刺激
cì jī HSK 5

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

这部电影很刺激。
Zhè bù diànyǐng hěn cìjī.
This movie is very exciting.
咖啡能刺激大脑。
Kāfēi néng cìjī dànǎo.
Coffee can stimulate the brain.
他的话刺激了我。
Tā de huà cìjī le wǒ.
His words provoked me.
咖啡刺激大脑。
Kāfēi cìjī dànǎo.
Coffee stimulates the brain.
辣的食物刺激舌头。
Là de shíwù cìjī shétou.
Spicy food irritates the tongue.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 刺 (cì) meaning 'thorn'—like a prick that jolts or provokes a reaction—combined with 激 (jī) meaning 'arouse.' Imagine a thorn stimulating a sudden response.

📝 Usage Notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts, in spoken and written Chinese. Common in medical/biological contexts (stimulating nerves), economic discussions (stimulating growth), and everyday situations describing emotional provocation or exciting experiences.

📖 Grammar Points

Often used as a transitive verb (刺激 + object) or in passive constructions with 受/受到 (shòu/shòudào), as in the example. Can also function as a noun (e.g., 一种刺激).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, avoiding excessive emotional '刺激' is often emphasized for health, especially for elders, as seen in the example about heart conditions. It reflects a holistic view linking emotional stability to physical well-being.

🔄 Similar Words

激励 (jīlì) emphasizes positive encouragement toward a goal, while 刺激 is more neutral/focused on the reaction itself. 挑衅 (tiǎoxìn) means deliberate provocation, often hostile, whereas 刺激 can be unintentional.

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