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惊心动魄

*The explanations on this page are generated by AI. Please note that they may contain inaccurate information.

1. Basic Information

  • Pinyin: jīng xīn dòng pò
  • English Translation: Soul-stirring / Heart-pounding (thrilling)
  • Idiom Composition: 「惊」（To startle, shock, or alarm）＋「心」（The heart or mind）＋「动」（To move, shake, or stir）＋「魄」（The soul or spirit (specifically the 'po' soul associated with the body)）
  • Meaning: Literally meaning "to startle the heart and shake the soul," this idiom describes a situation, event, or work of art that is extremely intense, thrilling, or shocking, leaving a profound psychological impact on the observer.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「惊心动魄」 contains the following nuances:

  • Extreme Tension and Thrills: This is the most common usage, referring to situations like action scenes in movies or close sports matches that make the audience hold their breath.
  • Deep Emotional Impact: It describes how works of art or grand natural landscapes can appeal deeply to a person's inner self, exerting a powerful influence that makes the soul tremble.
  • Fear and Danger: It is also used when looking back at dangerous past experiences or terrifying sights, emphasizing how great the shock was at that time.

3. Usage

「惊心动魄」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

  • Entertainment and Sports: Used to describe movies, novels, or match developments that are dramatic and keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
    • Example:「那场决赛打得惊心动魄，直到最后一秒才分出胜负。」
      （The final match was heart-pounding, with the winner undecided until the very last second.）
  • Dangerous Experiences or Recollections: Used when reflecting on accidents, disasters, or adventures where one felt their life was in danger.
    • Example:「回想起那次在悬崖边的经历，真是让人惊心动魄。」
      （Recalling that experience on the edge of the cliff is truly hair-raising.）
  • Historical or Social Events: Used to characterize turbulent events like wars or political struggles that had a massive impact on society.
    • Example:「这部纪录片真实还原了那段惊心动魄的历史。」
      （This documentary realistically recreates that soul-stirring period of history.）

Additional Examples:

  1. 过山车俯冲的那一刻，简直是惊心动魄。
    （The moment the rollercoaster plunged was absolutely breathtaking.）
  2. 虽然过程惊心动魄，但好在最后大家都平安无事。
    （Although the process was nerve-wracking, fortunately, everyone ended up safe.）
  3. 大自然的鬼斧神工往往令人感到惊心动魄。
    （The uncanny workmanship of nature often leaves people feeling deeply moved.）
  4. 这是一场惊心动魄的博弈，稍有不慎就会满盘皆输。
    （This is a thrilling gamble where a single mistake could lead to total defeat.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

  • Evolution of Meaning: The idiom originally appeared in The Gradings of Poetry (诗品) by Zhong Rong (钟嵘) during the Liang Dynasty, where it was used to describe how excellent poetry deeply moves the reader. In modern times, its use has expanded beyond literary appreciation to include physical danger and suspenseful 'thrills.'
  • Usage Context: It is used in both written and spoken language. In daily conversation, it is preferred when one wants to express simple emotions like 'scary' or 'amazing' in a more dramatic and impactful way.
  • Nuance Comparison: Unlike 触目惊心 (chù mù jīng xīn), which specifically refers to a visual shock or a negative, gruesome sight, 惊心动魄 (jīng xīn dòng pò) can be used for positive excitement and grand, stirring experiences.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

6. Summary

The idiom 惊心动魄 (jīng xīn dòng pò) is a powerful expression used to describe experiences so intense they seem to make the heart stop or the soul tremble. Whether it is a "nail-biting" sports finale, a "hair-raising" narrow escape from danger, or a "breathtaking" natural wonder, this phrase emphasizes the deep emotional or psychological resonance of the moment. It goes beyond simple surprise, capturing a sense of high drama and visceral impact.

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