瘁 (cuì) - Exhausted & weary

瘁Tone 4

cuì ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

瘁 · cuì

Exhausted;

weary;

overworked;

fatigued from excessive labor or mental strain.

Exhaustedwearyoverworked

Usage highlights

Exhausted from overworkUtterly exhaustedWork until completely spentLooking haggardMental and physical exhaustionToil diligently

Synonyms

  • 疲— tired, weary
  • 劳— labor, toil
  • 倦— fatigued, weary

Antonyms

  • 逸— ease, leisure
  • 闲— idle, relaxed
  • 舒— comfortable, relaxed

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He was exhausted from overwork (心力交瘁).
  • The doctor worked tirelessly until completely spent (鞠躬尽瘁).
  • She looked utterly exhausted (面容憔悴).

Collocations

  • Exhausted from overwork(积劳成瘁)
  • Utterly exhausted(心力交瘁)
  • Work until completely spent(鞠躬尽瘁)
  • Looking haggard(形容憔悴)
  • Mental and physical exhaustion(身心俱瘁)
  • Toil diligently(劳瘁)

Idioms

  • Bend oneself to a task and exert all one's effort to the end(鞠躬尽瘁，死而后已)
  • Mental and physical exhaustion(心力交瘁)
  • Looking haggard and worn out(形容憔悴)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Often appears in classical texts describing the toll of loyal service or diligent work.
  • The idiom 鞠躬尽瘁 is famously associated with Zhuge Liang's dedication to the Shu Han state.
  • Carries connotations of noble sacrifice through hard work rather than mere tiredness.

FAQ