Meaning
迟钝 describes someone or something that is slow to respond, react, or understand. It can refer to physical reactions (like slow reflexes) or mental processes (like being slow to grasp concepts). The word carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of sharpness or quickness.
Usage
This word is commonly used to describe people who are slow to understand hints, jokes, or social cues. It can also describe dulled physical senses or reactions. While mildly critical, it's not as harsh as calling someone stupid. Often used in phrases like 反应迟钝 (slow to react) or 头脑迟钝 (slow-minded).
Examples
- 01他反应有点迟钝，半天才明白我在开玩笑。, .He's a bit slow to react; it took him a long time to realize I was joking.
- 02感冒让我的味觉变得迟钝了。.The cold has dulled my sense of taste.
Characters
Common collocations
- 反应迟钝slow to react
- 头脑迟钝slow-minded
- 感觉迟钝dull senses
- 动作迟钝slow movements
Antonyms
Origin
The combination of 迟 (slow/late) and 钝 (blunt/dull) creates a compound meaning that reinforces the sense of slowness and lack of sharpness, both literally and figuratively.