我放弃
wǒ fàngqì
In Chinese, "I give up" is expressed as 我放弃 (wǒ fàngqì).
A statement used to admit defeat or to stop trying to do something because it is too difficult.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb 放弃 (fàngqì) is composed of 放 (fàng), meaning to release or let go and 弃 (qì), meaning to abandon or discard.
Which one should you use?
While 我放弃 is a direct translation, the phrase 我不干了 (wǒ bù gàn le) is a common colloquial way to say 'I give up' in the context of quitting a job or refusing to continue a frustrating task. The casual phrase 我不玩了 translates to 'I'm not playing anymore' and the expression 我投降 means 'I surrender' and is commonly used in informal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the particle 了 (le) after 我放弃 makes the statement more natural when expressing that the decision to give up has just been made or is a completed state.
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ fàngqì
Did you know?
- The colloquial phrase 我不干了 for giving up on a task uses the verb 干, which is also a common slang term for sexual intercourse.
- The character 弃 in 放弃 is also found in the word for 'orphan' (弃儿), which literally means 'abandoned child'.
- While 我放弃 is the standard term for giving up a goal, using it during a simple game or sport can sound unintentionally dramatic, as if you are a character in a tragedy.
Examples in context
- 我放弃。I give up.This example shows the use of 我放弃.Tatoeba #5102250 by mirrorvan, translation #241200 by CK
- 对，我决定放弃。Yes, I have decided to give up.
- 好吧，我不玩了。Alright, I give up.
- 这道数学题太难了，我放弃。Zhè dào shùxué tí tài nán le, wǒ fàngqì.This math problem is too difficult, I give up.
Example conversation
A student is struggling with a difficult puzzle while his friend watches.
- 梓涵 Zihan这个谜题太复杂了，我放弃。Zhège mǐtí tài fùzá le, wǒ fàngqì.This puzzle is too complex, I give up.
- 俊杰 Junjie梓涵，再试一下吧。Zǐhán, zài shì yīxià ba.Zihan, try one more time.
- 梓涵 Zihan我真的做不出来了。Wǒ zhēnde zuò bù chūlái le.I really can't solve it.
- 俊杰 Junjie别灰心，我可以帮你。Bié huīxīn, wǒ kěyǐ bāng nǐ.Don't be discouraged, I can help you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
