To be lost in deep, quiet reflection, often detaching from the immediate surroundings.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to the act of thinking deeply and quietly.
- Often implies a state of intense concentration or reflection.
- Commonly used to describe someone lost in their thoughts.
Overview
- 1概述：沉思（chén sī）是一个富有文学色彩的词汇，它不仅指大脑的思维活动，更强调一种“静止”与“专注”的心理状态。当一个人沉思时，他往往会暂时脱离周围的环境，将注意力完全集中在内心世界。2) 使用模式：在句子中，它常与“陷入”、“进入”等动词搭配，构成“陷入沉思”。它既可以形容具体的思考过程，也可以形容一种忧郁或深沉的气质。3) 常见语境：常出现在文学描写中，用于刻画人物在面临重大抉择、回忆往事或观察自然时的神态。在日常生活中，如果某人长时间不说话，盯着某处看，我们也可以用“他正在沉思”来描述。4) 近义词辨析：与“思考”相比，“沉思”更强调深度和持续性；与“冥想”相比，“沉思”通常带有具体的思考对象，而“冥想”往往侧重于精神的放松或空灵状态。
Examples
他坐在椅子上，陷入了沉思。
everydayHe sat in the chair, lost in deep thought.
哲学家们在漫长的沉思中寻找真理。
formalPhilosophers seek truth through long contemplation.
别打扰他，他正在沉思呢。
informalDon't disturb him; he is deep in thought.
这次沉思让他对未来有了新的见解。
academicThis reflection gave him new insights into the future.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
陷入沉思
lost in thought
沉思片刻
a moment of reflection
沉思良久
ponder for a long time
Often Confused With
思考 is a general term for any cognitive process, while 沉思 is specific to deep, quiet, and often emotional reflection.
发呆 means blanking out or staring into space without active thinking, whereas 沉思 implies active, focused mental engagement.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '沉思' is generally formal and literary. It is best used in descriptive writing or when discussing serious topics. Avoid using it to describe simple, quick thinking processes.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '沉思' as a synonym for 'thinking about something simple' like 'thinking about what to eat.' This is incorrect; '沉思' requires a more profound subject matter. Also, avoid using it with verbs that imply high energy or noise.
Tips
Use with descriptive verbs
Pair '沉思' with verbs like '陷入' (fall into) to make your sentences more vivid. For example, '陷入沉思' sounds much more natural than just '在沉思'.
Avoid overusing in casual chat
Since it is a literary word, using it too frequently in everyday casual texting might make you sound overly formal or dramatic.
Reflection in Chinese culture
Deep reflection is highly valued in Chinese philosophy, often associated with wisdom and inner peace. It is frequently depicted in traditional paintings of scholars.
Word Origin
The character '沉' means to sink or submerge, and '思' means to think. Combined, it literally means 'sinking into thought'.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, 沉思 is often associated with the image of a scholar or a wise person. It represents a state of mental maturity and the ability to process life's complexities.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person sitting by a calm lake with their head bowed; the '沉' (sink) suggests their thoughts are sinking deep into their mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“思考”是一个通用的词，涵盖了所有逻辑分析过程；而“沉思”更侧重于那种安静、专注、带有情感色彩的深入思考，通常伴随着神态的凝重。
可以在描述人物形象时使用，例如“他坐在窗前，陷入了沉思”。这样能让你的文字更有画面感和文学气息。
不一定。它既可以是对人生难题的苦恼，也可以是对美好回忆的追寻，或者是对艺术灵感的构思，属于中性偏褒义的词。
可以，但“沉思”偏向书面语。在非常随意的口语中，人们可能更倾向于说“想事情”或“发呆”。
Test Yourself
看到这个难题，他不禁陷入了___。
“陷入”通常与“沉思”搭配，表示进入某种思考状态。
下列哪个选项最符合沉思的语境？
深思熟虑与沉思都强调思考的深度。
请根据提示完成句子：他看着窗外的雨，（沉思）。
“开始沉思起来”符合逻辑和语法习惯。
Score: /3
Summary
To be lost in deep, quiet reflection, often detaching from the immediate surroundings.
- Refers to the act of thinking deeply and quietly.
- Often implies a state of intense concentration or reflection.
- Commonly used to describe someone lost in their thoughts.
Use with descriptive verbs
Pair '沉思' with verbs like '陷入' (fall into) to make your sentences more vivid. For example, '陷入沉思' sounds much more natural than just '在沉思'.
Avoid overusing in casual chat
Since it is a literary word, using it too frequently in everyday casual texting might make you sound overly formal or dramatic.
Reflection in Chinese culture
Deep reflection is highly valued in Chinese philosophy, often associated with wisdom and inner peace. It is frequently depicted in traditional paintings of scholars.
Examples
4 of 4他坐在椅子上，陷入了沉思。
He sat in the chair, lost in deep thought.
哲学家们在漫长的沉思中寻找真理。
Philosophers seek truth through long contemplation.
别打扰他，他正在沉思呢。
Don't disturb him; he is deep in thought.
这次沉思让他对未来有了新的见解。
This reflection gave him new insights into the future.
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.
