Understanding "忧郁" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 忧郁
• Pinyin: yōu yù
• Literal Meaning: "Melancholy" (忧 - worry/sorrow; 郁 - gloom/depression)
• Primary Meaning: A deep, lingering sadness or melancholy; a state of emotional gloom or depression.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"忧郁" describes a prolonged emotional state of sadness, often with a poetic or introspective nuance. It can refer to:
- Personal feelings (e.g., "She felt 忧郁 after the loss.")
- Artistic expressions (e.g., "忧郁的音乐" - melancholic music)
- Literary or philosophical moods (e.g., "忧郁的气质" - a melancholic temperament).

Unlike temporary sadness (e.g., 伤心 - shāngxīn), 忧郁 implies a deeper, more reflective sorrow.

Character Breakdown

• 忧 (yōu): "Worry" or "sorrow."
• 郁 (yù): "Gloom," "depression," or "dense" (as in suppressed emotions).
  Together, they emphasize a heavy, lingering emotional weight.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 他的眼神充满了忧郁。
   Pinyin: Tā de yǎnshén chōngmǎnle yōuyù.
   English: His eyes were filled with melancholy.

2. Chinese: 这首歌带着一种忧郁的美。
   Pinyin: Zhè shǒu gē dàizhe yī zhǒng yōuyù de měi.
   English: This song carries a kind of melancholic beauty.

3. Chinese: 她最近看起来很忧郁，可能遇到了困难。
   Pinyin: Tā zuìjìn kàn qǐlái hěn yōuyù, kěnéng yù dàole kùnnan.
   English: She looks very gloomy lately; perhaps she’s facing difficulties.

Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, 忧郁 is often associated with artistic sensitivity. Classical poetry (e.g., by Li Bai or Du Fu) frequently explores this emotion, linking it to nature (e.g., autumn scenes) or unfulfilled aspirations. Modern usage retains this poetic nuance, making it a common term in literature and music.

Conclusion

"忧郁" (yōu yù) captures a profound, reflective sadness, distinct from fleeting emotions. Remember it through its characters: 忧 (worry) + 郁 (gloom) = a dense, lingering sorrow. Use it to describe deep melancholy in people, art, or moods.