Definition
头昏脑胀 (tóu hūn nǎo zhàng) is a four-character idiom that describes a physical and mental state of feeling dizzy, heavy-headed, and mentally sluggish — the way you feel when you're exhausted, overheated, or overwhelmed by too much information. It literally combines 'head dizzy' and 'brain swollen' to paint a vivid picture of discomfort. Unlike the plain adjective 头晕 ('dizzy'), 头昏脑胀 emphasizes both physical and cognitive disorientation.
idiom
dizzymuddle-headedand mentally sluggishfeeling overwhelmed and unable to think clearly
Examples
- ,头昏脑胀,。Liánxù jiābān sān tiān, wǒ xiànzài tóu hūn nǎo zhàng, zhǐ xiǎng gǎnjǐn huí jiā shuìjiào.After three straight days of overtime, I'm dizzy and befuddled — I just want to hurry home and sleep.
- ,头昏脑胀。Zhège bàogào shùjù tài duō le, kàn de wǒ tóu hūn nǎo zhàng.This report has too much data — reading it has left me feeling dizzy and confused.
- 头昏脑胀。Xiàtiān zài tàiyáng dǐxia zhàn jiǔ le róngyì tóu hūn nǎo zhàng.Standing in the sun for too long in summer can make you feel dizzy and heavy-headed.
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