Meaning and Usage
"清醒" (qīngxǐng) describes a state of being mentally clear and awake, often used to indicate someone is not confused or intoxicated. It can refer to literal wakefulness or a figurative clear-headedness in thinking.
Common Contexts
It is frequently used to describe someone who is sober after drinking alcohol, or someone who remains rational and focused under stress.
Collocations and Patterns
- 清醒头脑: clear mind, used to emphasize mental clarity.
- 保持清醒: to stay clear-headed, often in difficult situations.
- 酒后不清醒: not clear-headed after drinking, implying intoxication.
Usage Notes
"清醒" is often contrasted with states of confusion, drunkenness, or sleepiness. It is a neutral to formal term and can be used in both spoken and written Chinese. Avoid confusing it with "醒来" which specifically means "to wake up" physically.