Definition
想不开 is a resultative verb compound meaning 'to take things too hard' or 'to dwell on the negative'. It describes a tendency to worry excessively, feel stuck about a problem, or refuse to let go of a disappointment. The pattern is 想 + 不 + 开, literally 'can't think it open'. You can use it for minor frustrations (a lost game) or serious grief (a death in the family). The positive counterpart is 想得开 ('to not take things to heart, to be easygoing').
r.v.
to take things too seriouslyto dwell on the negativeto be unable to see the bright side
Examples
- 想不开，。Tā zǒng shì wèi yì diǎn xiǎo shì xiǎng bú, huó de tèbié lèi.She always takes small things too hard and lives very tired.
- ，想不开。Rénshēng nánmiǎn yǒu cuòzhé, bié tài xiǎng bú.Life inevitably has setbacks — don't take them too much to heart.
- 想不开，。Tā yīnwèi méi kǎo shàng dàxué yìzhí xiǎng bú, jiārén hěn dānxīn.He's been dwelling on not getting into university, and his family is very worried.
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