倒霉
dǎo méi HSK 5

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

我今天真倒霉。
Wǒ jīntiān zhēn dǎoméi.
I am really unlucky today.
他最近总是很倒霉。
Tā zuìjìn zǒng shì hěn dǎoméi.
He has been having bad luck recently.
下雨天出门很倒霉。
Xià yǔ tiān chūmén hěn dǎoméi.
It's unlucky to go out on a rainy day.
我今天真倒霉。
Wǒ jīntiān zhēn dǎoméi.
I am really unlucky today.
他最近很倒霉。
Tā zuìjìn hěn dǎoméi.
He has been very unlucky recently.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 倒 (dǎo) means 'to fall' and 霉 (méi) means 'mold' or 'mildew'. Imagine 'falling into mold' – that's definitely bad luck and something you'd want to complain about!

📝 Usage Notes

This word is very common in both spoken and informal written Chinese. It is used to complain about or describe minor misfortunes in daily life, such as losing something, having an accident, or plans being ruined. It is generally not used in very formal writing.

📖 Grammar Points

Often used as a predicate adjective: 主语 + 很/真/太 + 倒霉. Can also be used attributively before a noun: 倒霉的事. The structure '倒(了)霉了' is a common colloquial pattern to emphasize the current state of bad luck.

🏯 Cultural Notes

The term reflects a common way to express frustration about life's small setbacks. It's often used humorously or with resignation. There's a superstitious element sometimes, as bad luck might be attributed to timing or omens.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar to 不幸 (bùxìng), which means 'unfortunate' but is more serious and formal, often for tragedies. 倒霉 is lighter, for everyday annoyances. Also similar to 晦气 (huìqì), meaning 'unlucky' but with a superstitious tone.

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