Meaning
静止 describes a state of complete stillness or absence of movement. It can refer to physical objects that are not moving, or to situations that have ceased activity or development. The word combines 静 (quiet, calm) and 止 (to stop), literally meaning 'quiet and stopped.'
Usage
静止 is commonly used in scientific, technical, and formal contexts to describe objects at rest or systems without motion. In physics, it refers to objects with zero velocity. It can also describe situations or processes that have stopped progressing. Native speakers use it less frequently in casual conversation compared to simpler words like 不动.
Examples
- 01这个实验要求物体保持静止状态。.This experiment requires the object to remain in a stationary state.
- 02湖面静止得像一面镜子。.The lake surface was as still as a mirror.
Characters
Common collocations
- 静止状态state of rest, stationary state
- 保持静止to remain still
- 相对静止relative rest
- 静止不动completely motionless
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines two ancient Chinese characters: 静 originally depicted a person in a calm state, while 止 depicted a foot that has stopped walking. Together they form a compound emphasizing complete cessation of movement.