Impulse is a sudden, strong urge to act, often without thinking, and frequently followed by regret.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Sudden, strong urge to act without thinking.
- Often leads to regret after the action.
- Common in shopping, emotions, and decisions.
Overview
“冲动”这个词在中文里用来描述一种突如其来的、强烈的、难以控制的行动倾向或情感爆发。它通常发生在个体没有经过充分思考或理性分析的情况下，往往是情绪驱动的结果。冲动行为可能包括突然的购买、脱口而出的话语、或者一些不计后果的举动。由于缺乏理性控制，冲动行为常常导致事后感到后悔或尴尬。
作为名词，“冲动”可以单独使用，也可以与“的”、“一种”、“一股”、“一股”等量词或修饰语搭配。它经常出现在描述个人行为、情绪状态或决策过程的语境中。例如，“他一时冲动买了这辆车”或“我感觉一股冲动涌上心头”。它也可以用来形容一种性格特质，比如“他是个容易冲动的人”。
“冲动”常用于描述购物行为（“购物冲动”）、情感表达（“情绪冲动”）、投资决策（“投资冲动”）、人际关系中的言行（“一时冲动说了伤人的话”）以及一些冒险或不理智的行为。在日常对话、新闻报道、心理学讨论以及文学作品中都能见到这个词。
“激情”是指强烈的情感，如爱、恨、愤怒等，它可能是冲动的根源，但“激情”本身是情感状态，“冲动”是基于这种情感而产生的行为。激情可以是有建设性的，而冲动行为则不一定。
“鲁莽”更侧重于行为的粗心、不顾后果，带有贬义，强调行为的欠考虑和可能造成的损害。而“冲动”则更强调行为的突发性和情绪性，不一定总是负面，但常常伴随后悔。
“莽撞”与“鲁莽”意思相近，指行动粗率，不考虑后果。它比“冲动”更强调行为的直接和未经思考，有时带有勇猛但欠考虑的意味。
Examples
看到那件漂亮的衣服，我一时冲动就买了下来。
everydaySeeing that beautiful dress, I impulsively bought it.
在激烈的辩论中，他情绪冲动，说了一些不恰当的话。
formalDuring the heated debate, he got carried away by emotion and said some inappropriate things.
别那么冲动！咱们先想想再说。
informalDon't be so impulsive! Let's think about it first.
研究表明，某些投资决策往往源于投资者的冲动而非理性分析。
academicResearch suggests that some investment decisions often stem from investor impulse rather than rational analysis.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
一时冲动
on impulse; impulsively
控制冲动
to control one's impulses
冲动是魔鬼
Impulse is the devil (a proverb warning against impulsive actions)
Often Confused With
While both involve acting without thinking, '鲁莽' (reckless) emphasizes the carelessness and potential harm of the action, often implying a lack of foresight. '冲动' (impulse) focuses more on the sudden, emotional urge to act, which may or may not lead to negative consequences but often results in regret.
'激情' (passion, strong emotion) refers to the intense feeling itself, which can be a driver for impulsive actions. '冲动' refers to the resulting action or behavior that arises from such feelings, often without rational consideration.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
“冲动” is a common noun used in everyday conversation and writing. It can describe a sudden urge or the act resulting from that urge. It's often used when discussing behavior that lacks forethought. The phrase '一时冲动' (yī shí chōng dòng) is particularly common for describing an action done on impulse.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '冲动' with '鲁莽' (reckless). While related, '冲动' focuses on the sudden urge and emotional driver, whereas '鲁莽' emphasizes the disregard for consequences and potential danger. Avoid using '冲动' when the primary meaning is simply 'careless' or 'rash'.
Tips
Actively pause before acting.
When you feel an impulse, try to pause and think for a moment. Consider the potential consequences before you act.
Beware of impulse buys.
Impulse purchases can quickly drain your finances. Make a list before shopping and stick to it.
Cultural views on impulsivity.
In Chinese culture, while spontaneity can be appreciated, excessive impulsivity, especially in important matters, is often viewed as immature or lacking self-control.
Word Origin
The word '冲动' (chōng dòng) literally combines '冲' (to rush, to charge) and '动' (to move). This combination aptly captures the essence of a sudden, forceful urge to act or move without deliberation.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, while a certain level of spontaneity might be valued, strong emphasis is placed on self-control, rationality, and considering the long-term consequences of actions. Therefore, being described as '冲动' often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of maturity or discipline.
Memory Tip
Think of '冲' (chōng) as 'charging' forward without looking, and '动' (dòng) as 'moving'. So, '冲动' is charging forward and moving without thinking, like an unthinking charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“冲动”强调的是突发的情绪和行动的不可抑制性，不一定都带来坏结果，但常伴随后悔。“鲁莽”则更侧重于行为的粗心和不顾后果，通常带有贬义，强调行为可能造成的损害。
“冲动”本身是中性词，但根据具体语境，它可以偏向贬义。描述冲动行为时，常常暗示着不理智和可能带来的负面后果，如后悔。
控制冲动需要提高自我意识，认识到冲动来临时的信号。可以尝试深呼吸、暂时离开当前环境、列出行为的利弊，或者寻求朋友的建议，给自己一些思考的时间。
“一时冲动”指的就是在某个瞬间，由于突发的情绪或想法，没有经过仔细考虑就采取了行动。它强调了行为的突然性和缺乏计划性。
Test Yourself
他一时______，把辛苦攒下的钱都买了股票。
句意指他没有经过深思熟虑就买了股票，符合“冲动”的含义。
下列哪个选项最能描述“冲动”的行为？
选项二描述了一种没有经过思考，立即采取行动的购买行为，这正是“冲动”的典型表现。
请用“冲动”和“后悔”来组织一个句子。
这个句子结构完整，清晰地表达了因为某种冲动行为而感到后悔的意思。
Score: /3
Summary
Impulse is a sudden, strong urge to act, often without thinking, and frequently followed by regret.
- Sudden, strong urge to act without thinking.
- Often leads to regret after the action.
- Common in shopping, emotions, and decisions.
Actively pause before acting.
When you feel an impulse, try to pause and think for a moment. Consider the potential consequences before you act.
Beware of impulse buys.
Impulse purchases can quickly drain your finances. Make a list before shopping and stick to it.
Cultural views on impulsivity.
In Chinese culture, while spontaneity can be appreciated, excessive impulsivity, especially in important matters, is often viewed as immature or lacking self-control.
Examples
4 of 4看到那件漂亮的衣服，我一时冲动就买了下来。
Seeing that beautiful dress, I impulsively bought it.
在激烈的辩论中，他情绪冲动，说了一些不恰当的话。
During the heated debate, he got carried away by emotion and said some inappropriate things.
别那么冲动！咱们先想想再说。
Don't be so impulsive! Let's think about it first.
研究表明，某些投资决策往往源于投资者的冲动而非理性分析。
Research suggests that some investment decisions often stem from investor impulse rather than rational analysis.
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.
