Meaning
衰 describes something that is declining, weakening, or deteriorating from a previous state of strength or prosperity. It commonly refers to physical decline, economic downturn, or the waning of power and vitality. The character conveys a sense of gradual weakening over time rather than sudden collapse.
Usage
衰 is often used in formal or written contexts to describe decline in health, fortune, or national power. It frequently appears in compound words like 衰老 (to age/grow old) and 衰退 (to decline/recession). In spoken Mandarin, it's less common as a standalone word and more often found in set phrases.
Examples
- 01这个国家的经济正在衰退。.This country's economy is declining.
- 02他的身体日渐衰弱。.His body is gradually weakening.
Common collocations
- 衰老aging, senescence
- 衰退decline, recession
- 衰弱weak, debilitated
- 兴衰rise and fall
Antonyms
Origin
The character 衰 originally depicted a person wearing mourning clothes, suggesting weakness and decline. Over time it came to represent any form of deterioration or weakening.