A2 noun Neutral 1 min read

心神不宁

xīn shén bù níng /xīn shén bù níng/

Xin Shen Bu Ning describes a state of being mentally unsettled and agitated due to worry or anxiety.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Describes a state of mental restlessness.
  • Indicates worry, anxiety, or agitation.
  • Commonly used for uneasy feelings.

Overview

心神不宁是一个汉语成语,用来形容一个人因为某种原因而感到精神无法集中,思绪混乱,常常伴随着烦躁、不安或忧虑的情绪。它描绘的是一种内在的精神状态,表明个体无法平静下来,思绪被外界或内心的干扰所占据。这个词语在日常生活中非常常用,能够生动地表达一个人内心的不安和焦虑。

心神不宁通常用作谓语、定语或状语。作为谓语时,可以直接描述某人的状态,例如“他最近心神不宁”。作为定语时,可以修饰名词,例如“他心神不宁的样子”。作为状语时,可以描述动作发生时的状态,例如“他心神不宁地走来走去”。它常用来描述人在面对压力、困境或不确定情况时的心理反应。

这个词语经常出现在描述考试前、等待重要消息、遇到突发事件、生病或亲人离去等情境中。例如,学生在考试前可能会感到心神不宁;等待体检结果的人可能会心神不宁;听到坏消息后,人也可能心神不宁。它也可能用于描述因思念某人而导致的情绪波动。

与“心神不宁”相似的词语包括“坐立不安”、“忐忑不安”、“焦躁不安”等。“坐立不安”更侧重于身体上的不安,表现为不能安静地坐着或站着。“忐忑不安”则强调内心的恐惧和不安,常用于对未知结果的担忧。“焦躁不安”则强调急躁和烦躁的情绪。相比之下,“心神不宁”更侧重于精神上的恍惚和思绪的混乱,是一种综合性的不安感。

Examples

1

听到这个坏消息,他顿时心神不宁起来。

everyday

Hearing this bad news, he immediately became restless.

2

在等待面试结果的几天里,他一直心神不宁。

formal

During the days waiting for the interview results, he was constantly agitated.

3

最近总觉得心神不宁的,可能是压力太大了。

informal

I've been feeling unsettled lately, maybe it's too much stress.

4

研究人员发现,长期的焦虑会导致个体出现心神不宁的症状。

academic

Researchers have found that long-term anxiety can lead to symptoms of mental perturbation in individuals.

Common Collocations

感到心神不宁 to feel restless/agitated
整天心神不宁 to be restless all day
弄得心神不宁 to make someone feel restless/agitated

Common Phrases

他最近心神不宁。

He has been restless lately.

别再胡思乱想了,会心神不宁的。

Stop overthinking, it will make you restless.

听到这个消息,我一下子心神不宁起来。

Upon hearing this news, I immediately became agitated.

Often Confused With

心神不宁 vs 坐立不安

'心神不宁' focuses on mental distraction and unease, while '坐立不安' emphasizes physical restlessness and inability to stay still.

心神不宁 vs 忐忑不安

'心神不宁' describes general agitation and scattered thoughts, whereas '忐忑不安' specifically implies fear and anxiety about an uncertain outcome.

Grammar Patterns

Subject + 心神不宁 Subject + 感到/觉得 + 心神不宁 Subject + (因为...) + 心神不宁 + (而...) + Verb Phrase

How to Use It

Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used to describe a temporary state of mental unease. It is generally suitable for informal and neutral contexts, but can also appear in more formal writing when describing a character's emotional state. It is important to convey the reason for the restlessness if possible for better context.


Common Mistakes

Learners might confuse '心神不宁' with purely physical restlessness; remember it's primarily about the mind being unsettled. Also, avoid using it for very mild or fleeting distractions, as it suggests a deeper level of agitation.

Tips

💡

Focus on the Mental Aspect

Remember that '心神不宁' primarily refers to a disturbed state of mind, not just physical fidgeting.

⚠️

Avoid Overuse

While useful, avoid using '心神不宁' for minor or fleeting moments of distraction, as it implies a more significant level of unease.

🌍

Expressing Inner Turmoil

This phrase is a common way in Chinese culture to express the internal emotional and mental struggles people face.

Word Origin

The phrase originates from classical Chinese, where '心' refers to the mind or heart, '神' refers to spirit or consciousness, and '不宁' means not peaceful or restless. Together, it paints a picture of a mind and spirit that cannot find peace.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, maintaining a calm and composed demeanor is often valued. '心神不宁' represents a departure from this ideal, highlighting the internal struggles that can affect anyone.

Memory Tip

Imagine your '心' (heart/mind) is '神' (spirit/energy) that is '不宁' (not peaceful/restless). Your mind feels like it's jumping around, unable to settle.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

“心神不宁”主要描述的是精神上的恍惚和思绪混乱,是一种内在的心理状态。而“坐立不安”则更侧重于身体上的表现,指因为紧张或焦虑而无法安静地坐着或站着。

当一个人因为担忧、焦虑、害怕或思念等原因而感到精神无法集中、烦躁不安时,就可以用“心神不宁”来形容。比如考试前、等待结果时,或者遇到烦心事时。

通常情况下,“心神不宁”主要用来形容人的精神状态。虽然有时也可以借用来形容动物因受惊或不安而表现出的行为,但不如形容人那么普遍和贴切。

“心神不宁”是一个中性词,它只是描述一种精神状态,本身不带有褒贬色彩。但根据具体语境,它可以暗示说话人或被描述者正处于一种不好的境地。

Test Yourself

fill blank

考试前一天晚上,他紧张得有些______,怎么也睡不着。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 心神不宁

“心神不宁”形容精神不安,符合考试前紧张的情境。其他选项意思不符。

multiple choice

下列哪个选项最能描述“心神不宁”的状态?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 精神恍惚,思绪混乱

“心神不宁”的核心意思是精神状态不稳定,无法集中注意力,思绪被打乱。

sentence building

用“心神不宁”造句。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 由于担心家人的安全,她整天心神不宁。

这个句子清晰地说明了导致“心神不宁”的原因(担心家人安全)以及状态(整天心神不宁)。

Score: /3

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