投降

• Pinyin: tóu xiáng
• Hanzi breakdown: 投 = 扌(hand) + 殳 — to throw; 降 = 阝+ 夅 — to descend, submit

Meaning

To surrender; to capitulate; to give up.

To cease resistance and submit to an opponent. Military term that extends to any situation where someone gives up trying. Can be used humorously for minor defeats.

Examples

1. 敌军弹尽粮绝，最终不得不举白旗投降。 The enemy troops ran out of ammunition and food, and ultimately had to raise the white flag and surrender.
2. 这道数学题太难了，我投降，你来教教我吧。 This math problem is too hard — I give up, you teach me.
3. 谈判中他们寸步不让，绝不向对方投降。 In negotiations they wouldn't give an inch, absolutely refusing to surrender to the other side.

Usage Guide

Context: military, competition, giving up

Tone: varies

Do Say

• 我投降了。(I surrender.)
• 无条件投降。(Unconditional surrender.)

Don't Say

• 把战略撤退叫'投降' (投降 means giving up — tactical retreat is 撤退, not surrender)

Origin & History

投 means to throw, 降 means to descend/submit — to throw down weapons and submit.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal