风餐露宿

fēngcān-lùsù

lit. to eat in the open air and sleep outdoors (idiom)

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"风餐露宿" literally means "eating in the wind and sleeping in the dew," describing a situation where someone endures hardships by living outdoors, often exposed to the elements. It is commonly used to emphasize the tough conditions faced during travel, work, or missions.

Contexts

This idiom is often applied to describe:

  • Researchers or workers who must stay outdoors for extended periods.
  • Entrepreneurs or individuals who endure hardships to achieve their goals.
  • Soldiers or travelers facing difficult living conditions.

Common Collocations

Usage Notes

This phrase carries a tone of admiration or sympathy for the perseverance involved. It is typically used in formal or literary contexts rather than casual speech. Avoid confusing it with similar idioms that emphasize hardship but do not specifically imply outdoor living conditions.

Summary

Use "风餐露宿" to vividly express enduring tough, outdoor conditions, highlighting resilience and dedication.

Example Sentences

为了完成这次考察任务,科学家们风餐露宿,克服了许多困难。

Wèile wánchéng zhè cì kǎochá rènwu, kēxuéjiā men fēngcān-lùsù, kèfúle

To complete this research mission, the scientists endured hardships, eating

他为了创业,风餐露宿,终于把公司做了起来。

Tā wèile chuàngyè, fēngcān-lùsù, zhōngyú bǎ gōngsī zuòle qǐlái.

He endured hardships eating and sleeping outdoors to start his business, and

军人在执行任务时常常风餐露宿,生活非常艰苦。

Jūnrén zài zhíxíng rènwu shí chángcháng fēngcān-lùsù, shēnghuó fēicháng

Soldiers often endure eating and sleeping outdoors during missions; life is