镇静
The English word sedation is 镇静 in Chinese.
镇静 is used to mean sedation. In a medical context, if you are referring to the drug itself (a sedative), you can add the suffix 剂 to the word to form 镇静剂.
Meaning: act (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 镇, which means to suppress or calm and 静, which means quiet or still.
Which one should you use?
While 镇静 can refer to the state of sedation or calmness, it is also used as a verb meaning 'to calm down' or 'to sedate'.
Did you know?
- The word 镇 used in 镇静 also means 'town'. This is because historically the officials sent to 'suppress' unrest in a region often established a military garrison that grew into a permanent settlement.
- In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the concept of 镇静 is often linked to 'calming the liver' or 'settling the heart', treating the emotion as a physical imbalance of organs rather than just a mental state.
- The character 镇 is also used in the word for 'paperweight' 镇纸, which literally means 'paper-quieting device' because it suppresses the movement of the sheets.
Examples in context
- 手术前，请给患者注射镇静剂。In preparation for the surgery, please administer a sedative to the patient.
- 这种药的作用是镇静。zhè zhǒng yào de zuò yòng shì zhèn jìng.The function of this medicine is sedation.
- 手术前需要进行镇静。shǒu shù qián xū yào jìn xíng zhèn jìng.Sedation is required before the surgery.
Example conversation
Xiaowen is discussing a medical procedure with Zhiqiang.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen志强，你害怕手术吗？Zhìqiáng, nǐ hàipà shǒushù ma?Zhiqiang, are you afraid of the surgery?
- 志强 Zhiqiang有点担心，我会感到疼痛吗？Yǒudiǎn dānxīn, wǒ huì gǎndào téngtòng ma?A bit, will I feel pain?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen不用担心，医生会给你镇静。Bùyòng dānxīn, yīshēng huì gěi nǐ zhènjìng.Don't worry, the doctor will give you sedation.
- 志强 Zhiqiang那样我就放心了。Nàyàng wǒ jiù fàngxīn le.I feel relieved knowing that.
