Meaning
镇定 describes a state of being calm, composed, and unshaken in the face of difficult or stressful situations. It can function as an adjective meaning 'calm' or as a verb meaning 'to calm oneself down' or 'to regain composure.' The term emphasizes emotional stability and self-control during challenging moments.
Usage
镇定 is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to describe someone who remains calm under pressure. It frequently appears with 保持 (bǎo chí, to maintain) as in 保持镇定. The term carries a positive connotation and is often used to describe admirable behavior in emergencies or stressful situations.
Examples
- 01面对突发事件，他表现得非常镇定。, .Facing the emergency, he remained very calm.
- 02请大家保持镇定，不要慌张。, .Please everyone stay calm and don't panic.
Characters
Common collocations
- 保持镇定to remain calm
- 镇定自若calm and composed (idiom)
- 镇定下来to calm down
- 十分镇定very calm
Antonyms
Origin
镇 originally meant 'to press down' or 'to stabilize' (often with a heavy object), while 定 means 'fixed' or 'stable.' Together, they create the meaning of pressing down and stabilizing one's emotions or mental state.