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March 24, 2026
冲动(衝動)chōngdòng(chong1dong4)
冲动 (chōngdòng) refers to a sudden urge or impulse to act without careful thought. It is often used in contexts where emotions override rational thinking, such as making hasty decisions or reacting impulsively in stressful situations.
Strokes12Frequency#3135DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 冲动 is often discussed in the context of self-discipline and emotional restraint, reflecting the value placed on measured responses over impulsive actions. This is particularly relevant in Confucian teachings about harmony and balance in relationships.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wave (冲) crashing suddenly (动) against the shore, representing an urge that surges forth without warning. The wave symbolizes the uncontrollable nature of impulses—a vivid reminder that sometimes our emotions can overwhelm our judgment.
Meanings of 冲动
chōngdòng(chong1dong4)
1to have an urge
2to be impetuous
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About 冲动
冲动Simplified
衝動Traditional
12Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#3135Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 冲动
Podcast: 冲动
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AI Study Notes for 冲动
Quick Contrast
冲动 (chōngdòng) vs 冲击 (chōngjī) — use 冲动 for emotional urges, while 冲击 refers to a physical impact or shock.
Usage Notes
Be cautious about the tone when using 冲动; it can carry a negative connotation, suggesting recklessness or lack of self-control. Common collocations include '冲动消费' (impulse buying) and '冲动行为' (impulsive behavior). Avoid using it in overly formal contexts, as it is more common in everyday conversation.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 6, students should focus on understanding both the emotional and behavioral implications of 冲动. It connects to other words related to emotions and decision-making, such as '情绪' (emotion) and '决定' (decision). Practice using it in complex sentences to describe scenarios involving impulse control.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 冲动 with 冲击 (chōngjī), which means 'impact' or 'shock.' For example, saying '我有冲击' instead of '我有冲动' is incorrect; the correct phrase is '我有冲动' (I have an impulse).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 冲动
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冲动 (chōngdòng) refers to a sudden urge or impulse to act without careful thought. It is often used in contexts where emotions override rational thinking, such as making hasty decisions or reacting impulsively in stressful situations.
When to use 冲动
Be cautious about the tone when using 冲动; it can carry a negative connotation, suggesting recklessness or lack of self-control. Common collocations include '冲动消费' (impulse buying) and '冲动行为' (impulsive behavior). Avoid using it in overly formal contexts, as it is more common in everyday conversation.
冲动 or something close to it
冲动 (chōngdòng) vs 冲击 (chōngjī) — use 冲动 for emotional urges, while 冲击 refers to a physical impact or shock.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 冲动 with 冲击 (chōngjī), which means 'impact' or 'shock.' For example, saying '我有冲击' instead of '我有冲动' is incorrect; the correct phrase is '我有冲动' (I have an impulse).
Write 冲动
冲
动
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Grammar Patterns of 冲动
冲动 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
