Definition
惺 is a bound form (b.f.) that appears in literary or classical compounds, most commonly in the reduplicated form 惺惺 (xīngxīng), which can mean 'intelligent, clever' or 'awake, aware' depending on context. It rarely appears alone and is only used within set phrases or two-character words. For HSK 7 learners, recognize it in expressions like 惺惺相惜 (talented people appreciate each other).
b.f.
(bound form) intelligentclever (used in compounds like 惺惺)(bound form) awakeaware (used in literary contexts)
Examples
- 惺惺，。Zhè liǎng wèi yìshùjiā xīngxīng xiāng xī, hùxiāng xīnshǎng.These two artists, both highly talented, appreciate each other.
- ，惺。Tā biǎomiàn shàng zhuāng shuì, qíshí xīnlǐ hěn xīngxīng.He pretended to be asleep on the surface, but inside he was very aware.
- 惺，。Zhè piān wénzhāng chūzì yī wèi xīngxīng zhī shǒu, suǒyǐ jiànjiě shēnkè.This article was written by a wise person, so the insights are profound.
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