退缩

• Pinyin: tuì suō
• Desglose de hanzi: 退 = 辶 (walk) + 艮 (stop); 缩 = 纟(silk/thread) + 宿 (lodge) — threads pulled tight

Significado

acobardarse; echarse atrás; retraerse ante un reto

Strongly negative in connotation — implies cowardice or a failure of resolve rather than strategic withdrawal. Often used to criticise or admonish someone for not facing up to a difficulty. Common in motivational speech, military or sports contexts, and in criticisms of character.

Ejemplos

1. 越是在艰难的时候，越不能退缩。
2. 面对比自己强大的对手，他没有丝毫退缩的意思。
3. 一遇到困难就退缩，永远无法取得真正的突破。

Guía de uso

Contexto: motivational, personal, professional

Tono: admonishing

Correcto

• 在挑战面前退缩只会让自己更加懊悔。(Flinching in the face of challenges will only make you more regretful later.)
• 他没有退缩，而是直接跟上司说明了自己的想法。(He didn't shrink back but instead stated his views directly to his supervisor.)

Incorrecto

• 把战术性撤退称为'退缩' (退缩 implies a failure of courage; a planned strategic withdrawal is 撤退 or 退却, not 退缩)

Origen e historia

Compound of 退 (retreat) + 缩 (shrink, contract). Together vividly describe the act of shrinking away and retreating.

Contexto cultural

Generación: All ages

Contexto social: Universal