Chinese language is rich in idiomatic expressions that encapsulate deep emotions and cultural nuances. One such expression is 愁眉苦臉 (chóu méi kǔ liǎn), which vividly portrays a state of sorrow and worry. In this article, we will explore the meaning, grammatical structure, and usage of this intriguing idiom.
What Does 愁眉苦臉 (Chóu Méi Kǔ Liǎn) Mean?
The phrase 愁眉苦臉 can be literally translated as “furrowed brows and苦 faces.” It paints a picture of someone who is visibly distressed, worried, or unhappy. This idiom is typically used to describe a person’s facial expression that reflects suffering or anxiety.
In a broader sense, 愁眉苦臉 is often used in contexts where individuals are facing difficulties, troubles, or emotional turmoil. It can convey a moment of vulnerability that many can relate to, making it a powerful expression in conversational Chinese.
Grammatical Structure of 愁眉苦臉
To understand the grammatical structure of 愁眉苦臉, we can break it down into its components:
1. 愁 (Chóu)
This character means “to worry” or “to be anxious.” It sets the emotional tone for the idiom.
2. 眉 (Méi)
This character means “brow” or “eyebrow.” In the context of the idiom, it suggests that the person’s worry is so profound that it is physically manifested in their facial expression.
3. 苦 (Kǔ)
This character translates to “bitter” or “suffering.” It enhances the idea that the individual is not just worried, but is experiencing a significant degree of distress or unhappiness.
4. 臉 (Liǎn)
This character means “face.” It indicates that what is being described is the expression on the person’s face.
When combined, these characters create an expression that vividly communicates a state of emotional distress. The idiomatic structure allows for a blend of feelings to be represented succinctly, which is a hallmark of Chinese idioms.
Example Sentences Using 愁眉苦臉
Understanding an idiom is best achieved through context. Here are several example sentences that demonstrate how to use 愁眉苦臉 effectively:
1. 他的失败让他愁眉苦脸。
Tā de shībài ràng tā chóu méi kǔ liǎn.
Translation: His failure left him with a worried and distressed expression.
2. 她总是愁眉苦脸,似乎有很多烦恼。
Tā zǒng shì chóu méi kǔ liǎn, shìhū yǒu hěn duō fánnǎo.
Translation: She always has a worried and bitter face, as if she has a lot of troubles.
3. 我看到他愁眉苦脸,问他发生了什么事。
Wǒ kàn dào tā chóu méi kǔ liǎn, wèn tā fāshēngle shénme shì.
Translation: I saw him with a worried expression and asked him what happened.
4. 在考试前夕,许多学生都是愁眉苦脸。
Zài kǎoshì qiánxī, xǔduō xuéshēng dōu shì chóu méi kǔ liǎn.
Translation: On the eve of the exam, many students have a worried and distressed look.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the idiom 愁眉苦臉 (chóu méi kǔ liǎn) serves as a powerful expression that encapsulates feelings of worry and distress in the Chinese language. Its rich grammatical structure allows for emotional depth and cultural resonance, making it an important expression for anyone learning or using Chinese. By understanding and using this idiom, learners can engage more profoundly with the language and express emotions in a culturally relevant way.
As you practice incorporating 愁眉苦臉 into your conversations, remember that it reflects not just a facial expression, but a shared human experience of facing challenges and worries.

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