Meanings of 折腾
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Podcast: 折腾
Podcast: 折腾
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AI study notes for 折腾
折腾 (zhēteng) vs 折磨 (zhémó): Choose 折腾 when emphasizing restlessness or excessive repetition, while 折磨 focuses more on the aspect of torment or suffering.
Be careful not to confuse 折腾 with similar-sounding verbs. It's generally informal and can carry a negative tone, so using it in formal contexts may not be appropriate. Common collocations include 折腾时间 (zhe1 teng5 shi2 jian1 - waste time) and 折腾得很累 (zhe1 teng5 de hen3 lei4 - exhaustively torment oneself).
As a level 6 word, 折腾 connects with other words expressing emotional or physical states. Students should focus on the nuances of how it's used in various contexts, especially related to frustration or restlessness. Practicing its usage with different subjects will aid retention.
Learners often misuse 折腾 in a positive context, saying things like '我喜欢折腾新的项目' (I like to toss around new projects), which should instead be '我喜欢尝试新的项目' (I like to try new projects). Additionally, using it in formal writing can be inappropriate.
Pronunciation of 折腾
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Component characters
How to say to toss from side to side (e.g. sleeplessly) in Chinese
“to toss from side to side (e.g. sleeplessly)” in Chinese is折腾
The verb 折腾 (zhe1 teng5) conveys the idea of tossing or turning, either physically or metaphorically. It is often used to describe a restless state, such as being unable to sleep, or the act of repeating something excessively, which can lead to frustration or torment. In a broader context, it can also imply squandering resources like time or money through unnecessary actions.
When to use 折腾
Be careful not to confuse 折腾 with similar-sounding verbs. It's generally informal and can carry a negative tone, so using it in formal contexts may not be appropriate. Common collocations include 折腾时间 (zhe1 teng5 shi2 jian1 - waste time) and 折腾得很累 (zhe1 teng5 de hen3 lei4 - exhaustively torment oneself).
折腾 or something close to it
折腾 (zhēteng) vs 折磨 (zhémó): Choose 折腾 when emphasizing restlessness or excessive repetition, while 折磨 focuses more on the aspect of torment or suffering.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 折腾 in a positive context, saying things like '我喜欢折腾新的项目' (I like to toss around new projects), which should instead be '我喜欢尝试新的项目' (I like to try new projects). Additionally, using it in formal writing can be inappropriate.
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Grammar patterns of 折腾
折腾 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. 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.
Fill the gap
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婚礼真是件____人的事，办完后得好好休息才行。
Weddings are so much hassle that you need a good break afterwards.
Example sentences for 折腾 (3)
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Cultural Notes for 折腾
In Western cultures, the idea of 'tossing and turning' is often simply a symptom of insomnia, while in Chinese culture, it can imply a deeper emotional or psychological struggle with societal expectations.
Frequently asked questions about 折腾
No, 折腾 can describe both physical actions, like tossing in bed, and metaphorical actions, such as repeated efforts that lead to frustration.
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