Meaning
冷静 describes a state of being calm, rational, and in control of one's emotions, especially in difficult or tense situations. It can describe someone's personality trait or a temporary state. As a verb, it means to calm down or regain composure.
Usage
冷静 is commonly used to describe someone who maintains emotional control during stress or crisis. It's often used as advice (冷静一点!) or to describe decision-making that is rational rather than emotional. The verb form often appears with 下来 (冷静下来 - to calm down). It carries a positive connotation of maturity and self-control.
Examples
- 01遇到紧急情况时，一定要保持冷静。, .When encountering an emergency, you must stay calm.
- 02你先冷静下来，我们慢慢谈。, .Calm down first, and we'll talk it through slowly.
Characters
Common collocations
- 保持冷静to stay calm
- 冷静下来to calm down
- 冷静地思考to think calmly
- 冷静一点calm down a bit
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 冷 (cold) and 静 (quiet/still) to create a metaphor for emotional coolness - just as cold things are still and stable, a calm person is emotionally steady and unmoved by heated situations.