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灵机一动 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
灵机一动língjīyídònga bright idea suddenly occurs (idiom); to hit upon an inspirationHSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #31501, Very Hard
灵机一动língjīyídòngto be struck by a brainwaveHSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #31501, Very Hard
língjīyídòng(ling2ji1yi2dong4)ling ji yi dong T2
  1. 1a bright idea suddenly occurs (idiom); to hit upon an inspiration
  2. 2to be struck by a brainwave
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March 24, 2026

灵机一动(靈機一動)língjīyídòng(ling2ji1yi2dong4)

灵机一动 is an idiom that describes the sudden occurrence of a bright idea or inspiration. It is often used when someone finds a clever solution to a problem unexpectedly, emphasizing the spontaneity and brilliance of the thought.

Strokes20Frequency#31501DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of sudden inspiration is highly valued, often associated with the idea of 'enlightenment' in traditional philosophies. This idiom may also reflect the importance of creativity and quick thinking in academic and business environments.

Memory tip

Imagine a light bulb (灵) suddenly illuminating (机) in your mind when you think of a great idea. The character 一 (one) suggests that this moment of inspiration comes in a flash, like a single spark (动) igniting creativity.

Meanings of 灵机一动

língjīyídòng(ling2ji1yi2dong4)
1a bright idea suddenly occurs (idiom); to hit upon an inspiration
2to be struck by a brainwave
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About 灵机一动

灵机一动Simplified
靈機一動Traditional
20Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI study notes for 灵机一动

Usage Notes

This idiom is used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's especially common in discussions about creativity or problem-solving. Be careful not to confuse it with similar phrases that imply a more deliberate thought process, as this term emphasizes sudden insight.

HSK Study Tips

While 灵机一动 is not in the official HSK vocabulary lists, it reflects a higher level of language skill due to its idiomatic nature. Students should focus on understanding idiomatic expressions and their contexts, as they often appear in conversations and literature.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mispronounce the tones, which can change the meaning entirely. For example, saying 灵 (ling3) instead of 灵 (ling2) can lead to confusion. Additionally, some might use it in contexts where a more deliberate thought process is more appropriate.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 灵机一动

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Idiom spotlight: 灵机一动

Chengyu origin story
Literal meaning:spirit machine one move

Component characters

灵língquick
HSK 77 strokes彐
View full entry
机Jīmachine
HSK 16 strokes木
View full entry
一yīone
HSK 11 strokes一
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动dòngto use
HSK 26 strokes力
View full entry

How to say a bright idea suddenly occurs (idiom); to hit upon an inspiration in Chinese

“a bright idea suddenly occurs (idiom); to hit upon an inspiration” in Chinese is灵机一动língjīyídòng

灵机一动 is an idiom that describes the sudden occurrence of a bright idea or inspiration. It is often used when someone finds a clever solution to a problem unexpectedly, emphasizing the spontaneity and brilliance of the thought.

When to use 灵机一动

This idiom is used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's especially common in discussions about creativity or problem-solving. Be careful not to confuse it with similar phrases that imply a more deliberate thought process, as this term emphasizes sudden insight.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mispronounce the tones, which can change the meaning entirely. For example, saying 灵 (ling3) instead of 灵 (ling2) can lead to confusion. Additionally, some might use it in contexts where a more deliberate thought process is more appropriate.

Write 灵机一动

灵
机
一
动

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Frequently asked questions about 灵机一动

Yes, you can use it in formal contexts, especially when discussing innovative ideas or solutions.

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