Definition
死灰 (sǐhuī) literally means 'dead ashes' or 'dying embers'. It is often used figuratively to describe a state of extreme discouragement, hopelessness, or loneliness — as if all passion or warmth has burned out. In literary contexts it can also evoke a quiet, lifeless stillness.
n.
dying embersburnt-out cinders(figurative) a state of extreme discouragementhopelessnessor loneliness
Examples
- 死灰，。Tā de xīnqíng xiàng sǐ huī yíyàng, duì shēnghuó shīqù le rèqíng.His mood was like dying embers, having lost passion for life.
- ，死灰。Kàndào zìjǐ de nǔlì méiyǒu jiéguǒ, tā de xīn chéng le yí piàn sǐ huī.Seeing his efforts without results, his heart became a pile of dying embers.
- ，死灰，。Jīnglì le nà cì dǎjī hòu, tā zhěnggèrén dōu rútóng sǐ huī, háo wú shēngqì.After experiencing that blow, he was like dying embers, completely lifeless.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.