Definition
惴惴不安 is a four-character idiom (chengyu) that describes a state of extreme anxiety, nervousness, or unease, often while waiting for something uncertain or worrying. The literal meaning is 'uneasy and restless,' and it is used in both formal and literary contexts. You might hear it in news reports, literature, or serious conversations about stressful situations.
f.e.
anxious and uneasyon tenterhooks
Examples
- ，惴惴不安。Kǎoshì jiéguǒ gōngbù qián, tā yìzhí zhuì zhuì bú.He was on tenterhooks before the exam results were announced.
- ，惴惴不安。Tīng dào zhège xiāoxi, tā gǎndào zhuì zhuì bú.Upon hearing this news, she felt extremely uneasy.
- ，惴惴不安。Zài děngdài shǒushù jiéguǒ de nà jǐ tiān, quánjiā rén dōu zhuì zhuì bú.During the days waiting for the surgery results, the whole family was on tenterhooks.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.