The idiom 心灰意冷 (xīn huī yì lěng) is a poignant expression in the Chinese language that captures a deep sense of disappointment and despair. In this article, we will explore its meaning, grammatical structure, and provide a variety of example sentences to illustrate its use in everyday conversation.
Meaning of 心灰意冷
心灰意冷 (xīn huī yì lěng) literally translates to “heart灰 (gray) and意冷 (cold),” symbolizing a state of emotional numbness and lack of hope. It is often used to express feelings of despair, disappointment, or losing motivation, typically after a disappointing experience or setback.
Contextual Understanding
This idiom beautifully encapsulates the human experience of encountering failures or setbacks that lead to a sense of hopelessness. It suggests that one’s enthusiasm (心 xīn) has faded to a gray state (灰 huī) and one’s spirit (意 yì) has cooled or become cold (冷 lěng). It’s akin to saying “I feel defeated” or “I’ve lost my will” in English, and it conveys a strong emotional impact.
Grammatical Structure of 心灰意冷
Understanding the grammatical construction of 心灰意冷 is crucial for grasping its meaning and usage. The idiom consists of two key components: 心灰 (xīn huī) and 意冷 (yì lěng).
Breaking Down the Components
- 心 (xīn) – means “heart” and signifies emotions or feelings.
- 灰 (huī) – means “gray,” which here indicates something dull or lacking vitality.
- 意 (yì) – refers to “intent” or “spirit,” representing one’s motivation or enthusiasm.
- 冷 (lěng) – means “cold,” suggesting a lack of warmth or passion.
When combined, these elements portray a vivid picture of emotional despondency, making心灰意冷 a powerful idiom in expressing deep, resonant feelings of disappointment.
Example Sentences Using 心灰意冷

To further illustrate the idiom’s application, let’s consider several example sentences:
Example 1
在经历了多次失败后,他感到心灰意冷,不知道自己该如何继续下去。
Translation: After experiencing multiple failures, he felt 心灰意冷 (xīn huī yì lěng) and didn’t know how to go on.
Example 2
她因为失去工作而心灰意冷,生活的乐趣都消失了。
Translation: She became 心灰意冷 (xīn huī yì lěng) after losing her job, and all the joy in life disappeared.
Example 3
看到比赛的结果,我心灰意冷,真不想再参与了。
Translation: Looking at the results of the match, I felt 心灰意冷 (xīn huī yì lěng) and really didn’t want to participate anymore.
Example 4
他总是保持乐观,但这次的失败让他心灰意冷。
Translation: He usually stays optimistic, but this failure left him feeling 心灰意冷 (xīn huī yì lěng).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the idiom 心灰意冷 (xīn huī yì lěng) is a profound expression that encapsulates the emotions of despair and loss of motivation. By understanding its meaning, grammatical structure, and practical usage, learners of Chinese can better appreciate the nuances of the language and convey complex emotional states effectively. Whether you’re expressing personal feelings or describing the experiences of others, this idiom serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles we all face.

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