Definition
意气用事 is a four-character idiom meaning 'to act on impulse' or 'to let personal emotions dictate one's actions'. It describes someone who makes decisions or behaves based on momentary feelings (anger, excitement, pride) rather than reason or principle. You can use it as a predicate, often in a critical or advisory tone — e.g., 他太意气用事了 ('He's too impulsive').
f.e.
to act on impulseto be swayed by personal feelings
Examples
- 意气用事，。Tā zuò juédìng zǒngshì yì qì yòng shì, bù kǎolǜ hòuguǒ.He always makes decisions on impulse, without considering the consequences.
- ，意气用事。Yùdào máodùn yào lěngjìng, qiānwàn bú yào yì qì yòng shì.When you encounter a conflict, stay calm and never act on impulse.
- 意气用事，。Tā yīnwèi yì qì yòng shì, dézuì le bù shǎo tóngshì.Because he acted on impulse, he offended quite a few colleagues.
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