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衰减 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
衰减shuāijiǎnto weakenHSK 7, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #32491, Very Hard
衰减shuāijiǎnto attenuateHSK 7, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #32491, Very Hard
shuāijiǎn(shuai1jian3)shuai jian T1
  1. 1to weaken
  2. 2to attenuate
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March 24, 2026

衰减(衰減)shuāijiǎn(shuai1jian3)

衰减 (shuāijiǎn) refers to the process of weakening or diminishing in strength, intensity, or value. It is commonly used in scientific contexts, such as physics or telecommunications, to describe the reduction of signal strength or energy. The term can also be applied in everyday situations, such as the fading of enthusiasm or health.

Strokes21Frequency#32491DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese medicine, the concept of 衰减 is often referenced when discussing health and vitality, where it is believed that one's energy can weaken over time due to lifestyle choices or aging.

Memory tip

Imagine a 'shy' person who gradually 'fades' into the background at a party. The character 衰 (shuāi) resembles someone slouching or bending down, indicating weakness, while 减 (jiǎn) suggests a decrease. Together, they evoke the image of someone losing their presence over time.

Meanings of 衰减

shuāijiǎn(shuai1jian3)
1to weaken
2to attenuate
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About 衰减

衰减Simplified
衰減Traditional
21Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 衰减

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AI study notes for 衰减

Quick Contrast

衰退 (shuāituì) - use 衰减 when specifically referring to a gradual weakening or diminishment in intensity, while 衰退 implies a decline or deterioration in general condition or quality.

Usage Notes

衰减 is typically used in more formal contexts, particularly in scientific discussions. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar terms like 减少 (jiǎnshǎo), which directly means 'to reduce.' Remember to use it in contexts where the idea of weakening is emphasized rather than mere reduction.

HSK Study Tips

衰减 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, but it connects to HSK 5 topics like energy (能量) and communication (通讯). Focus on understanding its application in technical discussions to enhance your vocabulary in specialized fields.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mispronounce 衰 as 'shuái' instead of 'shuāi.' Additionally, some may use it incorrectly by saying '衰减了' (shuāijiǎnle) when discussing ongoing processes, instead of using the present tense correctly.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 衰减

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Component characters

衰cuīmourning garments
HSK 610 strokes衣
View full entry
减jiǎnto lower
HSK 411 strokes冫
View full entry

How to say to weaken in Chinese

“to weaken” in Chinese is衰减shuāijiǎn

衰减 (shuāijiǎn) refers to the process of weakening or diminishing in strength, intensity, or value. It is commonly used in scientific contexts, such as physics or telecommunications, to describe the reduction of signal strength or energy. The term can also be applied in everyday situations, such as the fading of enthusiasm or health.

When to use 衰减

衰减 is typically used in more formal contexts, particularly in scientific discussions. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar terms like 减少 (jiǎnshǎo), which directly means 'to reduce.' Remember to use it in contexts where the idea of weakening is emphasized rather than mere reduction.

衰减 or something close to it

衰退 (shuāituì) - use 衰减 when specifically referring to a gradual weakening or diminishment in intensity, while 衰退 implies a decline or deterioration in general condition or quality.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mispronounce 衰 as 'shuái' instead of 'shuāi.' Additionally, some may use it incorrectly by saying '衰减了' (shuāijiǎnle) when discussing ongoing processes, instead of using the present tense correctly.

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衰
减

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Frequently asked questions about 衰减

While it is common in scientific discussions, it can also be used in everyday language to describe a decline in various aspects, like morale or health.

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