不假思索

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: bù jiǎ sī suǒ
• English Translation: Without a second thought (unhesitatingly)
• Idiom Composition: 「不」（Not or no need to.）＋「假」（To borrow or rely on (in this context, it means to use or require).）＋「思索」（Thinking, pondering, or deep consideration.）
• Meaning: To act or speak immediately without the need for deliberation. It describes a reaction so swift that it bypasses the conscious process of 'borrowing' time to think.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「不假思索」 contains the following nuances:

• The Meaning of 假 (jiǎ): In this idiom, 假 (jiǎ) does not mean 'fake.' It means 'to borrow' or 'to rely on.' The logic is that the response is so fast that one doesn't even need to 'borrow' the help of thought.
• Immediacy of Reaction: It emphasizes that the time elapsed is nearly zero. It suggests a reflexive or intuitive action rather than the result of long deliberation.

3. Usage

「不假思索」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Emergency Actions: Used to praise someone for taking instinctive, correct action in a dangerous or urgent situation without hesitation.
  • Example:「看到孩子落水，他不假思索地跳进河里救人。」
    （Seeing the child fall into the water, he jumped into the river to save them without a second thought.）
• Quick Replies: Describes answering a question immediately because one is well-prepared or certain of the facts.
  • Example:「面对记者的提问，他不假思索地给出了否定的回答。」
    （Facing the reporter's question, he gave a negative answer unhesitatingly.）
• Rash Behavior (Negative): Used critically to describe acting without thinking in situations that actually require careful consideration.
  • Example:「这种重要的合同，你怎么能不假思索就签字呢？」
    （How could you sign such an important contract without thinking?）

Additional Examples:

1. 当被问及梦想时，他不假思索地说是成为一名宇航员。
   （When asked about his dream, he said without hesitation that he wanted to be an astronaut.）
2. 这道题太简单了，我不假思索就写出了答案。
   （This problem was too easy; I wrote down the answer without even thinking.）
3. 听到这个好消息，他不假思索地答应了邀请。
   （Upon hearing the good news, he accepted the invitation on the spot.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Common Misspelling: It is often mistakenly written as 不加思索 (bù jiā sī suǒ). However, the correct form is 不假思索 (bù jiǎ sī suǒ), where 假 (jiǎ) specifically means 'to borrow.'
• Dual Nuance: In Chinese culture, quick decision-making can be a sign of intelligence and decisiveness, but it is a fine line from being 'rash.' This idiom can be a compliment for being sharp-witted or a criticism for being thoughtless.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 脱口而出 (tuō kǒu ér chū): To blurt something out; to say something without thinking.link
  • 毫不犹豫 (háo bù yóu yù): Without the slightest hesitation; very determined.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 深思熟虑 (shēn sī shú lǜ): To think deeply and deliberate carefully.
  • 犹豫不决 (yóu yù bù jué): To be hesitant and unable to make up one's mind.link
  • 三思而后行 (sān sī ér hòu xíng): Think thrice before you act.link

6. Summary

The idiom 不假思索 (bù jiǎ sī suǒ) describes an immediate response where one does not need to 'borrow' (假) time for 'thinking' (思索). It is often used to praise brave actions in emergencies or confident, quick answers. However, depending on the context, it can also imply acting rashly or without proper consideration.