Understanding "疲劳" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 疲劳
• Pinyin: pí láo
• Literal Meaning: "疲" means "weary" or "exhausted," and "劳" means "labor" or "toil." Together, they literally mean "weary from labor."
• Primary Meaning: Fatigue; physical or mental tiredness.

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
  "疲劳" is used to describe a state of exhaustion, whether physical (e.g., after hard work or exercise) or mental (e.g., from stress or prolonged focus). It can also describe mechanical fatigue, such as material wear and tear.
• Physical fatigue: "他工作了一整天，感到非常疲劳。" (He worked all day and felt very tired.)
• Mental fatigue: "长时间的学习让她精神疲劳。" (Long hours of studying left her mentally exhausted.)

• Mechanical fatigue: "金属疲劳会导致零件断裂。" (Metal fatigue can cause parts to break.)

• Character Breakdown:

• 疲 (pí): Means "weary," "tired," or "exhausted."
• 劳 (láo): Means "labor," "work," or "toil." Together, they emphasize the result of prolonged effort.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 长时间的飞行让我感到非常疲劳。
   Pinyin: Cháng shíjiān de fēixíng ràng wǒ gǎndào fēicháng píláo.
   English: The long flight made me feel extremely fatigued.

2. Chinese: 睡眠不足会导致身体疲劳。
   Pinyin: Shuìmián bùzú huì dǎozhì shēntǐ píláo.
   English: Lack of sleep can lead to physical fatigue.

3. Chinese: 这台机器因为长期使用已经出现疲劳现象。
   Pinyin: Zhè tái jīqì yīnwèi chángqī shǐyòng yǐjīng chūxiàn píláo xiànxiàng.
   English: This machine has shown signs of fatigue due to long-term use.

Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, enduring hard work is often seen as virtuous, but "疲劳" acknowledges the natural limits of physical and mental stamina. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) often addresses fatigue with remedies like herbal tonics or acupuncture, emphasizing balance and rest.

Conclusion

"疲劳" (pí láo) is a versatile word describing exhaustion from physical, mental, or even mechanical strain. Remember it by breaking it down: "疲" (weary) + "劳" (labor) = fatigue from effort. Use it to express tiredness in various contexts!