愁

• Pinyin: chóu
• Hanzi breakdown: 愁 = 秋 (autumn) + 心 (heart), autumn being associated with sadness

Meaning

To worry; to be anxious; sorrow.

Expresses a deep sense of worry or melancholy, often about ongoing problems or uncertain futures. More literary and emotional than 担心. Common in poetry and literature to express sadness or longing.

Examples

1. 她最近为找工作的事发愁，整天闷闷不乐的。 She's been worrying about finding a job recently and has been gloomy all day.
2. 别愁了，车到山前必有路。 Don't worry — there's always a way out when you reach the mountain.
3. 他愁得睡不着觉，满脑子都是明天的面试。 He was so worried he couldn't sleep; his mind was full of tomorrow's interview.

Usage Guide

Context: emotions, problems, life challenges

Tone: melancholic

Do Say

• 你在愁什么呢？(What are you worrying about?)
• 别愁，会有办法的。(Don't worry; there'll be a way.)

Don't Say

• 对很小的事说'我很愁'有点夸张——愁通常用于较大的困扰，小事用'有点烦'更合适 (Using 我很愁 for trivial matters is dramatic — 愁 is for bigger worries; use 有点烦 for small annoyances)

Origin & History

An ancient character combining 秋 (autumn) + 心 (heart), reflecting the traditional association of autumn with melancholy and worry.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal