Usage and Nuance
The verb 遭受 (zāo shòu) is used to describe experiencing or undergoing something negative, such as damage, loss, injury, or hardship. It often appears in formal or written contexts, especially in news reports or official statements.
Common Collocations
- 遭受损失 (zāoshòu sǔnshī): to suffer losses
- 遭受打击 (zāoshòu dǎjī): to suffer a blow or setback
- 遭受伤害 (zāoshòu shānghài): to suffer injuries
These collocations emphasize the negative impact or harm endured.
Register and Tone
This word carries a somewhat formal and serious tone. It is less common in casual conversation but frequently used in written Chinese, such as news articles, reports, and formal speeches.
Common Confusion
Avoid confusing 遭受 with 受到 (shòudào). While both can mean "to receive" or "to suffer," 遭受 specifically implies encountering something adverse or harmful, whereas 受到 is more neutral and can refer to receiving both positive and negative things.
Summary
Use 遭受 when you want to emphasize that someone or something has undergone a negative experience or harm, especially in formal contexts. It pairs naturally with words related to damage, loss, injury, or hardship.