to blink

JLPT N5 9 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of (zhǎ)

The character primarily means "to blink" or "to wink." It describes the quick closing and opening of the eyes, often involuntarily or as a subtle gesture. In everyday conversation, is used to describe natural eye movements or intentional winks to convey agreement or secret signals.

Common Collocations

  • 眼睛 (zhǎ yǎnjing): to blink eyes; the most frequent phrase using .
  • (zhǎ yǎn zhī jiān): in the blink of an eye; used metaphorically to express something happening very quickly.

Notes on Usage

is usually followed by 眼睛 (eyes) when referring to the physical action. It can also be used figuratively, especially in the phrase , to emphasize speed or suddenness. Unlike some other verbs for eye movement, specifically focuses on the quick closing and opening of the eyelids.

Common Confusion

Don't confuse with (shǎn), which means "to flash" or "to flicker." is about eye movement, while often refers to light or objects.

Using correctly helps learners describe subtle eye actions and express quick timing in a vivid way.

Example Sentences

He blinked his eyes to show agreement.

The baby kept blinking as if curious about the new environment.

He completed that complicated task in the blink of an eye.