Blink refers to the rapid closing and opening of eyelids, also metaphorically meaning an instant.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Blink: eyelid movement or very short time.
- Commonly used for fast events or reactions.
- Figurative use for 'instant' or 'flash'.
Overview
“眨眼”是一个常用的中文词语，既可以指生理上的眼睑开合动作，也可以引申为非常短暂的时间。这个词语在日常交流和文学作品中都非常普遍，能够生动地表达瞬间的概念。
Examples
他因为眼睛里进了东西，不停地眨着眼。
everydayBecause something got into his eye, he kept blinking.
转眼间，孩子们都长大了，仿佛就在一眨眼的工夫。
informalIn the blink of an eye, the children have all grown up, as if it happened in an instant.
他迅速地扫视了文件，在别人眨眼之间就做出了决定。
neutralHe quickly scanned the document and made a decision in the blink of an eye.
科技的发展日新月异，许多技术在短短一眨眼的工夫就已过时。
academicTechnological development is rapid; many technologies become obsolete in a mere blink of an eye.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
一眨眼
in the blink of an eye
眨眼功夫
a matter of moments; in a jiffy
眨巴眼睛
to blink one's eyes
Often Confused With
'瞬间' (shùnjiān) specifically refers to a very short period of time. While '眨眼' (zhǎyǎn) can also mean an instant, its primary meaning is the physical act of blinking. Use '瞬间' when you want to emphasize the brevity of time itself.
'肃然起敬' (sùrán qǐjìng) is an idiom meaning 'to be filled with awe and respect'. It has no relation to blinking or the passage of time, despite the similar sound of 'rán' and 'yǎn'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '眨眼' is versatile. As a noun, it refers to the physical action of blinking. Metaphorically, it signifies an extremely short duration, akin to 'in a flash' or 'in the blink of an eye'. It's commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, adding vividness to descriptions of speed or brevity.
Common Mistakes
Learners might overuse '眨眼' in formal contexts where a more precise term for time duration is required. Also, ensure the context clearly implies either the physical action or the metaphorical shortness of time.
Tips
Visualize the Action
Imagine the quick movement of eyelids when you hear or use the word '眨眼' to remember its meaning.
Avoid Overuse in Formal Writing
While common, '眨眼' as a metaphor for time might be considered too informal or colloquial for very formal academic or official documents.
Cultural Nuances of Expression
In Chinese culture, a quick blink can sometimes subtly convey understanding, agreement, or even a hint of mischief, beyond just the physical action.
Word Origin
The character '眨' (zhǎ) means to blink, and '眼' (yǎn) means eye. Together, they literally describe the action of the eye's eyelid closing and opening.
Cultural Context
The speed of a blink is universally understood as very fast. In Chinese culture, like many others, this rapid, involuntary action is easily adopted to describe anything that happens quickly, emphasizing the fleeting nature of moments.
Memory Tip
Think of a camera flash – it's quick like a blink! '眨眼' captures that instantaneous feeling.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions作为名词，“眨眼”指眼睑的实际动作。作为比喻，它形容时间非常短暂，就像一次眨眼那么快。
“眨眼”可以指动作，也可以比喻时间；“瞬间”则专指极短的时间。在比喻时间时，两者意思相近，但“眨眼”更形象。
当需要强调时间长度的精确性或严肃性时，不建议使用“眨眼”这种形象化的比喻，而应选择更具体的表示时间的词语。
是的，“眨眼”在口语和书面语中都非常常用，尤其是在非正式的交流和文学叙述中。
Test Yourself
他太累了，不停地______。
根据语境，人疲劳时会不自觉地眨眼。
比赛在______就结束了。
“眨眼间”是比喻时间极短的常用说法。
请用“眨眼”和“结束”组成一个句子。
这个句子结构完整，准确地表达了演唱会很快结束的意思。
Score: /3
Summary
Blink refers to the rapid closing and opening of eyelids, also metaphorically meaning an instant.
- Blink: eyelid movement or very short time.
- Commonly used for fast events or reactions.
- Figurative use for 'instant' or 'flash'.
Visualize the Action
Imagine the quick movement of eyelids when you hear or use the word '眨眼' to remember its meaning.
Avoid Overuse in Formal Writing
While common, '眨眼' as a metaphor for time might be considered too informal or colloquial for very formal academic or official documents.
Cultural Nuances of Expression
In Chinese culture, a quick blink can sometimes subtly convey understanding, agreement, or even a hint of mischief, beyond just the physical action.
Examples
4 of 4他因为眼睛里进了东西，不停地眨着眼。
Because something got into his eye, he kept blinking.
转眼间，孩子们都长大了，仿佛就在一眨眼的工夫。
In the blink of an eye, the children have all grown up, as if it happened in an instant.
他迅速地扫视了文件，在别人眨眼之间就做出了决定。
He quickly scanned the document and made a decision in the blink of an eye.
科技的发展日新月异，许多技术在短短一眨眼的工夫就已过时。
Technological development is rapid; many technologies become obsolete in a mere blink of an eye.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
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