累

In Chinese, you usually add an intensifier before 累. You rarely just say 我累 (wǒ lèi). Instead, say 我累了 (wǒ lèi le) to mean "I've become tired." Or use 我很累 (wǒ hěn lèi) for "I am very tired." If you are totally wiped out, try 累死了 (lèi sǐ le). This literally means "tired to death." It is a favorite among locals after a long shift.

Use it after a long flight or a hike. Use it when your boss gives you extra work. It is perfect for texting friends after a late night. You can also use it to describe a situation. If a task is difficult and draining, you can say 这个工作很累. It implies the job itself is exhausting.

Do not use 累 if you are just sleepy. If you want to nap, use 困 (kùn) instead. 累 is about lack of energy, not necessarily needing sleep. Also, avoid using it as a greeting. While Westerners might say "I'm tired" as small talk, in China, it can sound like a heavy complaint. Use it when someone actually asks how you are.

In Chinese culture, hard work is highly valued. Admitting you are 累 is often a badge of honor. It shows you have been diligent. However, the younger generation uses it to vent about the "996" work culture. There is a famous internet slang 心累 (xīn lèi). This means "heart tired." It describes the feeling of being emotionally drained by life's drama.

• 好累 (hǎo lèi): So tired (very common in speech).
• 累坏了 (lèi huài le): Broken from tiredness.
• 心累 (xīn lèi): Mentally or emotionally exhausted.
• 不累 (bù lèi): Not tired (often used to be polite when someone helps you).