Jiao zao describes a state of inner turmoil and fidgety unease.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Feeling of restlessness and anxiety.
- Caused by worry, impatience, or dissatisfaction.
- Often leads to fidgeting or unease.
Overview
“焦躁” (jiāo zào) 是一个形容内心不安、烦躁情绪的词语。它描述了一种由于担忧、期待、不满或无法达到目标而产生的坐立不安、心神不宁的状态。这种情绪往往让人感到烦闷，难以平静，并且可能表现出一些外在的行为，比如来回踱步、叹气或者显得不耐烦。
“焦躁”主要用作名词，指代一种情绪状态。它也可以作为形容词使用，形容人或状态。在句子中，它可以是主语、宾语或定语。例如，可以说“他感到一阵焦躁”，也可以说“他焦躁不安”。
这个词常用于描述等待结果时的心情，比如等待考试成绩、面试通知或者重要消息。也用于描述在遇到困难、无法解决问题或对现状不满时产生的烦闷情绪。例如，在交通堵塞时，司机可能会感到焦躁；在项目进展不顺利时，项目经理也可能表现出焦躁。
“烦躁”和“焦躁”非常接近，都表示心情不平静、易怒。但“烦躁”更强调因琐事或环境不适而引起的不快和烦闷，有时程度比“焦躁”轻一些。而“焦躁”则可能包含更深层的不安和焦虑。
“焦急”更侧重于因为担心或期待而产生的急切心情，通常是由于事情的紧迫性或结果的不确定性。例如，等待亲人平安归来会感到焦急。而“焦躁”则包含更多的烦闷和不安，不一定有“急”的成分，更多的是一种内心的“乱”。
“焦虑”是一种更广泛、更持久的担忧和不安感，可能没有明确的原因，或者原因不明显。它是一种心理状态，可能影响日常生活。而“焦躁”通常是针对某个具体情况或事件产生的短期情绪反应。
Examples
等待结果出来的时候，他显得有些焦躁。
everydayWhile waiting for the results to come out, he appeared somewhat restless.
项目进度缓慢，让项目经理感到一阵焦躁。
workThe slow progress of the project caused the project manager a surge of anxiety.
别那么焦躁，事情总会解决的。
informalDon't be so anxious, things will eventually be resolved.
面对突如其来的变故，他内心充满了焦躁。
descriptiveFaced with the sudden change of events, his heart was filled with unease.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
无名火起，三丈高
A nameless fire rises three feet high (idiom for sudden anger/irritation, related to feeling restless)
心急吃不了热豆腐
You can't eat hot tofu if you're impatient (idiom meaning haste makes waste, related to impatience)
Often Confused With
'Jiao ji' (焦急) emphasizes urgency and eagerness due to the pressing nature of a situation or anticipation of an outcome. 'Jiao zao' (焦躁) focuses more on the internal feeling of restlessness and annoyance, not necessarily driven by urgency.
'Fan zao' (烦躁) often implies irritation caused by minor annoyances or unpleasant conditions. 'Jiao zao' (焦躁) can be deeper, involving more significant worry or unease about a situation's outcome.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and writing. It describes a state of emotional discomfort that is usually temporary and related to a specific situation. It's generally neutral in terms of formality but can feel slightly more intense than simple 'worry'.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse 'jiao zao' with 'jiao ji' (anxious/urgent). Remember that 'jiao zao' includes a sense of inner fidgeting and annoyance, not just the feeling of needing something to happen quickly. Avoid using it for very serious, long-term psychological conditions without professional context.
Tips
Understand the feeling of unease
Think of 'jiao zao' as that fidgety feeling when you're waiting for important news or stuck in a frustrating situation.
Distinguish from deeper anxiety
While 'jiao zao' is about immediate restlessness, persistent feelings might indicate deeper anxiety issues needing attention.
Common in pressure situations
This word is frequently used in Chinese culture to describe the common feeling of impatience during exams, interviews, or waiting for results.
Word Origin
The word is a compound of 'jiao' (焦), meaning burnt or scorched, implying a state of being heated or agitated, and 'zao' (躁), meaning restless or impetuous. Together, they vividly describe a state of being agitated and unable to find peace.
Cultural Context
The feeling of 'jiao zao' is culturally understood in China, especially in contexts involving high stakes like exams or job applications, where societal pressure can amplify these emotions.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone 'jiao' (cooking) food that's taking too long, making them feel 'zao' (early/impatient) and restless.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“焦躁”更侧重于内心的烦闷和不安，可能表现为坐立不安；而“着急”更侧重于事情的紧迫性，希望尽快完成或得到结果。
可以用来形容等待重要消息时的心情，或者在遇到困难、无法解决问题时产生的烦闷情绪。
通常情况下，“焦躁”是一种相对短暂的情绪反应，由具体事件引起。但如果长期处于这种状态，可能需要关注是否存在更深层次的焦虑问题。
可以通过深呼吸、转移注意力、进行体育锻炼或与人沟通来缓解。找到引起焦躁的原因并尝试解决也是重要的方法。
Test Yourself
考试成绩还没出来，我心里感到一阵______。
这句话描述了等待考试结果时的不安和烦闷情绪，用“焦躁”最贴切。
下列哪种情况最可能让人感到“焦躁”？
堵车导致行程受阻，无法按时到达，会引起人们的不安和烦闷，即“焦躁”。
请用“焦躁”描述等待面试结果的心情。
这个选项完整地表达了因为等待面试结果而产生的不安和烦闷情绪。
Score: /3
Summary
Jiao zao describes a state of inner turmoil and fidgety unease.
- Feeling of restlessness and anxiety.
- Caused by worry, impatience, or dissatisfaction.
- Often leads to fidgeting or unease.
Understand the feeling of unease
Think of 'jiao zao' as that fidgety feeling when you're waiting for important news or stuck in a frustrating situation.
Distinguish from deeper anxiety
While 'jiao zao' is about immediate restlessness, persistent feelings might indicate deeper anxiety issues needing attention.
Common in pressure situations
This word is frequently used in Chinese culture to describe the common feeling of impatience during exams, interviews, or waiting for results.
Examples
4 of 4等待结果出来的时候，他显得有些焦躁。
While waiting for the results to come out, he appeared somewhat restless.
项目进度缓慢，让项目经理感到一阵焦躁。
The slow progress of the project caused the project manager a surge of anxiety.
别那么焦躁，事情总会解决的。
Don't be so anxious, things will eventually be resolved.
面对突如其来的变故，他内心充满了焦躁。
Faced with the sudden change of events, his heart was filled with unease.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
佩服
B1To admire; to respect.
