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March 24, 2026
震惊(震驚)zhènjīng(zhen4jing1)
震惊 (zhèn jīng) means to shock or astonish someone, often in response to unexpected news or events. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, typically when expressing strong feelings of surprise or disbelief.
Frequency#2915DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
震惊 often appears in media reports about scandals or disasters in China, reflecting the society's sensitivity to shocking events. This word captures the collective emotional response to such occurrences.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant drum (震) being struck so hard that it echoes (惊) through the mountains, shocking everyone who hears it. The sound is so powerful that it leaves people astonished, just as the word suggests.
Meanings of 震惊
zhènjīng(zhen4jing1)
1to shock
2to astonish
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 震惊
震惊Simplified
震驚Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#2915Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 震惊
Podcast: 震惊
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AI Study Notes for 震惊
Quick Contrast
震惊 (zhèn jīng) vs 惊讶 (jīng yà) — use 震惊 for a stronger, more intense shock, while 惊讶 conveys a milder surprise.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a giant drum (震) being struck so hard that it echoes (惊) through the mountains, shocking everyone who hears it. The sound is so powerful that it leaves people astonished, just as the word suggests.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when using 震惊; the fourth tone (震) must be pronounced clearly to convey the proper meaning. It is often used in news reports and discussions about surprising events. Common collocations include '震惊的消息' (shocking news) and '震惊的事件' (astonishing event).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 震惊 connects well with other advanced vocabulary describing emotions and reactions. Students should practice using it in different contexts, such as expressing personal reactions or discussing newsworthy events.
Cultural Note
震惊 often appears in media reports about scandals or disasters in China, reflecting the society's sensitivity to shocking events. This word captures the collective emotional response to such occurrences.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse it with 吃惊 (chī jīng), which is more casual. For example, saying '我吃惊这个消息' should be corrected to '我对这个消息感到震惊'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 震惊
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Grammar Patterns of 震惊
震惊 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 2 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
真相的披露让我深感____，我被带回了现实。
I was shocked, brought down to earth by this revelation.
Example Sentences for 震惊 (10)
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1
真相的披露让我深感震惊，我被带回了现实。
zhēn xiāng de pī lòu ràng wǒ shēn gǎn zhèn jīng， ， wǒ bèi dài huí le xiàn。
I was shocked, brought down to earth by this revelation.
The annual slaughter of wildlife in Italy is horrific.
6
种族罪案的侦破率之低让人震惊。
zhǒng zú zuì àn de zhēn pò shuài zhī dī ràng rén zhèn jīng。
The detection rate for racial crimes is appallingly low.
7
那部纪录片使我大为震惊。
nà bù jì lù piàn shǐ wǒ dà wéi zhèn jīng。
The documentary left me in a state of shock.
8
听到那条消息，街上所有的人都震惊了。
tīng dào nà tiáo xiāo xī， ， jiē shàng suǒ yǒu de rén dū zhèn jīng。
Everyone in the street was shocked when they heard the news.
9
她那袭大胆的低胸裙使观众大为震惊。
tā nà xí dà dǎn de dī xiōng qún shǐ guān zhòng dà wéi zhèn jīng。
Her daringly low-cut dress scandalised audiences.
10
我得说那也让我相当震惊。
wǒ dé shuō nà yě ràng wǒ xiāng dāng zhèn jīng。
I must say that rather shocked me, too.
Cultural Notes for 震惊
🏮Cultural insight
震惊 often appears in media reports about scandals or disasters in China, reflecting the society's sensitivity to shocking events. This word captures the collective emotional response to such occurrences.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, the expression of shock may be more subdued, while in Chinese culture, it can be more openly discussed, especially in public forums.
Frequently Asked Questions about 震惊
You could say, '我对这个消息感到震惊' (I was shocked by this news).
While often used for negative surprises, it can also express astonishment at positive news.
Yes, 震惊 is appropriate in formal contexts, especially in written reports or news articles.
