Definition
定神 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to collect oneself' or 'to concentrate one's attention' — often used after a shock, distraction, or moment of confusion. The verb 定 and the noun 神 can split when inserting aspect markers, complements, or measure words: e.g., 定一定神 ('take a moment to compose oneself'), 定下神来 ('calm down and focus'). You can also use it as a solid verb: 定神看 ('look with concentration').
v.o.
to collect oneselfto compose oneselfto concentrate one's attention
Examples
- ，定神。Tā xià le yí tiào, hǎo bàntiān cái dìng shén.He was startled and took a long time to compose himself.
- ，。Nǐ xiān dìng yí dìng shén, zài mànmàn shuō.First take a moment to collect yourself, then speak slowly.
- ，。Tā dìng xià shén lái, zǐxì kàn le kàn nà zhāng zhàopiàn.He calmed down and looked carefully at that photo.
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