狼狈

• Pinyin: láng bèi
• Hanzi breakdown: 狼 = 犭(dog) + 良 — wolf; 狈 = 犭(dog) + 贝 (shell) — mythical creature

Meaning

In a difficult situation; in an awkward predicament; disheveled and embarrassed.

Describes a state of being in trouble, embarrassed, or in disarray. Can describe physical appearance (disheveled) or situation (predicament). Often used with 不堪 (unbearably).

Examples

1. 他被雨淋得狼狈不堪。 He was drenched by the rain and looked completely disheveled.
2. 撒谎被拆穿后，他显得十分狼狈。 After being caught lying, he looked very embarrassed.
3. 敌军狼狈逃窜。 The enemy forces fled in disarray.

Usage Guide

Context: embarrassment, difficulty, appearance

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 他逃跑的样子很狼狈。(He looked disheveled when he ran away.)
• 狼狈为奸。(To collude in evil — idiom from the 狼狈 legend.)

Don't Say

• 用狼狈形容正常的困难。(狼狈 implies embarrassing disarray — use 困难 for ordinary difficulties)

Origin & History

From a legend about two mythical creatures — 狼 and 狈 — who must cooperate because 狈 has short front legs. Alone, each is helpless.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal