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March 24, 2026
投降tóuxiáng(tou2xiang2)
投降 (tóu xiáng) means to surrender or give up in the context of conflict or competition. It is commonly used in military terms but can also apply to personal or professional situations where one relinquishes their position or stance. The nuance often implies a sense of defeat or acceptance of a situation.
Frequency#3320DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The concept of surrender has significant historical implications in Chinese culture, particularly during conflicts like the Opium Wars, where surrender represented not just defeat but also the loss of sovereignty and dignity.
Memory Tip
Imagine a soldier (the radical 投, which also means 'to throw') throwing down their weapons in surrender (降). You can visualize them throwing their weapons high into the air, where they will come down (降) to the ground, symbolizing their acceptance of defeat.
Meanings of 投降
tóuxiáng(tou2xiang2)
1to surrender
2surrender
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About 投降
投降Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#3320Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 投降
Podcast: 投降
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AI Study Notes for 投降
Quick Contrast
投降 (tóuxiáng) vs 认输 (rènshū) — use 投降 when emphasizing surrender in conflict, while 认输 focuses on admitting defeat in a competition.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a soldier (the radical 投, which also means 'to throw') throwing down their weapons in surrender (降). You can visualize them throwing their weapons high into the air, where they will come down (降) to the ground, symbolizing their acceptance of defeat.
Usage Notes
This term is often used in both formal and informal contexts, usually in discussions of war, sports, or arguments. Common mistakes include using it in a casual context where other terms like 'give in' might be more appropriate. Be mindful of the tone; it can sound harsh if used in a sensitive situation.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 投降 connects to themes of conflict and resolution, which may include other vocabulary related to disputes or negotiations. Students should focus on its usage in various contexts, such as legal, personal, and historical situations.
Cultural Note
The concept of surrender has significant historical implications in Chinese culture, particularly during conflicts like the Opium Wars, where surrender represented not just defeat but also the loss of sovereignty and dignity.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 投降 with 放弃 (fàngqì), which means 'to give up' but lacks the implication of surrendering to an opponent. For example, saying '我放弃了' (I gave up) instead of '我投降了' (I surrendered) can change the meaning significantly.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 投降
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Grammar Patterns of 投降
投降 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 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
经过10个小时的谈判，持枪歹徒终于____了。
Finally, after ten hours of negotiations, the gunman gave himself up.
Example Sentences for 投降 (10)
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1
经过10个小时的谈判，持枪歹徒终于投降了。
jīng guò10 10 gè xiǎo shí de tán， pàn ， chí qiāng dǎi tú zhōng yú tóu。
Finally, after ten hours of negotiations, the gunman gave himself up.
2
那两个人乖乖地向他投降。
nà liǎng gè rén guāi guāi dì xiàng tā tóu jiàng。
The pair surrendered to him like lambs.
3
他们想让我做什么，宣战还是投降？
tā mén xiǎng ràng wǒ zuò shí mó， ， xuān zhàn huán shì tóu？
Which do they want me to do? declare war or surrender?
4
看上帝的分上, 汤姆·史密斯, 马上放下枪械投降吧.
kàn shàng dì de fēn shàng, , tāng· mǔ · shǐ, mì sī , mǎ shàng fàng xià qiāng xiè.
For God'd sake, Tom smith, throw down your arms.
5
巴黎被围困了四个月后被迫投降。
bā lí bèi wéi kùn le sì gè yuè hòu bèi pò tóu jiàng。
Paris was besieged for four months and forced to surrender.
6
胜方要求敌人无条件投降.
shèng fāng yào qiú dí rén wú tiáo jiàn tóu jiàng.
The victorious army demanded unconditional surrender.
General Martin Bonnet called on the rebels to surrender.
8
他们的领导人除投降外,别无它法.
tā mén de lǐng dǎo rén chú tóu jiàng wài, , bié wú tā.
Their leader had no alternative but to submit.
9
围攻者使守军饿得只好投降.
wéi gōng zhě shǐ shǒu jūn è dé zhī hǎo tóu jiàng.
The besiegers hungered the garrison into surrender.
10
他们使敌人饿得 投降 了.
tā mén shǐ dí rén è dé tóu jiàng.
They starved the enemy into surrender ( ing ).
Cultural Notes for 投降
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of surrender has significant historical implications in Chinese culture, particularly during conflicts like the Opium Wars, where surrender represented not just defeat but also the loss of sovereignty and dignity.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, surrender might be viewed as a sign of weakness, whereas in Chinese culture, it can sometimes reflect wisdom or strategy in recognizing when to yield.
Frequently Asked Questions about 投降
No, while it is commonly associated with military situations, it can also refer to personal or professional disagreements.
It depends on the context; it may come off as too strong or formal in everyday discussions.
Synonyms include 屈服 (qūfú, to yield) and 放弃 (fàngqì, to give up) depending on the context.
