adjective / verb HSK 3
Traditional 緊張
nervous · tense · tight · intense · strained
Meaning
紧张 describes a state of mental or physical tension. It commonly expresses nervousness or anxiety before important events like exams or presentations. It can also describe situations that are tense, urgent, or where resources are scarce and stretched thin.
Usage
Native speakers use 紧张 frequently to express feeling nervous or anxious. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. Common patterns include 很紧张 (very nervous), 别紧张 (don't be nervous), and 紧张的气氛 (tense atmosphere). When describing shortages, you might hear 时间紧张 (time is tight) or 人手紧张 (short-staffed).
Examples
- 01明天要考试了，我感到很紧张。, .I have an exam tomorrow and I feel very nervous.
- 02别紧张，深呼吸，你会做得很好的。, , .Don't be nervous, take a deep breath, you'll do great.
Characters
Common collocations
- 很紧张very nervous
- 别紧张don't be nervous
- 紧张的气氛tense atmosphere
- 时间紧张time is tight
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 紧 (tight) with 张 (to stretch), literally suggesting something pulled tight or stretched, which metaphorically extends to psychological tension and nervousness.