Meaning
刺激 describes something that provokes a reaction, whether physical, emotional, or psychological. It can refer to exciting experiences that energize you, irritations that cause discomfort, or deliberate actions meant to provoke a response. The word carries both positive connotations (thrilling, exhilarating) and negative ones (irritating, provocative), depending on context.
Usage
In everyday speech, 刺激 often describes exciting activities like extreme sports or thrilling movies. In medical or scientific contexts, it refers to stimuli that trigger biological responses. When describing people's behavior, it can mean deliberately provoking someone. The adjective form 很刺激 (very exciting/stimulating) is extremely common among younger speakers discussing entertainment or adventures.
Examples
- 01这个游戏太刺激了，我的心跳得很快。, .This game is so thrilling that my heart is beating really fast.
- 02医生说辛辣的食物会刺激胃部。.The doctor said spicy food will irritate the stomach.
Characters
Common collocations
- 很刺激very exciting/thrilling
- 刺激性stimulating quality, irritant
- 受到刺激to be stimulated/provoked
- 刺激经济to stimulate the economy
Antonyms
Origin
The character 刺 originally meant to pierce or prick, while 激 meant turbulent water or intense emotion. Together they create the sense of something that pricks or strikes intensely, causing a strong reaction.