低谷 dīgǔ valley
valley; trough (as opposed to peaks); figuratively low point; lowest ebb; nadir of one's fortunes
How to remember 低谷: 低 low + 谷 valley = valley.
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How it is used
- A trough / low point (of fortunes, career, economy) - 他的事业陷入低谷 (tā de shìyè xiànrù dīgǔ) his career hit rock bottom.
- Figurative 'valley'; pairs with 陷入 (fall into), 走出低谷 (climb out of the slump).
- Antonym 高峰 (gāofēng, peak); the peak/trough pair maps cycles of ups and downs - 早高峰 (zǎo gāofēng) the morning rush hour.