Meaning
冲 is a versatile character with multiple related meanings centered around the concept of forceful movement or impact. Its core sense involves rushing forward with force, like water rushing or a person charging ahead. It also means to rinse or wash with flowing water, and by extension, to brew beverages by pouring hot water over them.
Usage
Native speakers commonly use 冲 when talking about making tea or coffee (冲茶, 冲咖啡), rushing somewhere quickly (冲出去), or describing something vigorous or intense (冲劲). The character appears in many compound words and is considered moderately formal, used in both spoken and written contexts.
Examples
- 01我给你冲一杯咖啡吧。.Let me make you a cup of coffee.
- 02他冲出了房间。.He rushed out of the room.
Common collocations
- 冲茶to make tea
- 冲咖啡to make coffee
- 冲出去to rush out
- 冲凉to take a shower (Cantonese influence)
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 衝 combines 行 (to go) with 重 (heavy), suggesting forceful movement. The simplified form 冲 uses the ice/water radical 冰, emphasizing the liquid/flowing aspect.