It describes the physical and mental tension felt during stressful situations.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to describe feeling nervous or anxious.
- Describes a tense situation or atmosphere.
- Indicates limited resources or tight schedules.
1) 概览：‘紧张’是一个非常基础且高频的词汇，主要用于描述心理状态或外部客观环境。当用于人时，它表示心理上的不安；当用于客观事物时，它表示某种资源的匮乏或形势的紧迫。 2) 使用模式：作为形容词，它常放在‘很’、‘非常’、‘特别’后面作为谓语，例如‘我很紧张’。它也可以用来修饰名词，如‘紧张的气氛’或‘紧张的关系’。 3) 常见情境：常见于考试前、面试中、初次约会、重要比赛或处理突发紧急事件时。在社会语境中，如果两国的关系不好，也可以说‘局势很紧张’。 4) 近义词比较：与‘害怕’不同，‘紧张’更侧重于面对压力时的生理和心理应激反应；与‘焦虑’相比，‘紧张’通常是针对当下的具体事件，而‘焦虑’则可能是一种长期的情绪状态。
Examples
第一次上台演讲，我很紧张。
everydayI was very nervous during my first speech on stage.
两国的关系目前非常紧张。
formalThe relationship between the two countries is currently very tense.
时间太紧张了，我们得快点走。
informalTime is too tight, we need to hurry.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
别紧张
Don't be nervous
神经紧张
Nervous breakdown/high-strung
关系紧张
Strained relationship
Often Confused With
Anxiety is more long-term and internal than the situational nervousness of '紧张'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '紧张' for situational stress. It is a neutral-to-formal word. Do not use it to describe physical tightness of an object (use '紧').
Common Mistakes
Beginners often forget to add '很' before the adjective. Also, do not use it to describe being scared of a ghost.
Tips
Use with degree adverbs
Always use '很' (hěn) or '非常' (fēicháng) before '紧张' when describing yourself. This makes your sentence sound natural in Chinese.
Don't confuse with fear
Avoid using '紧张' when you mean 'terrified'. Use '害怕' (hàipà) for genuine fear of danger.
Academic pressure in China
In Chinese culture, students often feel '紧张' during the Gaokao. It reflects the high societal value placed on academic success.
Word Origin
Derived from '紧' (tight) and '张' (stretch). It represents the state of being stretched tight like a bowstring.
Cultural Context
Reflects the high-pressure environment in modern Chinese education and work culture. It is a common topic of conversation among students and employees.
Memory Tip
Imagine a guitar string (弦) pulled tight; it vibrates and is '紧张'. Similarly, your heart beats fast when you are nervous.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions“紧张”通常是因为压力、重要性或不确定性而感到心跳加快，而“害怕”主要是因为恐惧或危险而产生想要逃避的心理。
可以，常用于“时间很紧张”，意思是时间不够用，非常紧迫。
它还可以形容关系（如：紧张的父子关系）、局势（如：国际局势紧张）或资源（如：资金紧张）。
Test Yourself
明天就要考试了，我感到非常___。
考试前通常会有压力，因此感到紧张。
Score: /1
Summary
It describes the physical and mental tension felt during stressful situations.
- Used to describe feeling nervous or anxious.
- Describes a tense situation or atmosphere.
- Indicates limited resources or tight schedules.
Use with degree adverbs
Always use '很' (hěn) or '非常' (fēicháng) before '紧张' when describing yourself. This makes your sentence sound natural in Chinese.
Don't confuse with fear
Avoid using '紧张' when you mean 'terrified'. Use '害怕' (hàipà) for genuine fear of danger.
Academic pressure in China
In Chinese culture, students often feel '紧张' during the Gaokao. It reflects the high societal value placed on academic success.
Examples
3 of 3第一次上台演讲，我很紧张。
I was very nervous during my first speech on stage.
两国的关系目前非常紧张。
The relationship between the two countries is currently very tense.
时间太紧张了，我们得快点走。
Time is too tight, we need to hurry.
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.
