adjective / verb HSK 4
Traditional 慌張
flustered · nervous · panicky · to panic
Meaning
慌张 describes a state of anxiety, confusion, or nervous agitation when someone loses composure due to an unexpected or stressful situation. It captures both the mental state of panic and the physical manifestations like hurried, uncoordinated movements.
Usage
Commonly used to describe visible nervousness or rushed behavior when someone is caught off guard, running late, or facing pressure. Often appears in the pattern '很慌张' or '慌慌张张' (reduplication for emphasis). Can describe both temporary emotional states and observable behavior.
Examples
- 01考试的时候不要慌张，慢慢做题。, .Don't panic during the exam; take your time with the questions.
- 02他慌慌张张地跑进教室，原来是迟到了。, .He rushed into the classroom in a fluster—it turned out he was late.
Characters
Common collocations
- 慌慌张张in a fluster, in a panic
- 显得慌张to appear flustered
- 不要慌张don't panic
- 神色慌张with a panicked expression
Antonyms
Origin
慌 (heart radical + 荒 'wasteland') originally conveyed a feeling of emptiness or confusion. 张 here means 'to display outwardly.' Together they describe panic that shows externally through one's behavior and demeanor.