吃惊
Traditional: 吃驚
chī jīng HSK 4

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

这个消息让我吃惊。
Zhège xiāoxi ràng wǒ chījīng.
This news surprised me.
他看起来很吃惊。
Tā kàn qǐlái hěn chījīng.
He looks very startled.
我吃惊地看到了他。
Wǒ chījīng de kàn dàole tā.
I was surprised to see him.
他大吃一惊。
Tā dà chījīng.
He was very startled.
我很吃惊。
Wǒ hěn chījīng.
I am very surprised.

💡 Memory Tip

Break down the characters: 吃 (chī) means 'to eat,' and 惊 (jīng) means 'to startle.' Imagine eating something so unexpected (like a spicy surprise) that it startles you—this links the idea of 'eating a shock' to remember 'to be surprised.'

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, as well as in spoken and written Chinese. It is commonly used to express personal reactions to surprising news, events, or behaviors, such as hearing unexpected announcements or witnessing unusual actions.

📖 Grammar Points

吃惊 is often used as a predicate in sentences, such as '我很吃惊' (I am very surprised). It can also function as an adverbial with '地,' as in '吃惊地问' (to ask in surprise). It is commonly modified by degree adverbs like 很 (very), 非常 (extremely), or 有点 (a bit).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, expressing surprise openly with 吃惊 is common and socially acceptable, but excessive reactions might be seen as lacking composure in formal settings. It reflects a value on emotional restraint in certain contexts, though the word itself is neutral and widely used.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar words include 惊讶 (jīngyà), which also means 'surprised' but is slightly more formal and often used in written contexts, and 震惊 (zhènjīng), which implies a stronger sense of shock or astonishment, often to a distressing degree. 吃惊 is more everyday and focuses on the initial reaction.

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