Definition
心灰意冷 is a four-character idiom (chengyu) literally meaning 'heart turns to ash, intent turns cold'. It describes a state of extreme discouragement, disappointment, or loss of hope — as if one's enthusiasm and motivation have completely died. Use it as a verb phrase (predicate) to talk about someone who has become utterly disheartened after a setback or failure.
v
utterly discouraged and disheartenedto lose all hope or enthusiasm
Examples
- ，心灰意冷，。Zìcóng cízhí shībài hòu, tā biànde xīn huī yì lěng, zhěngtiān wújīngdǎcǎi.After failing to quit his job, he became disheartened and listless all day.
- ，心灰意冷，。Suīrán zhè cì bǐsài shū le, dàn nǐmen bú yào xīn huī yì lěng, xià cì hái yǒu jīhuì.Although you lost this competition, don't be discouraged; there will be another chance.
- ，心灰意冷，。Tīngdào zhège xiāoxi, tā xīn huī yì lěng, yǎnlèi rěnbuzhù liú le xiàlái.Upon hearing this news, she was disheartened and couldn't stop her tears from flowing.
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