苟延残喘 gǒu yán cán chuǎn

DEFINITIONS

  1. to struggle on whilst at death's door (idiom)

CHARACTERS

苟 gǒu
HSK 6
careless, frivolous; illicit; grammatical particle: if, but, if only; surname; grass name; distinguish DKW 30853 (ji4)
延 yán
HSK 5
delay, postpone, defer
残 cán
HSK 6
injure, spoil; oppress; broken
喘 chuǎn
HSK 6
pant, gasp, breathe heavily