In many parts of China, especially the north, winters are long and harsh. Historically, surviving the winter was a major annual challenge that required significant preparation. The concept of 过冬 (guòdōng) is therefore deeply ingrained in the culture. It's not a passive experience; it's an active one. It involves:
This mindset of preparation and endurance extends metaphorically. When Chinese people talk about a company “过冬,” they mean it's entering a period of low revenue and must conserve resources (cut costs, reduce hiring) to survive until the market improves. This reflects a cultural value of pragmatism and resilience (吃苦耐劳 chīkǔnàiláo - to bear hardships and stand hard work). Comparison to Western Culture: The closest English concept might be “to weather the storm” or “to hunker down for the winter.” However, the English word “hibernate” is a common but misleading translation. “Hibernate” is a specific biological process of dormancy, mostly for animals. While 过冬 can describe animals hibernating (though 冬眠 dōngmián is more precise), its primary cultural use for humans is about conscious preparation and active endurance, not sleeping through the hardship.
过冬 is used frequently in both literal and figurative contexts.
The term carries a neutral-to-slightly-negative connotation, as it implies a period of difficulty that must be endured rather than enjoyed.