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March 24, 2026
颠簸(顛簸)diānbǒ(dian1bo3)
The term '颠簸' refers to the action of shaking or jolting, often used to describe a bumpy ride or movement. It is commonly used in contexts related to vehicles, such as cars or trains, where passengers experience a rough or unstable journey. The word conveys a sense of discomfort associated with sudden movements.
Frequency#12654DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of travel is often associated with experiences of discomfort and adventure, which '颠簸' captures vividly. Many traditional stories describe journeys filled with obstacles, symbolizing personal growth through challenges.
Memory Tip
Imagine a bumpy road where your car goes up and down, and you feel the jolt — this is '颠簸'. The first character '颠' (dian1) looks like a person being turned upside down, while '簸' (bo3) evokes the image of something being tossed around. Together, they create a vivid image of shaking.
Meanings of 颠簸
diānbǒ(dian1bo3)
1to shake
2to jolt
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 颠簸
颠簸Simplified
顛簸Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#12654Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7TOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 颠簸
Podcast: 颠簸
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AI Study Notes for 颠簸
Quick Contrast
颠簸 (diānbǒ) vs 摇晃 (yáohuàng) — use 颠簸 for sudden jolts typical in vehicles, while 摇晃 refers to a more gentle swaying motion.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a bumpy road where your car goes up and down, and you feel the jolt — this is '颠簸'. The first character '颠' (dian1) looks like a person being turned upside down, while '簸' (bo3) evokes the image of something being tossed around. Together, they create a vivid image of shaking.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse '颠簸' with similar terms like '摇晃' (yao2 huang3), which means to sway or rock gently. '颠簸' is more intense, implying abrupt movements. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but when describing a vehicle, it often carries a negative connotation.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, '颠簸' connects to vocabulary related to travel and transportation. Students should focus on using it in sentences describing experiences with vehicles and understand its emotional undertones. Practice with related words like '晃动' (huan3 dong4) and '震动' (zhen4 dong4) to build a broader context.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of travel is often associated with experiences of discomfort and adventure, which '颠簸' captures vividly. Many traditional stories describe journeys filled with obstacles, symbolizing personal growth through challenges.
Common Mistakes
Learners might misuse '颠簸' by substituting it for gentler movements, leading to phrases like '颠簸的舞蹈' (a bumpy dance), which sounds awkward. Instead, use '摇晃' (to sway) for gentle movements.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 颠簸
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Grammar Patterns of 颠簸
颠簸 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
那辆长途汽车危险地____摇晃。
The coach rocked dangerously.
Example Sentences for 颠簸 (7)
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1
那辆长途汽车危险地颠簸摇晃。
nà liàng cháng tú qì chē wēi xiǎn dì diān bò yáo huǎng。
The coach rocked dangerously.
2
我们担心稍微颠簸一下就可能会使她的伤势恶化。
wǒ mén dān xīn shāo wēi diān bò yī xià jiù kě néng huì shǐ tā de shāng shì è huà。
We were worried that one tiny jolt could worsen her injuries.
3
卡车嘎吱嘎吱地在凹凸不平的地面上颠簸而行。
kǎ chē gā zhī gā zhī dì zài āo tū bù píng de dì miàn shàng diān bò ér háng。
The truck jolted and rattled over the rough ground.
4
这辆旧卡车在蜿蜒的公路上缓慢地颠簸前行。
zhè liàng jiù kǎ chē zài wān yán de gōng lù shàng huǎn màn dì diān bò qián háng。
The old truck stuttered along the winding road.
5
那批易碎的瓷器经过颠簸的旅途仍完好无损.
nà pī yì suì de cí qì jīng guò diān bò de lǚ tú réng wán hǎo wú sǔn.
The fragile china survived the bumpy journey safe and sound.
6
这小舱房的甲板剧烈地颠簸了一下.
zhè xiǎo cāng fáng de jiǎ bǎn jù liè dì diān bò le yī xià.
The deck of the small cabin sharply pitched and bumped.
Then I noticed the car was bouncing up and down as if someone were jumping on it.
Cultural Notes for 颠簸
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of travel is often associated with experiences of discomfort and adventure, which '颠簸' captures vividly. Many traditional stories describe journeys filled with obstacles, symbolizing personal growth through challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions about 颠簸
Yes, it can metaphorically describe situations where plans or emotions are unstable, not just physical movement.
It is commonly used in both written and spoken Chinese, especially in discussions about travel.
'颠簸的旅程' (dian1 bo3 de lv3 cheng2) means 'a bumpy journey', often used to describe difficult travels.
