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March 24, 2026
迟钝(遲鈍)chídùn(chi2dun4)
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.
Frequency#7110DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being labeled as 迟钝 can carry significant social implications, as quick-wittedness is often valued in communication and business interactions. This term may be used to describe someone who struggles in competitive environments, like academic settings.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'slow turtle' (迟相似于慢, 钝相似于笨) that takes its time to react. When you imagine a turtle trying to comprehend a fast-paced environment, it embodies the essence of 迟钝: being slow and often missing the point.
Meanings of 迟钝
chídùn(chi2dun4)
1slow (witted)
2stupid
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 迟钝
迟钝Simplified
遲鈍Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#7110Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 迟钝
Podcast: 迟钝
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AI Study Notes for 迟钝
Quick Contrast
迟缓 (chí huǎn) — use 迟钝 when emphasizing slowness in mental processing rather than physical movement.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of a 'slow turtle' (迟相似于慢, 钝相似于笨) that takes its time to react. When you imagine a turtle trying to comprehend a fast-paced environment, it embodies the essence of 迟钝: being slow and often missing the point.
Usage Notes
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.
HSK Study Tips
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.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, being labeled as 迟钝 can carry significant social implications, as quick-wittedness is often valued in communication and business interactions. This term may be used to describe someone who struggles in competitive environments, like academic settings.
Common Mistakes
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 迟钝
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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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
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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1
不睡觉的话，工作起来会变得反应迟钝。
bù shuì jué de huà， ， gōng zuò qǐ lái huì biàn dé fǎn yīng chí。
Without sleep you will become a zombie at work.
2
人群毫无热情的迟钝反应使我感到很沮丧。
rén qún háo wú rè qíng de chí dùn fǎn yīng shǐ wǒ gǎn dào hěn jǔ sāng。
I'm depressed by the bovine enthusiasm of the crowd's response.
tā de chí dùn, , jìn guǎn xiǎn ér yì, jiàn , què bù, rě xián , yīn wéi qí zhōng bìng bù bāo hán jiāo jīn zì fù.
Her folly, though evident, was not disgusting because it was not conceited.
Cultural Notes for 迟钝
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, being labeled as 迟钝 can carry significant social implications, as quick-wittedness is often valued in communication and business interactions. This term may be used to describe someone who struggles in competitive environments, like academic settings.
Frequently Asked Questions about 迟钝
No, 迟钝 can refer to both mental slowness and sluggishness in physical actions.
Typically, no. It has a negative connotation and is not used positively.
You can say '他的反应很迟钝' which means 'His reaction is very slow.'
