Definition
惊心动魄 means 'heart-stopping' — it describes an experience, story, or scene so intense it can be thrilling or horrifying. Unlike 骇人听闻 (appalling news) or 触目惊心 (a ghastly sight), it can be positive (e.g., an exciting movie). It is broader than 扣人心弦 (gripping, thrilling), which leans positive.
phrase
heart-stoppinghair-raisingbreathtaking (of a scene, story, experience)
Examples
- 惊心动魄。Diànyǐng lǐ de dǎdòu chǎngmiàn zhēn ràng rén jīng xīn dòng pò.The fight scenes in the movie are truly heart-stopping.
- 惊心动魄。Tā jiǎng le yí gè jīng xīn dòng pò de zhànzhēng jīnglì.He told a blood-chilling war experience.
- 惊心动魄。Zhè duàn lìshǐ ràng rén kàn le gǎndào jīng xīn dòng pò.This history makes people feel awe-struck when they see it.
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