Definition
机警 combines two related qualities: mental sharpness (quick to understand) and watchful alertness (aware of surroundings or potential danger). It is used to describe people, animals, or even behaviors that show both intelligence and caution. Unlike 聪明 (smart) or 警惕 (vigilant), 机警 implies an active, instinctive readiness to react quickly.
s.v.
sharp-wittedquick-mindedvigilantwatchful
Examples
- 机警，。Zhè wèi zhēnchábīng fēicháng jī jǐng, néng jíshí fāxiàn díqíng.This scout is very sharp-witted and can detect enemy movements in time.
- 机警，。Nà zhī yětù shífēn jī jǐng, yì yǒu fēng chuī cǎo dòng jiù pǎo le.That hare is extremely vigilant; it runs away at the slightest sign of danger.
- ，机警。Zài fùzá de shèhuì huánjìng zhōng, bǎochí jī jǐng néng bìmiǎn hěnduō máfan.In complex social environments, staying alert can avoid a lot of trouble.
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