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March 24, 2026
挫折cuòzhé(cuo4zhe2)
挫折 refers to setbacks or obstacles that hinder progress or success. It is commonly used in contexts such as personal development, career challenges, or emotional struggles, where one experiences disappointment or frustration. The term conveys a sense of being thwarted in one's efforts, often leading to feelings of discouragement.
Frequency#9693DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, overcoming 挫折 is often seen as a crucial part of personal development and success. The concept resonates with the traditional value of perseverance, reflected in sayings like 'failure is the mother of success' (失败是成功之母).
Memory Tip
Imagine climbing a steep mountain (the character 挫) but hitting a bumpy road (the character 折) that causes you to slip and fall back. This image of struggling against the mountain captures the essence of setbacks and the pronunciation 'cuo' sounds like 'climb' with a twist, linking it to the idea of being thwarted.
Meanings of 挫折
cuòzhé(cuo4zhe2)
1setback
2reverse
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 挫折
挫折Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9693Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 挫折
Podcast: 挫折
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AI Study Notes for 挫折
Quick Contrast
失败 (shībài) refers specifically to failure, often implying a complete lack of success, while 挫折 (cuòzhé) indicates setbacks that may still allow for eventual success.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine climbing a steep mountain (the character 挫) but hitting a bumpy road (the character 折) that causes you to slip and fall back. This image of struggling against the mountain captures the essence of setbacks and the pronunciation 'cuo' sounds like 'climb' with a twist, linking it to the idea of being thwarted.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 挫折 with related terms like 失败 (shībài, failure) or 障碍 (zhàng'ài, obstacle), but 挫折 specifically emphasizes the emotional impact of setbacks. It is generally used in a more formal context, particularly in discussions around emotional or psychological challenges. Pay attention to the tones: using the incorrect tone can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 挫折 connects to themes of personal growth and resilience found in other vocabulary at this level. Students should focus on using it in sentences that express emotional responses to challenges, linking it with other words that convey feelings or experiences.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, overcoming 挫折 is often seen as a crucial part of personal development and success. The concept resonates with the traditional value of perseverance, reflected in sayings like 'failure is the mother of success' (失败是成功之母).
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is confusing 挫折 with 失败; remember that 挫折 includes a broader range of experiences, including emotional struggles. For example, saying '我失败了' (I failed) is different from '我经历了挫折' (I experienced a setback), which implies ongoing challenges.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 挫折
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Grammar Patterns of 挫折
挫折 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 11 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
有时____和愤怒会以直接的暴力形式爆发出来。
Sometimes frustration and anger can boil over into direct and violent action.
Example Sentences for 挫折 (3)
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1
有时挫折和愤怒会以直接的暴力形式爆发出来。
yǒu shí cuò zhē hé fèn nù huì yǐ zhí jiē de bào lì xíng shì bào fā chū lái。
Sometimes frustration and anger can boil over into direct and violent action.
A series of setbacks have put the whole project in jeopardy.
Cultural Notes for 挫折
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, overcoming 挫折 is often seen as a crucial part of personal development and success. The concept resonates with the traditional value of perseverance, reflected in sayings like 'failure is the mother of success' (失败是成功之母).
Frequently Asked Questions about 挫折
You can use it like this: '我经历了很多挫折，但我不会放弃。' (I have experienced many setbacks, but I will not give up.)
While 挫折 typically conveys a negative experience, it can also lead to positive outcomes, such as learning and growth.
Yes, it is often used in professional settings to describe challenges faced in projects or career development.
