Meaning
消沉 describes a state of low spirits, depression, or discouragement. It conveys emotional heaviness and a loss of enthusiasm or motivation. The word combines 消 (to disappear, to fade) with 沉 (to sink, to be heavy), creating an image of one's spirits sinking or fading away.
Usage
消沉 is used in both written and spoken contexts to describe someone's emotional state after setbacks, failures, or prolonged difficulties. It's more formal than colloquial terms like '难过' (sad). Commonly appears in phrases like '情绪消沉' (low spirits) or '意志消沉' (dispirited will). Can be used as an adjective describing someone or as a verb meaning to become dejected.
Examples
- 01失业后，他变得很消沉，整天待在家里不出门。, , .After losing his job, he became very dejected and stayed at home all day without going out.
- 02考试失利让她情绪消沉了好几天。.Failing the exam left her in low spirits for several days.
Characters
Common collocations
- 情绪消沉low spirits, depressed mood
- 意志消沉dispirited will
- 精神消沉dispirited, low in spirits
- 变得消沉to become dejected
Antonyms
Origin
The combination pairs 消 (fade/disappear) with 沉 (sink/heavy) to metaphorically represent spirits or morale sinking down or fading away.