挫折

• Pinyin: cuò zhé
• Hanzi breakdown: 挫 = 扌(hand) + 坐 (phonetic, to frustrate); 折 = 扌+ 斤 (to break)

Meaning

Setback; frustration; failure. A noun or verb describing obstacles or defeats encountered while pursuing a goal.

Can be used as a noun (遭遇挫折 to encounter setbacks) or verb (挫折了他的计划 frustrated his plans). Common in discussions about perseverance, education, and personal growth. The phrase 挫折教育 refers to teaching resilience through challenges.

Examples

1. 人生难免遇到挫折，关键是要学会从中站起来。 Setbacks are inevitable in life — the key is learning to get back up from them.
2. 这次创业失败对他来说是个不小的挫折。 This failed startup was no small setback for him.
3. 经历过挫折的人往往更加成熟和坚强。 People who have experienced setbacks often become more mature and resilient.

Usage Guide

Context: life lessons, personal growth, encouragement

Tone: reflective

Do Say

• 不要害怕挫折。(Don't be afraid of setbacks.)
• 挫折是成功之母。(Setbacks are the mother of success.)

Don't Say

• 我享受挫折 (Unnatural — one might learn from 挫折 but not typically 'enjoy' it)

Origin & History

Compound of 挫 (to frustrate, defeat) + 折 (to break, bend). Together meaning being bent or broken by difficulties.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal