B1 adjective, noun Neutral

萧条

[ɕjau˥ tʰjau˧˥]

A state of economic decline or inactivity, characterized by low business activity, high unemployment, and lack of prosperity. It can also describe a desolate or lonely scene.

Examples

3 of 5
1

冬天的时候,这个海滨小镇变得非常萧条。

In winter, this seaside town becomes very desolate.

2

历史上最著名的经济大萧条发生在1929年。

The most famous Great Depression in history occurred in 1929.

3

现在的零售业正处于一个萧条期。

The retail industry is currently in a slump.

Word Family

Noun
萧条
Adjective
萧条的
💡

Memory Tip

萧 (Wind blowing) + 条 (Thin/Strips). Imagine thin trees blowing in a cold, lonely wind.

Quick Quiz

受疫情影响,旅游业一度陷入了严重的___。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 萧条

Examples

1

冬天的时候,这个海滨小镇变得非常萧条。

everyday

In winter, this seaside town becomes very desolate.

2

历史上最著名的经济大萧条发生在1929年。

academic

The most famous Great Depression in history occurred in 1929.

3

现在的零售业正处于一个萧条期。

business

The retail industry is currently in a slump.

4

政府正在采取措施刺激经济,以避免进一步的萧条。

formal

The government is taking measures to stimulate the economy to avoid further depression.

5

这地方太冷清了,感觉挺萧条的。

informal

This place is so quiet; it feels quite bleak.

Word Family

Noun
萧条
Adjective
萧条的

Common Collocations

经济萧条 economic depression
市场萧条 market slump
大萧条 the Great Depression
萧条时期 period of depression
景象萧条 bleak scene

Common Phrases

百业萧条

all trades are in a slump

门庭萧条

lack of visitors (lonely house)

Often Confused With

萧条 vs 衰退

衰退 (Recession) is a technical term for a decline in GDP, while 萧条 (Depression/Desolation) is broader and more descriptive of the atmosphere.

📝

Usage Notes

Used in academic writing for economy and in literature for desolate scenery.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use it only for economy, forgetting it can describe a quiet, lonely physical place.

💡

Memory Tip

萧 (Wind blowing) + 条 (Thin/Strips). Imagine thin trees blowing in a cold, lonely wind.

📖

Word Origin

Originally described the sound of wind in trees, leading to the meaning of desolation.

Grammar Patterns

经济... 显得...

Quick Quiz

受疫情影响,旅游业一度陷入了严重的___。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 萧条

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