Definition
痛哭流涕 is a four-character set phrase (成语) describing someone who cries so hard they're in agony — more dramatic than just 'crying'. It's used for extreme sorrow, remorse, or even overwhelming gratitude, often in literary or formal contexts. You wouldn't use it for minor sadness; reserve it for genuinely devastating situations.
f.e.
to weep bitterlyto shed tears of deep sorrow or emotion
Examples
- ，痛哭流涕。Tā dézhī mǔqīn qùshì de xiāoxi hòu, tòng kū liú tì.After learning the news of his mother's passing, he wept bitterly.
- ，痛哭流涕。Dú dào tā de xìn, tā gǎndòng de tòng kū liú tì.Upon reading her letter, he was moved to tears of anguish.
- ，痛哭流涕。Huíyì qǐ nà duàn kǔnàn de rìzi, lǎorén bùjīn tòng kū liú tì.Recalling those days of suffering, the old man could not help but weep bitterly.
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