Keywords: 投降, touxiang, surrender in Chinese, capitulate in Chinese, give up in Chinese, Chinese word for surrender, give in, admit defeat, 投, 降, military surrender
Summary: Learn the Chinese word for “surrender,” 投降 (tóuxiáng). This comprehensive guide covers its meaning in military, historical, and modern everyday contexts. Discover how to use 投降 (tóuxiáng) figuratively when you give in to temptation or a difficult challenge, and understand its deep cultural significance related to honor and perseverance in Chinese history.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): tóuxiáng
Part of Speech: Verb
HSK Level: HSK 5
Concise Definition: To cease resistance and submit to an opponent or authority.
In a Nutshell:投降 (tóuxiáng) is the direct equivalent of “to surrender” or “to capitulate.” Its most literal meaning is used in the context of war and conflict, where an army or individual lays down their arms and submits to the enemy. However, it's also used frequently in a figurative, often humorous or dramatic way, to mean “giving in” to a difficult situation, an argument, or even a tempting dessert.
Character Breakdown
投 (tóu): This character's primary meaning is “to throw,” “to cast,” or “to deliver.” Think of throwing a ball (投球 - tóuqiú) or casting a vote (投票 - tóupiào).
降 (xiáng): This is a character with two common pronunciations. When pronounced xiáng, as it is here, it means “to surrender” or “to submit.” When pronounced jiàng, it means “to fall” or “to descend” (e.g., 降落 - jiàngluò, to land).
The characters combine to form a vivid image: “to throw (oneself) in submission.” It suggests an act of casting aside one's weapons and delivering oneself to the opposing force, thereby surrendering.
Cultural Context and Significance
In Chinese history, literature, and film, 投降 (tóuxiáng) carries significant cultural weight. Traditionally, surrendering has often been viewed as an act of dishonor or disloyalty. The ideal of a warrior or hero was often one who would fight to the death rather than submit, encapsulated in the idiom 宁死不屈 (nìng sǐ bù qū) - “would rather die than yield.” This value is deeply rooted in concepts of personal integrity (气节 - qìjié) and loyalty (忠 - zhōng) to one's country, cause, or leader.
Comparison to Western Culture: While surrendering is never celebrated in any culture, the Western concept of an “honorable surrender” or a “strategic retreat” to save lives might be more readily accepted in mainstream narratives. In many traditional Chinese stories, the act of 投降 can bring shame not just to the individual but to their family for generations. While this view is less rigid today, the historical undertone of shame and failure still lingers, especially in formal or historical discussions.
Practical Usage in Modern China
Formal/Literal Use: In its most serious sense, 投降 is used in news reports, historical documents, and military discussions. It refers to the formal act of capitulation in a conflict.
Informal/Figurative Use: This is where learners will encounter it most often in daily life. It's used to add a touch of drama or humor to situations where someone is “giving up” or “giving in.”
Giving up on a task: When a math problem is too hard or assembling furniture becomes impossible, you might jokingly exclaim, “我不行了，我投降!” (Wǒ bùxíng le, wǒ tóuxiáng!) - “I can't do it, I surrender!”
Losing an argument: In a friendly debate, you can concede by saying, “好了好了，你赢了，我投降。” (Hǎo le hǎo le, nǐ yíng le, wǒ tóuxiáng.) - “Okay, okay, you win, I surrender.”
Giving in to temptation: Staring at a delicious piece of cake while on a diet, you might say, “我向巧克力蛋糕投降了。” (Wǒ xiàng qiǎokèlì dàngāo tóuxiáng le.) - “I have surrendered to the chocolate cake.”
Example Sentences
Example 1:
经过数周的围困，敌军最终选择了投降。
Pinyin: Jīngguò shù zhōu de wéikùn, díjūn zuìzhōng xuǎnzé le tóuxiáng.
English: After several weeks under siege, the enemy forces finally chose to surrender.
Analysis: This is a formal, literal use of the term in a military or historical context.
