矍 (jué) - Startled & frightened

矍Tone 2

jué ｜ 20 strokes ｜ radical:

傑君

矍 · jué

Startled;

frightened;

looking around in alarm;

used to describe a frightened or vigilant expression.

Startledfrightenedlooking around in alarm

Usage highlights

Startled and waryVigorous and alertLooking around in alarmStartled expressionFrightened glance

Synonyms

  • 惊— startled; frightened
  • 愕— astonished; stunned

Antonyms

  • 安— calm; peaceful
  • 静— still; quiet

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He looked startled and wary (矍然).
  • The old man was still vigorous and alert (精神矍铄).
  • He glanced around nervously (矍矍四顾).

Collocations

  • Startled and wary(矍然)
  • Vigorous and alert(矍铄)
  • Looking around in alarm(矍矍)
  • Startled expression(矍色)
  • Frightened glance(矍视)

Idioms

  • Vigorous and alert despite old age(精神矍铄)
  • Startled and looking around(矍然四顾)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Often used to describe the alert, vigorous demeanor of elderly people, especially in the idiom 精神矍铄.
  • The character contains the eye radical (目), emphasizing visual alertness or a startled look.
  • Rare in modern colloquial speech but preserved in classical Chinese and certain idioms.

FAQ