B2 verb Formal 1 min read

惊叹

jingtan /tɕiŋ˥ tʰan˥˩/
Practice it

To exclaim in wonder when faced with something truly remarkable.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • To express wonder at something impressive.
  • Combines the feeling of surprise and admiration.
  • Often used for breathtaking sights or achievements.

Overview

  1. 1概述：惊叹是一个描述强烈心理反应和外在表达的动词。它不仅包含“惊”（惊讶、震撼）的成分，还包含“叹”（赞美、感叹）的成分，体现了从认知到情感的升华。2) 用法：该词常作谓语，后可接宾语（如：惊叹不已、惊叹于…），也可独立使用。它侧重于主语主观上的震撼感。3) 常见语境：多用于自然景观（如壮丽的山河）、艺术作品（如精湛的技艺）、科学成就或突如其来的好消息。4) 近义词辨析：“赞叹”侧重于称赞，“感叹”侧重于抒发感慨，“惊叹”则强调了“惊”带来的震撼力。例如，看到魔术表演时，观众往往会“惊叹”；而在评价一个人的品格时，更多使用“赞叹”。

Examples

1

看到这么美的日出，我不禁惊叹起来。

everyday

Seeing such a beautiful sunrise, I couldn't help but exclaim in wonder.

2

专家们对这项技术的创新感到惊叹。

formal

Experts were amazed by the innovation of this technology.

3

哇，太厉害了！我惊叹道。

informal

"Wow, that's amazing!" I exclaimed.

4

该作品的艺术成就令后世学者惊叹。

academic

The artistic achievement of this work amazes scholars of later generations.

Common Collocations

惊叹不已 marvel endlessly
令人惊叹 breathtaking / amazing
不禁惊叹 cannot help but exclaim

Common Phrases

令人惊叹的成就

an amazing achievement

发出惊叹

to utter an exclamation of wonder

惊叹之情

feeling of awe

Often Confused With

惊叹 vs 惊讶

Surprise is neutral and can be positive or negative. Exclaim/wonder (惊叹) is specifically positive and appreciative.

惊叹 vs 赞叹

Praise (赞叹) focuses on giving verbal compliments. Exclaim (惊叹) focuses on the emotional reaction of being shocked by how good something is.

Grammar Patterns

Subject + 不禁 + 惊叹 Subject + 对 + Object + 感到 + 惊叹 令人 + 惊叹 + 的 + Noun

How to Use It

Usage Notes

Use '惊叹' to describe a reaction to something impressive. It is more formal than just saying 'wow'. It is often used in descriptive writing to convey the magnitude of an object or event.

Common Mistakes

Don't use it for negative surprises (e.g., a car accident). Ensure the object of the surprise is positive or awe-inspiring. Avoid using it as a synonym for 'scared'.

Tips

💡

Use with frequency adverbs

Combine with words like '连连' or '不禁' to emphasize the intensity of the reaction. For example, '不禁惊叹' shows the reaction was spontaneous.

⚠️

Do not confuse with simple surprise

Avoid using '惊叹' when you are just scared or shocked by something negative. It must involve a sense of admiration.

🌍

Contextual usage in Chinese culture

In Chinese culture, expressing '惊叹' is a high form of compliment. It shows that the speaker is genuinely impressed by the other party's effort or talent.

Word Origin

Derived from the combination of '惊' (shaken/startled) and '叹' (to sigh/exclaim). It captures the moment where a person is so moved they must speak out.

Cultural Context

In Chinese literature, '惊叹' is often used to describe the beauty of nature or the mastery of calligraphy and poetry. It reflects the cultural value of appreciating excellence.

Memory Tip

Think of the character '惊' (shock) + '叹' (sigh of admiration). A combination of being shocked and sighing in awe.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

“惊讶”仅指对意外情况感到吃惊，不一定带有赞美色彩。而“惊叹”强调在吃惊的同时，对事物的美好或卓越感到佩服。

通常可以接“不已”构成“惊叹不已”，表示赞叹个不停。也可以接“于”，如“惊叹于他的才华”。

是的，它在文学作品、新闻报道和正式描述中非常常见。在口语中也使用，但通常配合夸张的语气。

虽然没有严格意义上的反义词，但可以用“漠视”、“无动于衷”来表达与之相反的态度。

Test Yourself

fill blank

看到那座宏伟的宫殿，游客们不禁___。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 惊叹

因为宫殿宏伟，游客感到震撼和赞美，故用惊叹。

multiple choice

“对于他的天赋，人们无不惊叹。”的意思是？

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 人们对他非常佩服和赞赏

惊叹在此处表达的是对他能力的极高评价。

sentence building

请根据提示完成句子：___，让观众惊叹不已。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 那场精彩的杂技秀

只有精彩的表演才能引发惊叹。

Score: /3

Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

exclaim English
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