The Chinese word 泄气 (xièqì) is a compound formed through a vivid metaphorical process: the character 泄 means "to leak" or "to vent," while 气 means "air," "gas," or figuratively "spirit" or "morale." Literally, it describes air escaping from something, like a deflating tire or balloon. This concrete image is then mapped onto the abstract emotional and psychological state of losing one's drive, confidence, or enthusiasm, thus meaning "to feel discouraged" or "to lose heart." The formation exemplifies a common pattern in Chinese where a tangible, physical action (leaking air) is used to express an intangible internal experience (a collapse of motivation).