Chinese idioms, known as 成语 (chéngyǔ), are an essential part of the language, providing cultural insight and expressive power. One fascinating idiom is 一落千丈 (yí luò qiān zhàng), which literally translates to “a drop of a thousand zhang.” In this article, we will delve into its meaning, grammatical structure, and provide example sentences to illustrate its use.
What Does 一落千丈 Mean?
The idiom 一落千丈 is often used metaphorically to describe a rapid and significant decline in status, value, or performance. It paints a vivid picture of something that falls dramatically, akin to falling a great height of a thousand zhang (approximately 3,300 meters). In modern usage, it may describe situations such as a person’s reputation suffering a steep decline, or a stock market crash where values plummet unexpectedly.
Grammatical Structure of 一落千丈
To better understand this idiom, we can break down its components:
- 一 (yí): This character means ‘one’ or ‘a,’ indicating a singular action or event.
- 落 (luò): This verb means ‘to fall,’ reflecting the action taking place.
- 千丈 (qiān zhàng): This phrase translates to ‘a thousand zhang,’ which acts as a measure of great extent or degree of decline.
In terms of syntax, 一落千丈 follows a simple structure: a verb (落) preceded by a numeral (一) and followed by an extent of measurement (千丈). This structure effectively conveys the magnitude of the decline described.
Example Sentences Using 一落千丈
To enhance understanding, here are several example sentences using 一落千丈:
1. Business Context
在经济危机之后,该公司的股价一落千丈。
(Zài jīngjì wēijī zhīhòu, gāi gōngsī de gǔjià yí luò qiān zhàng.)
“After the economic crisis, the company’s stock price dropped dramatically.”
2. Reputation Context
他的名声因为丑闻而一落千丈。
(Tā de míngshēng yīnwèi chǒuwén ér yí luò qiān zhàng.)
“His reputation fell sharply due to the scandal.”
3. Academic Performance Context
自从他失去了动力后,他的学习成绩一落千丈。
(Zìcóng tā shīqùle dònglì hòu, tā de xuéxí chéngjī yī luò qiān zhàng.)
“Since he lost motivation, his academic performance has declined significantly.”
4. Sports Performance Context
球队在赛季中期时一落千丈,连败数场。
(Qiú duì zài sài jì zhōngqí shí yī luò qiān zhàng, lián bèi shù chǎng.)
“The team experienced a sharp decline in the middle of the season, losing several games in a row.”
Conclusion
Understanding idioms like 一落千丈 is crucial for mastering Chinese as they enrich the language and provide cultural context. This idiom serves as a powerful descriptor of decline and can be applied across various contexts—business, reputation, academics, and sports. By incorporating such phrases into your vocabulary, you enhance your ability to express complex ideas succinctly and effectively.
Continue exploring other Chinese idioms to deepen your understanding of this rich language. The more familiar you become with expressions like 一落千丈, the better you will appreciate the nuances of Chinese culture and communication.

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