Meanings of 侥幸
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About 侥幸
Podcast: 侥幸
Podcast: 侥幸
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AI Study Notes for 侥幸
侥幸 (jiǎoxìng) vs 幸运 (xìngyùn) — use 侥幸 when emphasizing luck in an undeserved or accidental manner, while 幸运 simply refers to being fortunate without the implication of undeservedness.
Imagine a person (你, nǐ) jumping (侥) through a ring of luck (幸) that appears by chance. The character 侥 has the '人' (person) radical, suggesting that it’s a person benefiting from luck. This creates a vivid image of someone narrowly escaping a bad situation by luck alone.
侥幸 is often used informally, so avoid using it in formal writing or presentations. A common mistake is to confuse it with words like 幸运 (xìngyùn), which means 'fortunate' in a more deserved sense. Additionally, be mindful of the tonal pronunciation, as incorrect tones can lead to misunderstandings.
As an HSK 6 word, 侥幸 connects with other advanced vocabulary regarding luck and chance, such as 幸运 (xìngyùn) and 机会 (jīhuì). Students should focus on recognizing its usage in idiomatic expressions and understanding its nuanced meaning in various contexts.
The concept of luck is significant in Chinese culture, often associated with superstitions and traditional beliefs. The term 侥幸 reflects a common acknowledgment that life can be unpredictable and that fortune can change unexpectedly, mirroring themes in Chinese philosophy.
Learners often use 侥幸 when they mean to express general good luck, which can lead to confusion. A wrong example would be saying '我今天很侥幸' (Wǒ jīntiān hěn jiǎoxìng) when meaning 'I am lucky today'; the correct term is 幸运.
Pronunciation of 侥幸
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Component Characters
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Grammar Patterns of 侥幸
侥幸 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 2 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.
Complete the Sentence
如果不抓紧时间复习，就可能通不过考试，而且，即使____通过了，基础也不会扎实。
If you do not hurry and review, you might fail the exam; moreover, even if you pass by luck, your foundation will not be solid.
Example Sentences for 侥幸 (2)
Cultural Notes for 侥幸
The concept of luck is significant in Chinese culture, often associated with superstitions and traditional beliefs. The term 侥幸 reflects a common acknowledgment that life can be unpredictable and that fortune can change unexpectedly, mirroring themes in Chinese philosophy.
While luck plays a role in both cultures, Western perspectives often emphasize individual effort and control over outcomes, whereas in Chinese culture, there is a stronger acceptance of external factors influencing success.
Frequently Asked Questions about 侥幸
Yes, it can describe fortunate outcomes, but it often implies that the success was not fully deserved.