(niān) — to wither, to droop (of plants); to be listless, to be spiritless (of people)

Definition

Literally describes plants losing moisture and drooping (flowers, vegetables). Figuratively extended to people looking listless, drained, or out of sorts — a vivid, everyday image.

verb
to witherto droop (of plants)to be listlessto be spiritless (of people)

Examples

  • Zhè xiē huā dū niān le, gāi jiāo shuǐ le.
    These flowers have all wilted; it's time to water them.
  • Tā jīn tiān kàn qǐ lái hěn niān, shì bu shì méi shuì hǎo?
    He looks very listless today; did he not sleep well?
  • Cài fàng le yì tiān jiù niān le.
    The vegetables wilted after a day.

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