Understanding "悲伤" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 悲伤
• Pinyin: bēi shāng
• Literal Meaning: "sorrow-grief" (悲 = sorrow, 伤 = grief/pain)
• Primary Meaning: A deep emotional state of sadness, sorrow, or grief, often caused by loss, disappointment, or suffering.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"悲伤" is a strong term used to describe profound sadness or grief, often lasting longer than temporary unhappiness. It can refer to personal sorrow (e.g., losing a loved one) or broader melancholy (e.g., a sad story). Unlike milder terms like "难过" (nán guò, "feel sad"), "悲伤" implies a heavier, more lingering emotional weight.

Character Breakdown

• 悲 (bēi): Means "sorrow," "grief," or "compassion." The character combines "heart" (心) and "not" (非), suggesting a heart in distress.
• 伤 (shāng): Means "hurt," "wound," or "grief." It includes the radical for "person" (亻) and "strength" (力), implying emotional or physical pain.

Together, they intensify the meaning of deep sorrow.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 听到这个消息，她非常悲伤。
   Pinyin: Tīng dào zhè ge xiāo xi, tā fēi cháng bēi shāng.
   English: Upon hearing the news, she felt extremely sorrowful.

2. Chinese: 这部电影充满了悲伤的气氛。
   Pinyin: Zhè bù diàn yǐng chōng mǎn le bēi shāng de qì fēn.
   English: This movie is filled with a sorrowful atmosphere.

3. Chinese: 他的离开让全家人陷入悲伤。
   Pinyin: Tā de lí kāi ràng quán jiā rén xiàn rù bēi shāng.
   English: His departure plunged the whole family into grief.

Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, expressing "悲伤" openly (e.g., crying loudly at funerals) is sometimes more accepted than in Western cultures, where restraint may be preferred. Classical poetry and literature often romanticize "悲伤" as a poignant, reflective emotion, seen in works like Li Bai’s poems or the novel Dream of the Red Chamber.

Conclusion

"悲伤" (bēi shāng) is a powerful word for deep sadness or grief, combining the characters for sorrow (悲) and pain (伤). Use it to describe intense emotional distress, and remember its cultural resonance in art and mourning practices.