僵硬

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The adjective "僵硬" (jiāng yìng) describes something that is stiff, rigid, or inflexible. It is often used to describe physical states, such as muscles or limbs that have become hard to move, but it also frequently applies metaphorically to situations, atmospheres, or expressions that feel tense, unnatural, or forced.

Common Contexts

  • Physical stiffness: muscles, joints, or body parts that are hard to move due to injury, cold, or fatigue.
  • Social or emotional stiffness: describing an awkward or tense atmosphere where people feel uncomfortable or restrained.
  • Facial expressions or smiles that appear unnatural or forced.

Collocations and Patterns

Usage Notes

"僵硬" often conveys a negative nuance, implying a lack of flexibility or naturalness. It contrasts with words like "灵活" (línghuó, flexible) or "自然" (zìrán, natural). When describing people or social situations, using "僵硬" suggests discomfort or awkwardness.

Avoid confusing "僵硬" with "" alone, which simply means "hard" but does not necessarily imply stiffness or inflexibility in movement or atmosphere.

Example Sentences

His hand became stiff due to injury and cannot move flexibly.

The meeting atmosphere was very stiff; no one dared to express their true

The smile in this photo looks stiff, not like genuine happiness.