The Chinese idiom 一敗塗地 (yí bài tú dì) is a fascinating expression that encapsulates the notion of failure in a compelling and vivid manner. This article will delve into its meaning, grammatical structure, and provide example sentences that illustrate its use in various contexts. Whether you’re a seasoned learner or a novice, understanding this idiom will enrich your grasp of the Chinese language.
Meaning of 一敗塗地
The idiom 一敗塗地 (yí bài tú dì) literally translates to “one defeat, smeared on the ground.” It is used to describe a total and humiliating defeat, emphasizing a sense of failure that leaves no room for recovery or dignity. In essence, it signifies losing completely to a degree that it becomes difficult to rebuild or regain one’s standing.
In broader contexts, it may also refer to situations where efforts have failed miserably, often used to describe a situation that has gone catastrophically wrong, be it in competitions, business endeavors, or personal ambitions.
Grammatical Structure of 一敗塗地
Components of the Idiom
To fully grasp the idiomatic expression 一敗塗地, it’s important to break it down into its components:
- 一 (yī): The numeral “one,” indicating a single event or instance.
- 敗 (bài): Means “defeat” or “failure.”
- 塗地 (tú dì): Literally translates to “smeared on the ground,” where 塗 (tú) means “smear” or “apply,” and 地 (dì) means “ground” or “earth.” This part vividly illustrates the depth of the defeat.
Grammatical Function
In sentences, 一敗塗地 functions as a descriptive phrase typically used as a verb complement or a predicate, conveying the extent of failure. For example, when describing a team’s performance, one may say, “The team faced 一敗塗地 during the championship.” Here, it emphasizes the utter failure experienced by the team.
Example Sentences Using 一敗塗地
In Personal Achievement Contexts
- 他在比賽中一敗塗地,無法接受這樣的結果。
- (Tā zài bǐsài zhōng yī bài tú dì, wúfǎ jiēshòu zhèyàng de jiéguǒ.)
- Translation: He suffered a total defeat in the competition and could not accept such an outcome.
In Business Scenarios
- 他的企業經歷了一敗塗地的失敗,幾乎破產。
- (Tā de qiye jīnglìle yī bài tú dì de shībài, jīhū pòchǎn.)
- Translation: His business experienced a catastrophic failure, nearly going bankrupt.
In Everyday Conversations
- 聽說他的計劃一敗塗地,他現在很沮喪。
- (Tīng shuō tā de jìhuà yī bài tú dì, tā xiànzài hěn jǔsàng.)
- Translation: I heard his plan ended in total failure; he is very discouraged now.
Conclusion
Understanding the idiom 一敗塗地 (yí bài tú dì) not only enriches your vocabulary but also provides insight into cultural contexts where Chinese speakers might use it. It serves as a vivid reminder that failure, while painful, is a common experience that can unite us in our endeavors. Using this idiom appropriately can enhance your conversational skills and help you articulate feelings of defeat or setbacks in a nuanced way.
As you continue exploring the depths of the Chinese language, keep an eye out for such idiomatic expressions. They offer a glimpse into the culture and emotions tied to the words we use.

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