁 or something close to it
忧伤 (yōushāng) refers to sorrow or grief, typically associated with a specific loss, whereas 忧郁 (yōuyù) denotes a more pervasive and prolonged state of melancholy.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 忧郁 with 快乐 (happy) due to their emotional nature; for example, saying '我很忧郁的' instead of '我很忧郁'. The correct form is '我很忧郁'.
Write 忧郁
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Grammar Patterns of 忧郁
忧郁 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.
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Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
他最初面对媒体时情绪有点____。
He faced the press, initially, in a somewhat subdued mood.
Example Sentences for 忧郁 (6)
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Cultural Notes for 忧郁
In Western cultures, depression is often discussed more openly compared to its portrayal in Chinese culture, where emotional expressions may be more subdued.
Frequently Asked Questions about 忧郁
忧郁 (yōu yù) refers to a deep, often prolonged melancholy, while 悲伤 (bēi shāng) is more associated with immediate sorrow or grief.
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