Definition
死气沉沉 is a four-character idiom (chengyu) used to describe an atmosphere, environment, or situation that is completely lifeless, dull, and devoid of energy or vitality. It often applies to places, meetings, organizations, or relationships where there is no enthusiasm or activity. The literal meaning is 'dead air, heavy and sinking' — think of a room where no one speaks or a company where creativity is dead.
f.e.
lifelessspiritlessstagnant (describing an atmosphere or situation)
Examples
- 死气沉沉，。Zhège gōngsī qìfēn sǐ qì chén chén, yuángōng dōu bùxiǎng shuōhuà.This company has a lifeless atmosphere; employees don't want to talk.
- 死气沉沉，。Huìyì kāi de sǐ qì chén chén, dàjiā dōu juéde làngfèi shíjiān.The meeting was so spiritless that everyone felt it was a waste of time.
- ，死气沉沉。Zìcóng Lǎo Zhāng líkāi hòu, tuánduì jiù biànde sǐ qì chén chén le.Since Old Zhang left, the team has become stagnant and lifeless.
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