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March 24, 2026
陷入xiànrù(xian4ru4)
陷入 (xiànrù) means to sink into or get caught up in a situation, often implying a negative predicament or difficulty. It is commonly used in contexts where someone finds themselves in trouble or an undesirable situation, such as陷入困境 (xiànrù kùnjìng) meaning 'to fall into difficulties.' The word carries a nuance of being trapped or ensnared.
Frequency#2701DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of being陷入 a difficult situation resonates deeply, as it reflects the value placed on harmony and the avoidance of conflicts. People often discuss strategies to avoid or escape such predicaments in both personal and professional contexts.
Memory Tip
Think of 陷 as 'to fall' (like a trap) and 入 as 'to enter.' Imagine a person falling into a pit and getting stuck, which represents the feeling of being caught in a predicament. The sound 'xiàn' can remind you of 'sinking' as you visualize this scenario.
Meanings of 陷入
xiànrù(xian4ru4)
1to sink into
2to get caught up in
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About 陷入
陷入Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2701Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 陷入
Podcast: 陷入
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AI Study Notes for 陷入
Quick Contrast
掉入 (diàorù) - use 陷入 when emphasizing a negative predicament or difficulty, while 掉入 is more neutral, simply meaning 'to fall into' without the same implication of being trapped.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 陷 as 'to fall' (like a trap) and 入 as 'to enter.' Imagine a person falling into a pit and getting stuck, which represents the feeling of being caught in a predicament. The sound 'xiàn' can remind you of 'sinking' as you visualize this scenario.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 陷入 with similar phrases that have different meanings, such as 进入 (jìnrù), which simply means 'to enter.' 陷入 is typically used in more serious contexts. It is mainly used in formal or written language rather than casual conversation.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 陷入 connects with other vocabulary related to challenges and difficulties, such as 困境 (kùnjìng, predicament) and 难题 (nántí, difficult problem). Focus on practicing it in sentences that describe complex situations.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of being陷入 a difficult situation resonates deeply, as it reflects the value placed on harmony and the avoidance of conflicts. People often discuss strategies to avoid or escape such predicaments in both personal and professional contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 陷入 in contexts that are not serious. For example, saying '我陷入了一个好消息' (Wǒ xiànrùle yī gè hǎo xiāoxī) meaning 'I fell into good news' is incorrect; it should be reserved for negative situations.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 陷入
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Grammar Patterns of 陷入
陷入 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 3 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.
The three leading contenders were locked in a dogfight.
10
就在那时，博物馆陷入了一片漆黑。
jiù zài nà shí， ， bó wù guǎn xiàn rù le yī piàn qī。
At that instant the museum was plunged into total darkness.
Cultural Notes for 陷入
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of being陷入 a difficult situation resonates deeply, as it reflects the value placed on harmony and the avoidance of conflicts. People often discuss strategies to avoid or escape such predicaments in both personal and professional contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions about 陷入
You can say, '他陷入了财务困境' (Tā xiànrùle cáiwù kùnjìng), meaning 'He sank into financial difficulties.'
No, 陷入 typically has a negative connotation, implying trouble or difficulty.
Synonyms include 陷阱 (xiànjǐng, trap) and 落入 (luòrù, to fall into), but each has its own nuances.
