疲惫不堪

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: pí bèi bù kān
• English Translation: Exhausted, completely worn out, utterly fatigued
• Idiom Composition: 「疲」（To be tired）＋「惫」（To be extremely tired）＋「不」（Cannot, unable to）＋「堪」（To endure）
• Meaning: Describes an extreme state of exhaustion where one can no longer endure. It refers to being completely worn out physically and mentally, making it difficult to continue any further.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「疲惫不堪」 contains the following nuances:

• Extreme fatigue: Indicates a state of fatigue that goes beyond ordinary tiredness, reaching the limit.
• Limit: Emphasizes the point at which one cannot continue any longer.
• Physical and mental exhaustion: Includes not only physical tiredness but also mental fatigue.
• Difficulty continuing: Indicates a state where continuing normal activities or work is difficult due to exhaustion.

3. Usage

「疲惫不堪」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Describing condition: Used to describe someone or an animal who is extremely tired.
  • Example:「经过连续几天的加班，他显得疲惫不堪。」
    （After working overtime for several consecutive days, he looked completely exhausted.）
• Describing result: Used to explain that an activity or event has resulted in extreme fatigue.
  • Example:「长途旅行后，游客们疲惫不堪地回到了酒店。」
    （After a long journey, the tourists returned to the hotel completely worn out.）
• Figurative expression: Can be used figuratively to describe not only physical exhaustion but also mental fatigue or situations reaching their limits.
  • Example:「这个项目已经让我们团队疲惫不堪了。」
    （This project has already left our team utterly exhausted.）

Additional Examples:

1. 经过一场激烈的辩论，双方代表都疲惫不堪。
   （After a fierce debate, both sides' representatives were all completely worn out.）
2. 连续工作了十几个小时，工人们疲惫不堪地结束了一天的工作。
   （After working continuously for over ten hours, the workers ended their day exhausted.）
3. 考试结束后，学生们疲惫不堪地走出了考场。
   （After the exam, the students walked out of the exam hall completely drained.）
4. 救援人员在灾区连续奋战了几天几夜，早已疲惫不堪。
   （The rescue workers fought tirelessly in the disaster area for days and nights, long since exhausted.）
5. 这匹马长途奔跑后疲惫不堪，需要好好休息。
   （This horse is completely worn out after a long run and needs proper rest.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• In traditional Chinese culture, maintaining a balance between work and rest, known as '劳逸结合' (balance of labor and rest), has been emphasized for health preservation. The idiom '疲惫不堪' suggests the negative effects of excessive work and stress on health and highlights the importance of rest.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 筋疲力尽 (jīn pí lì jìn): Muscles are tired and strength is exhausted; emphasizes physical fatigue.
  • 精疲力竭 (jīng pí lì jié): Completely exhausted both mentally and physically.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 精力充沛 (jīng lì chōng pèi): Full of energy and vitality; very energetic.
  • 精神抖擞 (jīng shén dǒu sǒu): Mentally invigorated and full of spirit.

6. Summary

'疲惫不堪' is a highly relatable idiom reflecting overwork and stress in modern society. When using this term, it is important to convey not just ordinary tiredness but a sense of reaching one's limit. Understanding the Chinese cultural concept of '劳逸结合' (balance of labor and rest) helps deepen the appreciation of the cautionary meaning behind this idiom.