灵敏

língmǐn

smart

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Understanding 灵敏 (líng mǐn)

灵敏 describes a high degree of sensitivity or quickness in perception or reaction. It is often used to talk about senses (like hearing or touch), reflexes, or instruments that detect subtle changes.

Usage Nuances

When you say someone or something is 灵敏, you imply they respond quickly and accurately to stimuli. For example, a 灵敏耳朵 means a very sensitive ear, able to pick up faint sounds. It can also describe mental agility or quick reflexes.

Common Collocations

These collocations highlight the word’s focus on sharpness and responsiveness.

Avoiding Confusion

灵敏 is different from 聪明 (cōngmíng), which means smart or intelligent. 灵敏 emphasizes sensitivity and quickness rather than intelligence. Also, it is more formal and technical than words like 敏感, which can imply emotional sensitivity.

Use 灵敏 when you want to emphasize sharp sensory or reflexive abilities.

Example Sentences

这只猫的听觉非常灵敏,能听到很远的声音。

Zhè zhī māo de tīngjué fēicháng língmǐn, néng tīng dào hěn yuǎn de

This cat's hearing is very sensitive; it can hear sounds from far away.

他的反应很灵敏,能迅速解决问题。

Tā de fǎnyìng hěn língmǐn, néng xùnsù jiějué wèntí.

His reactions are very quick; he can solve problems swiftly.

灵敏的仪器可以检测到微小的变化。

Língmǐn de yíqì kěyǐ jiǎncè dào wēixiǎo de biànhuà.

Sensitive instruments can detect tiny changes.