Meaning
投降 means to formally surrender or yield to an opponent, especially in military or competitive contexts. It describes the act of admitting defeat and submitting to the victor's terms. The word can be used literally for military surrender or metaphorically for giving up in arguments, competitions, or difficult situations.
Usage
Commonly used in military, historical, and competitive contexts. Can be used seriously (war, combat) or more lightheartedly (admitting defeat in a debate or game). Often appears with prepositions like 向 (xiàng, 'to') to indicate who one surrenders to. The phrase 投降书 (tóu xiáng shū, 'letter of surrender') is a formal collocation.
Examples
- 01敌军在包围下最终选择投降。.The enemy forces ultimately chose to surrender under siege.
- 02我绝对不会向困难投降！!I absolutely will not surrender to difficulties!
Characters
Common collocations
- 向...投降...to surrender to...
- 无条件投降unconditional surrender
- 投降书letter of surrender
- 宣布投降to announce surrender
Antonyms
Origin
投 originally meant 'to throw' or 'to cast,' and 降 meant 'to descend' or 'to lower.' Together, they create the image of 'throwing oneself down' or 'lowering oneself' in submission to another party.