Introduction
The Chinese idiom 迅雷不及掩耳 (xùn léi bù jí yǎn ěr) is a fascinating expression that captures the essence of swift actions and reactions within the rich tapestry of the Chinese language. With more than two decades of experience in teaching and exploring the nuances of Chinese, I am excited to delve into this idiom to uncover its meaning, grammatical structure, and practical usage through example sentences.
What Does 迅雷不及掩耳 Mean?
The phrase 迅雷不及掩耳 literally translates to “thunder cannot be covered by the ears.” This idiom symbolizes the idea that some events happen so swiftly that one cannot react in time to protect oneself or duck from the noise. It conveys a sense of urgency and the often-inevitable nature of certain circumstances. In a broader context, it suggests that a change or an occurrence can be so instantaneous that by the time one realizes it, it has already taken place.
Breaking Down the Meaning
- 迅雷 (xùn léi) – Literally means “swift thunder,” representing something that happens suddenly.
- 不及 (bù jí) – Translates to “cannot catch up with” or “is not as fast as,” indicating a lack of ability to respond promptly.
- 掩耳 (yǎn ěr) – Means “covering the ears,” symbolizing the act of trying to shield oneself from something unavoidable.
Grammatical Structure of 迅雷不及掩耳
This idiom is structured with three distinct parts:
- The first segment describes the action or event that occurs — 迅雷 (xùn léi).
- The middle segment introduces the inability or failure to respond — 不及 (bù jí).
- The final part presents a reaction or intended response that is rendered ineffective — 掩耳 (yǎn ěr).
This tripartite structure reinforces the idiomatic expression, making it vivid and illustrative in its contextual application.
Example Sentences Using 迅雷不及掩耳
Understanding an idiom is best achieved through practical examples. Here are some sentences that incorporate 迅雷不及掩耳:
Example 1
在我学习中文的过程中,有时会遇到迅雷不及掩耳的情况,需要迅速回应。
Translation: During my journey of learning Chinese, there were times when I experienced situations where I had to respond swiftly.
Example 2
面对突发新闻,很多人常常感觉到迅雷不及掩耳,不知所措。
Translation: In the face of breaking news, many people often feel that events are happening so fast that they are at a loss for what to do.
Example 3
决策时,他的反应迅雷不及掩耳,因此错过了良好的机会。
Translation: In making decisions, his reaction was so swift that he missed a great opportunity.
Conclusion
The idiom 迅雷不及掩耳 (xùn léi bù jí yǎn ěr) encapsulates a vital aspect of human experience—swift change and the challenges of timely action. By understanding its meaning and grammatical structure, as well as engaging with example sentences, learners can grasp this idiom’s significance in the Chinese language. As we continue to explore the richness of Chinese expressions, idioms like this serve as a bridge to deeper cultural understanding.

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