chūjú: 出局 - To be out, Eliminated, Kicked out

Keywords: chuju, chu ju, 出局, eliminated, knocked out, out of the game, lose a competition, eliminated from the running, what does chuju mean, Chinese for eliminated

Summary: 出局 (chūjú) is a common Chinese term that literally means “to exit the game.” Originating from sports, it's now widely used to describe being eliminated, knocked out, or removed from any competitive situation, whether in business, dating, or a reality TV show. If you're no longer in the running for a job, a promotion, or a relationship, you are “chūjú”—out of the game.

Pinyin (with tone marks): chūjú

Part of Speech: Verb Phrase

HSK Level: N/A (but very common)

Concise Definition: To be eliminated from a game, competition, or situation.

In a Nutshell: Imagine a baseball player striking out. That's the core feeling of `出局`. It's the state of being removed from a contest. This concept extends far beyond sports to any scenario where there are winners and losers. It signifies a definitive and often abrupt end to one's participation.

出 (chū): This character means “to go out” or “to exit.” It can be visualized as a plant (凵) growing upwards and emerging from the ground (the line below).

局 (jú): This character means “game,” “round,” “situation,” or “bureau.” It originally depicted a bent person or a chessboard, eventually coming to mean a setup, a situation, or a game being played.

When combined, 出局 (chūjú) literally and logically means “to exit the game.”

`出局` is a powerful and direct term that reflects the highly competitive nature of modern Chinese society. From the intense `高考 (gāokǎo)` college entrance exams to the fierce job market and fast-paced business world, life is often seen as a series of “games” or competitions one must win. To `出局` is to fail in one of these contests.

Comparison to Western Concepts: The English phrase “out of the running” is a close equivalent. However, `出局` feels more final and decisive, much like “being voted off the island” in the TV show *Survivor*. While you can be “out of the running” early on, `出局` often implies a specific moment of elimination. It carries a stronger sense of defeat and the end of an opportunity, reflecting a cultural environment where second chances in a specific “game” are not always guaranteed.

`出局` is an incredibly versatile term used across many contexts, usually with a negative connotation for the one being eliminated.

Social Media & Pop Culture: Commonly heard on reality TV competition shows when a contestant is eliminated.

淘汰 (táotài) - To eliminate, to knock out. The active verb that causes the state of `出局`.

出线 (chūxiàn) - To qualify (from a group), to advance. A direct antonym in a tournament context.

晋级 (jìnjí) - To advance to the next level, to be promoted. Another antonym, often used in sports and careers.

失败 (shībài) - To fail; failure. A broader term. Being `出局` is a specific type of `失败`.

输 (shū) - To lose. The direct outcome of a match that leads to being `出局`.

竞争 (jìngzhēng) - Competition. The environment where people or companies might `出局`.

落选 (luòxuǎn) - To lose an election; to not be selected. A specific type of `出局` related to a selection process.

赢 (yíng) - To win. The opposite of `输`. Winning a round means you avoid being `出局`.

比赛 (bǐsài) - Match, competition. The event or “game” from which one is eliminated.