狼狈

• 拼音: láng bèi
• 汉字拆解: 狼 = 犭(dog) + 良 — wolf; 狈 = 犭(dog) + 贝 (shell) — mythical creature

含义

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).

例句

1. 他被雨淋得狼狈不堪。
2. 撒谎被拆穿后，他显得十分狼狈。
3. 敌军狼狈逃窜。

用法指南

语境: embarrassment, difficulty, appearance

语气: descriptive

正确说法

• 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.)

错误说法

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

起源与历史

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

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal