Definition
陷阱 (xiànjǐng) is the common noun for 'trap' or 'pitfall,' used for both literal snares and figurative dangers. Unlike 圈套 (quāntào), which emphasizes a deliberate trick or scheme (often non-physical), 陷阱 can be a physical hole or any type of pitfall. Verb counterparts 陷 (to sink into/frame) and 套 (to trap slyly) are related but not direct synonyms.
noun
trappitfallsnare
Examples
- 陷阱，。Lièrén shè le yí ge xiàn jǐng, zhǔnbèi zhuā yězhū.The hunter set a trap to catch a wild boar.
- ，陷阱。Zhège tóuzī tīng qǐlai tài hǎo, kěnéng shì xiàn jǐng.This investment sounds too good — it might be a pitfall.
- 陷阱。Zhíchǎng zhōng yào xiǎoxīn rénjì guānxì de xiàn jǐng.In the workplace, be careful of pitfalls in interpersonal relationships.
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