Meaning and Usage
The adjective "憔悴" (qiáocuì) describes a person who looks very tired, worn out, or haggard, often due to illness, stress, or hardship. It conveys a visible decline in physical appearance, especially in the face.
Common Contexts
You will often see "憔悴" used to describe someone after prolonged illness, overwork, or emotional distress. It is a formal or literary word, more common in written Chinese or formal speech than casual conversation.
Collocations and Patterns
- 憔悴的面容: haggard face, emphasizing visible tiredness
- 看起来憔悴: looks haggard, describing appearance
- 憔悴不堪: extremely haggard, emphasizing severity
Usage Tips
"憔悴" focuses on the physical signs of exhaustion or suffering, unlike synonyms that might emphasize emotional states. Avoid using it for temporary tiredness; it implies a deeper, more lasting weariness. It is often paired with verbs like "看起来" (looks) or adjectives to intensify the description.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "憔悴" with "疲惫" (tired, exhausted), which is more general and can describe mental or physical fatigue without the visible signs of weariness that "憔悴" implies.