着迷

• Pinyin: zháo mí
• Hanzi breakdown: 着 = 羊 + 目 (to catch); 迷 = 辶 + 米 (lost/obsessed)

Meaning

To be fascinated; to be obsessed; to be captivated by something.

Strong attraction or obsession with something. Can be positive (passionate interest) or mildly negative (excessive obsession). Common objects: 着迷于音乐/游戏/某人. Related: 入迷 (engrossed), 痴迷 (infatuated).

Examples

1. 她对古典音乐着迷，家里收藏了上百张唱片。 She’s fascinated by classical music and has collected over a hundred records at home.
2. 孩子们对这款新游戏着迷得废寝忘食。 The kids are so obsessed with this new game that they forget to eat and sleep.
3. 他深深着迷于中国传统文化的博大精深。 He’s deeply captivated by the breadth and depth of traditional Chinese culture.

Usage Guide

Context: hobbies, interests, attraction

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我从小就对天文学着迷，梦想成为一名宇航员。(I have been fascinated by astronomy since childhood and dream of becoming an astronaut.)
• 这部电影让无数观众着迷，成为年度票房冠军。(This movie captivated countless viewers and became the annual box office champion.)

Don't Say

• 着迷学习 — 着迷 needs a specific object; say 对学习着迷 or 着迷于学习

Origin & History

着 (to attach/catch) + 迷 (bewildered/obsessed)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal