波折

• Pinyin: bō zhé
• Hanzi breakdown: 波 = waves; 折 = 扌(hand) + 斤 (axe), meaning to break or bend

Meaning

Twists and turns; setbacks; complications. Unexpected difficulties or changes in the course of events.

Used to describe obstacles, complications, or unexpected developments in a process. Unlike 挫折 (setback/failure), 波折 emphasizes the winding, unpredictable nature of events rather than outright failure.

Examples

1. 这对情侣的爱情经历了许多波折，最终还是走到了一起。 This couple's love story went through many twists and turns before they finally ended up together.
2. 项目进展中遇到了一些波折，但总体进度仍在可控范围内。 The project encountered some complications, but overall progress remains under control.
3. 他的创业之路充满波折，但从未想过放弃。 His entrepreneurial journey has been full of setbacks, but he never thought of giving up.

Usage Guide

Context: narrative, life events, projects

Tone: reflective

Do Say

• 人生难免有波折，关键是如何面对。(Life inevitably has twists and turns — the key is how you face them.)
• 虽然经历了一些波折，但结果还是好的。(Although there were some complications, the outcome was good.)

Don't Say

• 我今天上班遇到了波折。(For minor daily inconveniences, just describe them — 波折 implies significant complications)

Origin & History

波 (wave) + 折 (to bend, break). Like waves that twist and turn rather than flowing straight.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal