adjective HSK 5
máng
confused · perplexed · lost · at a loss

Meaning

迷茫 describes a psychological state of confusion, disorientation, or feeling lost, especially regarding one's direction in life, future plans, or current situation. It conveys a deeper sense of uncertainty than simple confusion, often implying emotional distress about not knowing what path to take or what to do next.

Usage

迷茫 is commonly used to describe feelings about career choices, life direction, or personal relationships. It's frequently used by young adults discussing their future or people facing major life transitions. The word carries an emotional weight and is more literary than casual speech, though still widely understood and used in everyday contexts.

Examples

  1. 01
    毕业后我对未来感到很迷茫,不知道该做什么工作。
    hòu duì wèi lái gǎn dào hěn máng, zhī dào gāi zuò shén me gōng zuò.
    After graduation I feel very lost about the future and don't know what kind of work I should do.
  2. 02
    他在人生的十字路口,心里很迷茫
    zài rén shēng de shí kǒu, xīn hěn máng.
    He's at a crossroads in life and feels very confused inside.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 感到迷茫
    gǎn dào máng
    to feel lost/confused
  • 迷茫
    hěn máng
    very confused
  • 对未来迷茫
    duì wèi lái máng
    confused about the future
  • 迷茫的时期
    máng de shí
    a period of confusion

Antonyms

Origin

迷 originally means to get lost or be confused, while 茫 describes something vast, hazy, and unclear like a fog. Together they create an image of being lost in a vast, unclear expanse, metaphorically representing psychological confusion and disorientation.

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