Meaning and Usage
The verb 挽救 (wǎn jiù) means 'to save' or 'to rescue' someone or something from a dangerous or critical situation. It often implies an effort to prevent loss or failure, especially in serious contexts such as health, finances, or relationships.
Common Collocations
- 挽救生命 (wǎnjiù shēngmìng): to save a life
- 挽救危机 (wǎnjiù wēijī): to save from a crisis
- 挽救局面 (wǎnjiù júmiàn): to salvage a situation
These collocations highlight the word's use in urgent or critical scenarios.
Usage Notes
挽救 is typically used in formal or serious contexts rather than casual ones. It often involves active effort or intervention. Unlike simpler verbs like 救 (jiù), 挽救 emphasizes the process of pulling back from the brink of disaster.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 挽救 with 救助, which means 'to assist' or 'to aid' and can be less urgent. 挽救 stresses preventing a loss or failure that is imminent or ongoing.
Summary
Use 挽救 when talking about saving something valuable or important from a critical or dangerous situation, especially when emphasizing the effort involved.