Definition
神气 (shénqì) as a noun means 'facial expression, look, manner' — similar to 神情 (shénqíng) but slightly broader, including body language and attitude. As an adjective it has two opposite uses: 'impressive, full of confidence' (positive, like 气派 qìpài) and 'pretentious, putting on airs' (negative). The context and tone decide which meaning is intended.
noun
expressionmannerlook
adjective
vigorousimpressivefull of confidencepretentiousloftyputting on airs
Easily confused
- 神奇shén qísound-alikemagical, mystical, miraculous
Examples
- 神气。Tā shuōhuà de shén qì hěn zìrán.The way he speaks is very natural.
- ,神气。Chuān shàng jūnzhuāng yǐhòu, tā xiǎnde hěn shén qì.After putting on the military uniform, he looked very impressive.
- 神气,。Bié nàme shén qì, shuí dōu bù bǐ nǐ qiáng.Don't be so pretentious — nobody is better than you.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.