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即兴 (jí xìng) — (adj./adv.) impromptu; extemporaneous

Definition

即兴 (jíxìng) means 'impromptu' — done or said on the spot without preparation, usually for performances, speeches, or creative work. More common in arts/entertainment than the more formal 即席.

(adj./adv.) impromptuextemporaneous

Examples

  • 即兴。
    Tā zuò le yì chǎng jí xìng yǎn jiǎng.
    He gave an impromptu speech.
  • 即兴。
    Tā xǐ huan zài tái shàng jí xìng fā huī.
    She likes to improvise on stage.
  • 即兴。
    Zhè cì biǎo yǎn wán quán shì jí xìng de.
    This performance was entirely impromptu.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

即jíon the spot
兴xīngimpulse

即 points to the moment, 兴 to impulse, giving impromptu.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

  • 皀皀jíancient round-mouthed food vessel
  • 卩卩jiéto kneel

即 pairs 皀 (an ancient round-mouthed food vessel) with 卩 (to kneel), showing someone kneeling near the vessel to eat, so it means to come near or approach.

Open 即 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 興; 兴 is its simplified writing.

The traditional form 興 shows four hands lifting an object; the simplified 兴 is not the form described.

Open 兴 →
Appears in
Art & Fine Arts

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