Meaning and Usage
"转眼" literally means "turning the eye" but is used idiomatically to express a very short span of time, similar to "in the blink of an eye" or "in no time." It emphasizes how quickly something happens or changes.
Common Contexts
It is often used to describe the rapid passage of time, such as seasons changing, people growing up, or events occurring suddenly.
Collocations and Patterns
- 转眼间 (zhuǎnyǎn jiān): "in the blink of an eye" — a very common phrase to mark a brief moment.
- 转眼就 + verb: indicates something happens immediately or very quickly.
Usage Notes
"转眼" is typically used in narrative or descriptive contexts to highlight speed or suddenness. It is more literary or formal than casual spoken expressions like "一下子". Avoid confusing it with "眨眼" which also relates to eyes but focuses on the physical act of blinking rather than the passage of time.