冲动

• Pinyin: chōng dòng
• Hanzi breakdown: 冲 = 冫 (ice) + 中 (middle) — rushing like water; 动 = 云 (cloud) + 力 (strength) — movement

Meaning

Impulse; impulsive. An urge to act without thinking, or describing behavior that is rash and uncontrolled.

As a noun, refers to a sudden strong urge. As an adjective, describes someone who acts without thinking things through. Often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying lack of self-control.

Examples

1. 他一时冲动就辞职了，现在很后悔。 He quit his job on impulse and now regrets it.
2. 年轻人做事不要太冲动，要三思而后行。 Young people shouldn't be too impulsive; think twice before acting.
3. 我理解你的冲动，但还是冷静一下再做决定吧。 I understand your impulse, but calm down and make a decision.

Usage Guide

Context: psychology, advice, everyday

Tone: cautionary

Do Say

• 别冲动，先想清楚。(Don't be impulsive, think it through first.)
• 他是个很冲动的人。(He's a very impulsive person.)

Don't Say

• 说'我有冲动学习'表示学习动力 (Don't use 冲动 for study motivation — use 动力 or 热情 instead; 冲动 implies rash, unthinking urges)

Origin & History

冲 (to rush, to charge) + 动 (to move). Together implying rushing into action without deliberation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal