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March 24, 2026
低谷()dīgǔ(di1gu3)
The term 低谷 (dī gǔ) refers to a valley or trough, often used metaphorically to describe a low point in life or a situation. It denotes the lowest ebb of one's fortunes, contrasting with peaks of success. This expression is commonly used in conversations about personal challenges or economic downturns.
Frequency#14685DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, acknowledging one's 低谷 (low points) is often seen as a step towards growth and resilience. People may share their experiences of hitting a low point as a way to inspire others, reflecting the value placed on perseverance.
Memory Tip
Imagine standing in a deep valley (低谷) where the ground is low. The character 低 (dī) sounds like 'dee,' which you might associate with something down low, while 谷 (gǔ) resembles a 'gully' where water flows down. Picture yourself in this valley, feeling the weight of being at the bottom.
Meanings of 低谷
dīgǔ(di1gu3)
1valley
2trough (as opposed to peaks)
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About 低谷
低谷Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 低谷
Podcast: 低谷
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AI Study Notes for 低谷
Quick Contrast
谷 (gǔ) refers to a valley in a geographical sense, while 低谷 (dīgǔ) specifically emphasizes a low point, often metaphorically in life or situations.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine standing in a deep valley (低谷) where the ground is low. The character 低 (dī) sounds like 'dee,' which you might associate with something down low, while 谷 (gǔ) resembles a 'gully' where water flows down. Picture yourself in this valley, feeling the weight of being at the bottom.
Usage Notes
Learners should be careful not to confuse 低谷 with similar words like 顶峰 (dǐng fēng), which means peak. This term is more commonly used in informal contexts, especially in discussions about personal struggles or economic issues. The tone must be precise, as mispronouncing the first tone can alter the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 低谷 is not an HSK word, understanding it can enhance vocabulary related to emotions and life situations at HSK Level 4 and above. Students should focus on using it in phrases that describe personal experiences or challenges.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, acknowledging one's 低谷 (low points) is often seen as a step towards growth and resilience. People may share their experiences of hitting a low point as a way to inspire others, reflecting the value placed on perseverance.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is to use 低谷 interchangeably with 低点 (dī diǎn), which can refer to a low point but lacks the metaphorical depth of 低谷. Instead of saying '我在低点,' say '我在低谷' to convey the true meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 低谷
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Usage Notes for 低谷
Misunderstanding ContextCommon Error
低谷 can be used both literally and figuratively. Learners may confuse its usage in different contexts.
1
他的事业进入了低谷。
His career has reached a low point.
Exercise 1 of 1
Fill in the Blank
他的事业进入了____。
His career has reached a low point.
Cultural Notes for 低谷
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, acknowledging one's 低谷 (low points) is often seen as a step towards growth and resilience. People may share their experiences of hitting a low point as a way to inspire others, reflecting the value placed on perseverance.
📜Proverb
“不经历风雨，怎么见彩虹。”这一句成语强调了经历低谷的重要性，只有经过困难，才能迎来成功的时刻。
Frequently Asked Questions about 低谷
Some synonyms for 低谷 (dī gǔ) include 低点 (dī diǎn), which means 'low point,' and 低潮 (dī cháo), meaning 'low tide.' These terms also reflect periods of decline or hardship in various contexts.
You should use 低谷 (dī gǔ) in conversations when discussing personal challenges, economic downturns, or emotional struggles. It's often used to describe times when one feels at their lowest, making it a powerful term in both casual and formal discussions.
低谷 (dī gǔ) means 'valley' or 'trough,' and it can be used figuratively to refer to a low point or nadir in one's fortunes. It describes situations where one experiences significant challenges or hardships, contrasting with moments of peak success.
You can use 低谷 (dī gǔ) in a sentence to express a challenging phase in life. For example, '在事业的低谷，我学会了坚持' means 'During the low point of my career, I learned to persevere.' This shows how the term can convey both a literal and metaphorical meaning.
No, 低谷 specifically refers to low points or troughs, so it is inherently negative.
Yes, it's frequently used to describe economic downturns or poor performance.
You can say, '他正处于事业的低谷' (Tā zhèng chǔ yú shìyè de dī gǔ) meaning 'He is currently at a low point in his career.'
