Definition
忽明忽暗 is a fixed four-character phrase meaning 'flickering' — literally 'now bright, now dim'. It follows the pattern 忽A忽B, where A and B are opposite or contrasting states, meaning 'alternating between A and B'. You can use this pattern productively: 忽冷忽热 ('hot and cold', also of emotions), 忽快忽慢 ('now fast, now slow'). The phrase often describes lights, signals, or unstable conditions.
f.e.
flickeringnow brightnow dim
Examples
- 忽明忽暗，。Yuǎnchù de dēngguāng hū míng hū àn, xiàng shì yǒu rén zài qiújiù.The light in the distance was flickering, as if someone was signaling for help.
- 忽明忽暗，，。Tā de xīnqíng hū míng hū àn, yíhuìr gāoxìng, yíhuìr nánguò.His mood kept shifting — happy one moment, sad the next.
- 忽明忽暗，。Xìnhàodēng hū míng hū àn, kěnéng shì diànlù chū le wèntí.The signal light was flickering; there might be a problem with the circuit.
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