痴迷

• Pinyin: chī mí
• Hanzi breakdown: 痴 = 疒 (illness) + 知 (know) = infatuated; 迷 = 辶 (movement) + 米 (rice) = lost/obsessed

Meaning

To be obsessed with; to be infatuated with; to be crazy about something.

Describes an intense, almost irrational fascination or obsession. Can be used for hobbies, interests, or romantic infatuation. Often implies the obsession is excessive.

Examples

1. 他从小就痴迷于天文学，最终成为了一名天文学家。 He was obsessed with astronomy from childhood and eventually became an astronomer.
2. 很多年轻人痴迷网络游戏，影响了正常生活。 Many young people are addicted to online games, which affects their normal lives.
3. 她对古典音乐痴迷到了废寝忘食的地步。 She is so obsessed with classical music that she forgets to eat and sleep.

Usage Guide

Context: hobbies, interests, criticism

Tone: intense

Do Say

• 他对摄影简直到了痴迷的程度。(He is absolutely obsessed with photography.)
• 别太痴迷追星了，还是要专注学业。(Don't be too obsessed with celebrity fandom; focus on your studies.)

Don't Say

• 我痴迷吃饭 (痴迷 is for extraordinary fascinations, not basic needs like eating)

Origin & History

Compound of 痴 (foolish/infatuated) and 迷 (lost/confused). Together they describe being lost in obsessive fascination.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal