挣扎

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"挣扎" (zhēngzhá) primarily means "to struggle" or "to strive" physically or metaphorically. It often describes a desperate or vigorous effort to overcome a difficult situation or to escape from confinement.

Common Contexts

It is frequently used to depict physical struggles, such as someone trying to free themselves or survive, as well as mental or emotional struggles, like grappling with problems or challenges.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 挣扎 (zhēngzhá qiúshēng): struggle to survive, used in life-threatening contexts.
  • 挣扎 (zhēngzhá táotuō): struggle to escape, often describing animals or people trying to get free.
  • 挣扎 + verb: indicates an ongoing effort or attempt, e.g., 挣扎起来 (struggling to stand up).

Nuances

Using "挣扎" implies a sense of difficulty and resistance, often with a connotation of desperation or urgency. It is stronger than simply "努力" (to try hard) because it emphasizes the intensity and sometimes the physical aspect of the effort.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse "挣扎" with "努力". While both involve effort, "挣扎" often implies a struggle against adversity or constraint, whereas "努力" is a more general term for trying hard without necessarily implying resistance or conflict.

Example Sentences

He struggled in the water, trying to grab the life buoy.

Facing difficulties, she did not give up but kept struggling to find a

This kitten is struggling inside the cage, trying to escape.