Meaning and Usage
"慢性" is an adjective used primarily in medical or health contexts to describe conditions or symptoms that develop slowly and persist over a long period. It translates as "chronic" in English, indicating something long-lasting rather than acute or sudden.
Common Contexts
You will often see "慢性" paired with diseases or symptoms, such as "慢性病" (chronic disease), "慢性疲劳" (chronic fatigue), or "慢性支气管炎" (chronic bronchitis). It emphasizes the prolonged nature of the condition.
Collocations and Patterns
- 慢性病 (chronic disease): used to describe illnesses that last a long time.
- 慢性疲劳 (chronic fatigue): refers to ongoing tiredness.
- 慢性支气管炎 (chronic bronchitis): a specific chronic respiratory condition.
Usage Notes
"慢性" is not used to describe personality traits or behaviors as "slow and patient". Instead, it strictly refers to long-term, persistent conditions. Avoid confusing it with "慢" alone, which means "slow" in speed or pace. "慢性" always carries a medical or figurative sense of duration and persistence.