撞 (zhuàng) - to collide & to bump into

撞Tone 4

zhuàng ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

志

撞 · zhuàng

to collide;

to bump into;

to strike;

to run into;

to meet by chance;

to offend.

to collideto bump intoto strike

Usage highlights

collide withcar accidentbump into someoneoffend someoneheadhit and run

Synonyms

  • 碰— to touch; to bump into
  • 冲— to rush; to charge
  • 击— to hit; to strike

Antonyms

  • 避— to avoid; to dodge
  • 躲— to hide; to evade

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The car collided with a tree (撞到树).
  • I accidentally bumped into a stranger on the street (撞到陌生人).
  • He offended his boss with his blunt words (说话太冲，撞了上司).
  • We met by chance at the airport (在机场撞见).

Collocations

  • collide with(撞到)
  • car accident(撞车)
  • bump into someone(撞见某人)
  • offend someone(撞人)
  • head-on collision(迎头相撞)
  • hit and run(撞了就跑)

Idioms

  • A mantis trying to stop a chariot — overestimating one's strength(螳臂当车)
  • To act rashly and blindly(横冲直撞)
  • To plead guilty(低头撞脑)
  • To meet by sheer luck(瞎猫撞上死耗子)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character is associated with both physical impact and metaphorical encounters, including chance meetings and social offenses.
  • In traditional contexts, 'striking a bell' (撞钟) carries ceremonial and time-keeping significance in temples.
  • The concept of '撞运气' (trying one's luck) reflects a cultural acceptance of fate and chance encounters.

FAQ