Meaning
低谷 literally means 'low valley' and is used both literally for geographical valleys and figuratively for low points in life, career, economy, or any cyclical process. It represents the bottom or lowest phase of something, often implying that improvement or recovery may follow.
Usage
Most commonly used figuratively to describe difficult periods such as career setbacks, emotional struggles, economic downturns, or relationship problems. Often appears in phrases like 走出低谷 (to emerge from a low point) or 陷入低谷 (to fall into a trough). The term carries a sense that the low point is temporary and part of a natural cycle.
Examples
- 01他的事业正处于低谷，但我相信他能走出来。, .His career is at a low point right now, but I believe he can bounce back.
- 02经济在经历了两年的低谷后终于开始复苏。.After experiencing a two-year trough, the economy has finally begun to recover.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个低谷
Common collocations
- 走出低谷to emerge from a low point
- 陷入低谷to fall into a trough
- 人生低谷low point in life
- 事业低谷career low point
Antonyms
Origin
Combines 低 (low) with 谷 (valley), creating a spatial metaphor that extends naturally to describe any low point or trough in a graph, cycle, or life situation.