活生生 (huó shēng shēng) — vividly real; in real life; while still alive (often with a dramatic or negative tone)
Definition
An adverbial bound form meaning 'vividly, in real life' (活生生地 + verb) or 'while still alive' — often adds a shocking or stark tone. Compared to plain 生动, it emphasizes that something felt real and inescapable rather than merely lively.
bound form
vividly realin real lifewhile still alive (often with a dramatic or negative tone)
Examples
- 活生生，。Tā huó shēng shēng dì zhàn zài wǒ miàn qián, ràng wǒ bù gǎn xiāng xìn.She stood right in front of me, alive and real, making me unable to believe it.
- 活生生，。Zhè shì yí gè huó shēng shēng de lì zi, shuō míng bù nǔ lì jiù huì shī bài.This is a vivid example showing that if you don't work hard, you'll fail.
- 活生生，。Tā bèi huó shēng shēng dì guān zài nà ge xiǎo fáng jiān lǐ, wú fǎ chū qù.He was locked in that small room while still alive, unable to get out.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.