Meanings of 迟钝
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Podcast: 迟钝
Podcast: 迟钝
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AI Study Notes for 迟钝
迟缓 (chí huǎn) — use 迟钝 when emphasizing slowness in mental processing rather than physical movement.
Be cautious about using 迟钝 in formal contexts, as it can carry a negative connotation. Common collocations include '反应迟钝' (slow to react) and '头脑迟钝' (slow-witted). Remember that the tone should be accurately pronounced; a wrong tone may change the meaning entirely.
As an HSK 6 word, 迟钝 connects well with other advanced vocabulary related to mental processes and emotions. Focus on its usage in contexts of criticism or self-reflection, and practice using it in sentences to convey nuanced meanings.
Learners often confuse 迟钝 with 迟到 (late) because of the similar beginning. For example, saying '他很迟到' (He is very slow) instead of '他很迟钝' is incorrect. Always use 迟钝 to describe slowness in thought or reaction.
Pronunciation of 迟钝
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Component Characters
How to say slow (witted) in Chinese
“slow (witted)” in Chinese is迟钝
迟钝 (chí dùn) describes someone who is slow in understanding or reacting, often perceived as lacking intelligence or being sluggish in thought and movement. It can be used in both physical and mental contexts, indicating a delay in processing information or responding to stimuli.
When to use 迟钝
Be cautious about using 迟钝 in formal contexts, as it can carry a negative connotation. Common collocations include '反应迟钝' (slow to react) and '头脑迟钝' (slow-witted). Remember that the tone should be accurately pronounced; a wrong tone may change the meaning entirely.
迟钝 or something close to it
迟缓 (chí huǎn) — use 迟钝 when emphasizing slowness in mental processing rather than physical movement.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 迟钝 with 迟到 (late) because of the similar beginning. For example, saying '他很迟到' (He is very slow) instead of '他很迟钝' is incorrect. Always use 迟钝 to describe slowness in thought or reaction.
Write 迟钝
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Practice writing 迟钝 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 迟钝
迟钝 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. 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.
Fill the gap
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不睡觉的话，工作起来会变得反应____。
Without sleep you will become a zombie at work.
Example Sentences for 迟钝 (4)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 迟钝
No, 迟钝 can refer to both mental slowness and sluggishness in physical actions.
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