Definition
颠簸 (diān bǒ) specifically describes the jolting, bumpy motion of a vehicle (car, boat, plane) on a rough road or in turbulence. Unlike 震 (zhèn), which is a general shake or vibration (including from an impact or shock), and 震荡 (zhèn dàng), which often refers to physical or social upheaval, 颠簸 emphasizes the repeated up-and-down motion of a ride. Figuratively, it means to go through hardships, like a bumpy life journey.
verb
(of a vehicle or ride) to joltto be bumpy(fig.) to go through hardshipsto have an unstable experience
Examples
- ，颠簸。Zhè duàn lù tài chà le, zuò zài chē lǐ diān bǒ de lìhai.This stretch of road is so bad — sitting in the car is really bumpy.
- ，颠簸。Fēijī yù dào qìliú, kāishǐ jùliè diān bǒ.The plane hit turbulence and started jolting violently.
- 颠簸，。Tā yìshēng diān bǒ, dàn cóng wèi fàngqì xīwàng.His life was full of hardship, but he never gave up hope.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.