Chíhuǎn describes something that is sluggish, tardy, or lagging behind expectations.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to slow movement or sluggish progress.
- Often used in formal or clinical contexts.
- Implies a negative or undesirable delay.
常见语境：该词多见于正式场合，如新闻报道、医学诊断或商业分析。例如，描述经济复苏迟缓，或者描述病人的神经反应迟缓。
- 1近义词辨析：与“缓慢”相比，“迟缓”带有更多“不及时、滞后”的负面评价色彩。而“缓慢”多为中性描述，指速度上的低速。与“迟钝”相比，“迟缓”侧重于速度和过程，而“迟钝”侧重于感受能力或思维的反应能力。
Examples
由于年事已高，他的行动显得有些迟缓。
everydayDue to his advanced age, his movements appeared somewhat sluggish.
政府对此次危机做出的反应过于迟缓。
formalThe government's response to this crisis was too slow.
这台旧电脑运行速度非常迟缓。
informalThis old computer is running very slowly.
全球经济增长呈现出迟缓的态势。
academicGlobal economic growth shows a sluggish trend.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
反应迟缓
slow reaction
行动迟缓
sluggish action
进展迟缓
slow progress
Often Confused With
Slow is a neutral descriptor of speed, whereas sluggish implies a lack of efficiency or timeliness.
Dull/blunt refers to mental acuity or sensory perception, while sluggish refers to speed and progress.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is primarily used in formal, written Chinese. It carries a sense of dissatisfaction with the speed of an action or process. Avoid using it in highly informal settings where '慢' would suffice.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it for physical speed where '慢' is more natural. It should not be used to describe simple speed (like a slow car), but rather a process that is lagging behind.
Tips
Use in professional writing
Use '迟缓' when writing reports or formal essays to sound more precise than '慢'.
Avoid in casual conversation
Using '迟缓' to describe a friend's walking speed might sound too formal or even critical.
Medical and social context
This word is frequently used in Chinese news to describe economic growth or medical symptom descriptions.
Word Origin
Derived from classical Chinese roots where '迟' implies delay and '缓' implies unhurried or slow motion. Together, they form a compound indicating a negative, lagging speed.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, efficiency is highly valued; therefore, using '迟缓' often carries a critical tone regarding management or personal performance.
Memory Tip
Think of '迟' (late) + '缓' (slow). It's a 'late and slow' process that creates a delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“缓慢”多指速度慢，是中性词；“迟缓”则包含“不及时”或“滞后”的意味，常带有负面评价。
可以。形容人时通常指动作不够灵活或思维反应较慢，例如“行动迟缓”或“反应迟缓”。
相对较少。口语中人们更倾向于使用“慢”或“慢吞吞”，在正式写作或专业描述中才会用到“迟缓”。
最直接的反义词是“迅速”或“敏捷”。
Test Yourself
由于天气恶劣，救援行动显得十分___。
救援行动因天气受阻，速度慢且不及时，使用“迟缓”最贴切。
选出用法正确的一项。
“迟缓”常用于描述抽象的进程或状态，如经济发展。
反应 / 受到 / 药物 / 影响 / 他 / 迟缓 / 变得
标准的中文句式结构为主谓宾，此处“变得反应迟缓”是描述状态的补语结构。
Score: /3
Summary
Chíhuǎn describes something that is sluggish, tardy, or lagging behind expectations.
- Refers to slow movement or sluggish progress.
- Often used in formal or clinical contexts.
- Implies a negative or undesirable delay.
Use in professional writing
Use '迟缓' when writing reports or formal essays to sound more precise than '慢'.
Avoid in casual conversation
Using '迟缓' to describe a friend's walking speed might sound too formal or even critical.
Medical and social context
This word is frequently used in Chinese news to describe economic growth or medical symptom descriptions.
Examples
4 of 4由于年事已高，他的行动显得有些迟缓。
Due to his advanced age, his movements appeared somewhat sluggish.
政府对此次危机做出的反应过于迟缓。
The government's response to this crisis was too slow.
这台旧电脑运行速度非常迟缓。
This old computer is running very slowly.
全球经济增长呈现出迟缓的态势。
Global economic growth shows a sluggish trend.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More daily_life words
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