Example 2:
我们永不投降！
Pinyin: Wǒmen yǒng bù tóuxiáng!
English: We will never surrender!
Analysis: A powerful and common declaration, often seen in movies and patriotic contexts, highlighting the cultural value of perseverance.
Example 3:
这道数学题太难了，我投降了。
Pinyin: Zhè dào shùxué tí tài nán le, wǒ tóuxiáng le.
English: This math problem is too difficult, I surrender.
Analysis: A very common, informal, and slightly humorous use of 投降 to mean “giving up” on a task.
Example 4:
面对美食的诱惑，他很快就投降了。
Pinyin: Miànduì měishí de yòuhuò, tā hěn kuài jiù tóuxiáng le.
English: Faced with the temptation of delicious food, he quickly surrendered.
Analysis: A figurative example showing someone giving in to their desires.
Example 5:
别再跟我争了，我投降，行了吧？
Pinyin: Bié zài gēn wǒ zhēng le, wǒ tóuxiáng, xíng le ba?
English: Stop arguing with me, I surrender, okay?
Analysis: Used colloquially to end an argument or disagreement.
Example 6:
那个小男孩最后还是向他妈妈投降了，乖乖去睡觉了。
Pinyin: Nàge xiǎo nánhái zuìhòu háishì xiàng tā māma tóuxiáng le, guāiguāi qù shuìjiào le.
English: That little boy finally surrendered to his mom and obediently went to sleep.
Analysis: This example shows the use of `向 (xiàng)`, meaning “to” or “towards,” to specify who is being surrendered to. It's used here in a lighthearted, everyday context.
English: Japan announced its unconditional surrender in 1945.
Analysis: A specific historical example showing the use of 投降 with `无条件 (wútiáojiàn)`, meaning “unconditional.”
Nuances and Common Mistakes
投降 (tóuxiáng) vs. 放弃 (fàngqì): This is a critical distinction for learners.
投降 (tóuxiáng) means surrendering to an opponent or a powerful force. It implies defeat by an external entity.
放弃 (fàngqì) means “to give up” or “to abandon” something, like a plan, a dream, or a right. There is no opponent.
Incorrect: 我投降我的梦想。(Wǒ tóuxiáng wǒ de mèngxiǎng.) This sounds like your dream is an enemy army you are surrendering to.
Correct: 我放弃我的梦想。(Wǒ fàngqì wǒ de mèngxiǎng.) - I am giving up on my dream.
Correct: 我向困难投降了。(Wǒ xiàng kùnnan tóuxiáng le.) - I surrendered to the difficulties. (Here, “difficulties” are personified as an opponent, making 投降 appropriate).
Pronunciation of 降: Remember that in 投降, it is pronounced xiáng. In most other common words, like 降落 (jiàngluò) (to land) or 降价 (jiàngjià) (to reduce the price), it is pronounced jiàng.
Related Terms and Concepts
屈服 (qūfú) - To yield or to submit. Very similar to 投降, but often implies submitting to pressure, authority, or temptation rather than specifically in a military battle.
放弃 (fàngqì) - To give up or abandon. A key term to distinguish from 投降; it's about letting go of something, not submitting to someone.
认输 (rènshū) - To admit defeat or concede. Commonly used in games, competitions, and arguments. It's less formal and less dramatic than 投降.
战败 (zhànbài) - To be defeated in battle. This is the state or event that often precedes the action of 投降.
俘虏 (fúlǔ) - Prisoner of war (POW). This is the noun for a person who has surrendered in a conflict.
缴械 (jiǎoxiè) - To disarm or lay down arms. This is a specific action that is part of the process of 投降.
宁死不屈 (nìng sǐ bù qū) - An idiom meaning “would rather die than submit.” A cultural concept that stands in direct opposition to 投降.
投奔 (tóubèn) - To seek refuge with somebody. Shares the character 投, but means to go *to* someone for shelter or help, not to surrender *to* them.