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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.
Frequency#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
—Strokes
—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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
He acted on a momentary impulse and said many things he shouldn't have.
Example Sentences for 冲动 (10)
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1
一贯性急冲动的他又宣布要退学了。
yī guàn xìng jí chōng dòng de tā yòu xuān bù yào tuì xué le。
With characteristic impetuosity, he announced he was leaving school.
2
你害我分心。从遇见你的那一刻起，你就让我分心。因为我的脑海里满满都是想吻你的冲动。
nǐ hài wǒ fēn xīn。 。 cóng yù jiàn nǐ de nà yī kè， qǐ ， nǐ jiù ràng wǒ。 fēn xīn 。 yīn wéi wǒ de nǎo hǎi lǐ mǎn mǎn dū shì xiǎng wěn nǐ。
You distract me. I've been distracted since the moment I met you. Because all I can think about is how much I want to kiss you.
3
他压抑住想要抓住艾薇摇晃她的冲动。
tā yā yì zhù xiǎng yào zhuā zhù ài wēi yáo huǎng tā de chōng dòng。
He stifled his temptation to take hold of Ivy and shake her.
4
他突然有一种想扔掉水桶撒腿就跑的冲动。
tā tū rán yǒu yī zhǒng xiǎng rēng diào shuǐ tǒng sā tuǐ jiù pǎo de chōng dòng。
He felt a sudden compulsion to drop the bucket and run.
5
一回到自己的公寓，她就有一种想要刷牙的冲动。
yī huí dào zì jǐ de gōng yù， ， tā jiù yǒu yī zhǒng xiǎng yào shuā yá de chōng。
Once inside her apartment she felt an urge to brush her teeth.
6
青少年自杀很少是由于突然发生不幸而作出的冲动反应。
qīng shǎo nián zì shā hěn shǎo shì yóu yú tū rán fā shēng bù xìng ér zuò chū de chōng dòng fǎn yīng。
Adolescent suicide is rarely an impulsive reaction to immediate distress.
7
他容易冲动，很难成为值得依赖的首相。
tā róng yì chōng dòng， ， hěn nán chéng wéi zhí dé yī lài de shǒu。
He is too impulsive to be a responsible prime minister.
8
她一整天都在克制自己想给哈里打电话的冲动。
tā yī zhěng tiān dū zài kè zhì zì jǐ xiǎng gěi hā lǐ dǎ diàn huà de chōng dòng。
All day she had fought off the impulse to telephone Harry.
9
快速进带的冲动几乎压制不住。
kuài sù jìn dài de chōng dòng jī hū yā zhì bù zhù。
The urge to fast-forward is almost irresistible.
10
他盯着她的脸端详了一会儿，然后冲动地说：“我们结婚吧。”
tā dīng zháo tā de liǎn duān xiáng le yī huì ér， ， rán hòu chōng dòng dì：“ shuō ：“ wǒ mén jié。”
He studied her face for a moment, then said impulsively: "Let'sget married"
Cultural Notes for 冲动
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about 冲动
Some synonyms include '冲劲' (urge) and ' impulsiveness' (冲动性).
Generally, 冲动 has a negative connotation, but it can be used in a positive sense when discussing spontaneous, creative actions.
You can say '我因为冲动而做了一个错误的决定' (I made a wrong decision because of my impulse).
