瞬间 — meaning in English: moment

shùnjiān · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for moment

净

jìng

辞职

cízhí

庆典

qìngdiǎn

瞬间

shùnjiān

最小

zuìxiǎo

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Mandarin Chinese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use '瞬间' when reflecting on fleeting experiences or significant life events, such as when describing the joy of a first kiss or the split-second decision to leap into action during an emergency. It's commonly employed in both conversations and storytelling, capturing the essence of a moment that is both specific and impactful.

Synonyms & nuances

'瞬间' focuses on the briefness and significance of a moment, whereas '时刻' (shíkè) refers more broadly to a specific point in time. You would choose '瞬间' when emphasizing the transient nature of an experience, while '时刻' might be used for more scheduled or lasting occasions.

Culture

'瞬间' is composed of two characters: '瞬' (shùn), meaning 'to blink' or 'to instantaneously change,' and '间' (jiān), which refers to 'interval' or 'space.' This word beautifully encapsulates the notion that life is made up of countless fleeting moments, resonating deeply in Chinese philosophy, where the present moment is often celebrated as the most important.

FAQ

Q.What does '瞬间' mean in Mandarin?

'瞬间' translates to 'moment' in English, emphasizing a brief yet significant period in time. It's often used to highlight the importance of a specific experience.

Q.How do you use '瞬间' in a sentence?

You can use '瞬间' in sentences like '在瞬间，我决定了' (In a moment, I made my decision) to convey the immediacy of that decision.

Q.Are there common mistakes when using '瞬间'?

'瞬间' is sometimes confused with '时刻' (shíkè) by learners. Remember, '瞬间' is more about brief, impactful experiences, while '时刻' refers to specific times or occasions.

Learn mandarin chinese with Maspeak →

Chinese (Mandarin) 2000