Definition
慢性 (màn xìng) has two distinct meanings: (1) 'chronic' for illnesses or conditions that last a long time—more specific than 长久/持久 which are general 'long-lasting'; (2) 'slow, deliberate' when describing a person's pace or an action—different from the general word 慢 (màn) for 'slow'. It is a compound adjective (慢 'slow' + 性 'nature/quality').
adjective
(of illnesses) chroniclong-lasting(of a person or action) slowdeliberateslow-acting
Examples
- ，。Yīshēng shuō tā zhè shì màn xìng bìng, xūyào chángqī zhìliáo.The doctor said this is a chronic illness and requires long-term treatment.
- 慢性，。Tā shì ge màn xìng zi, zuò shénme shìqing dōu bù zháojí.She is a slow-paced person; she never rushes when doing things.
- 慢性，。Zhè zhǒng dúyào shì màn xìng de, jǐ tiān hòu cái fāzuò.This poison is slow-acting; it only takes effect a few days later.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.