Meaning and Usage
"冷战" (lěngzhàn) literally means "cold war," referring to a state of tension or hostility without direct armed conflict. It is most famously used to describe the geopolitical standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union after World War II.
Common Contexts
Besides international relations, "冷战" is frequently used metaphorically to describe strained interpersonal relationships where parties avoid direct confrontation but maintain hostility or silence.
Collocations and Patterns
- 冷战状态 (lěngzhàn zhuàngtài): cold war state, describing ongoing tension
- 陷入冷战 (xiànrù lěngzhàn): to fall into a cold war, often used for relationships
- 打破冷战 (dǎpò lěngzhàn): to break the cold war, meaning to end the silent hostility
Usage Notes
When using "冷战" in personal contexts, it implies a period of silent treatment or avoidance rather than open argument. It contrasts with "争吵" (quarrel) which involves direct verbal conflict. In political contexts, it emphasizes indirect competition such as propaganda, espionage, or proxy wars rather than open warfare.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "冷战" with "冷淡" (lěngdàn), which means indifferent or cold in attitude. "冷战" specifically refers to a tense standoff or silent hostility.
Meaning and Usage
"冷战" (lěngzhàn) literally means "cold war," referring to a state of tension or hostility without direct armed conflict. It is most famously used to describe the geopolitical standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union after World War II.
Common Contexts
Besides international relations, "冷战" is frequently used metaphorically to describe strained interpersonal relationships where parties avoid direct confrontation but maintain hostility or silence.
Collocations and Patterns
- 冷战状态 (lěngzhàn zhuàngtài): cold war state, describing ongoing tension
- 陷入冷战 (xiànrù lěngzhàn): to fall into a cold war, often used for relationships
- 打破冷战 (dǎpò lěngzhàn): to break the cold war, meaning to end the silent hostility
Usage Notes
When using "冷战" in personal contexts, it implies a period of silent treatment or avoidance rather than open argument. It contrasts with "争吵" (quarrel) which involves direct verbal conflict. In political contexts, it emphasizes indirect competition such as propaganda, espionage, or proxy wars rather than open warfare.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "冷战" with "冷淡" (lěngdàn), which means indifferent or cold in attitude. "冷战" specifically refers to a tense standoff or silent hostility.
Meaning and Usage
"冷战" (lěngzhàn) literally means "cold war," referring to a state of tension or hostility without direct armed conflict. It is most famously used to describe the geopolitical standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union after World War II.
Common Contexts
Besides international relations, "冷战" is frequently used metaphorically to describe strained interpersonal relationships where parties avoid direct confrontation but maintain hostility or silence.
Collocations and Patterns
- 冷战状态 (lěngzhàn zhuàngtài): cold war state, describing ongoing tension
- 陷入冷战 (xiànrù lěngzhàn): to fall into a cold war, often used for relationships
- 打破冷战 (dǎpò lěngzhàn): to break the cold war, meaning to end the silent hostility
Usage Notes
When using "冷战" in personal contexts, it implies a period of silent treatment or avoidance rather than open argument. It contrasts with "争吵" (quarrel) which involves direct verbal conflict. In political contexts, it emphasizes indirect competition such as propaganda, espionage, or proxy wars rather than open warfare.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "冷战" with "冷淡" (lěngdàn), which means indifferent or cold in attitude. "冷战" specifically refers to a tense standoff or silent hostility.