散精（sàn jīng）

Pronunciation: sàn jīng

Basic Meaning: to scatter one's energy or focus

Detailed Explanation: 散精 (sàn jīng) is an idiom that describes someone who is unfocused or scatterbrained, unable to concentrate on one task or idea. It implies a lack of attention and dedication, resulting in inefficient or ineffective work.

Usage Scenarios: This idiom is often used to criticize someone for being easily distracted or not putting enough effort into their work. It can be used in various situations, such as in school, at work, or in personal relationships, to describe someone who is not fully committed to a task or goal.

Story Origin: The origin of this idiom can be traced back to an ancient Chinese story. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), there was a famous military strategist named Sun Bin. One day, Sun Bin was studying military strategy and tactics, but he was constantly interrupted by a noisy neighbor. Frustrated, Sun Bin wrote the words "散精" (scatter energy) on a piece of paper and threw it into his neighbor's house, hoping to convey his annoyance. Since then, the idiom "散精" has been used to describe someone who is easily distracted or unfocused.

Structure of the Idiom: The idiom "散精" is composed of two Chinese characters: "散" (sàn), which means to scatter or disperse, and "精" (jīng), which refers to energy or essence. When combined, they form a metaphorical expression that describes the scattering of one's energy or focus.

Example Sentences:

1. 他總是散精，無法完成任務。

(Tā zǒng shì sàn jīng, wúfǎ wánchéng rènwù.)

He is always unfocused and unable to complete tasks.

2. 她考試前一天散精，所以考得不好。

(Tā kǎoshì qián yītiān sàn jīng, suǒyǐ kǎo dé bù hǎo.)

She was unfocused the day before the exam, so she didn't perform well.

Memory Techniques: To remember the idiom "散精," you can visualize yourself scattering pieces of paper with the word "精" (jīng) written on them. Imagine the scattered pieces representing your scattered energy or focus. By creating a vivid mental image, you can easily recall the meaning of the idiom.

Extended Learning: To further understand the concept of focus and concentration, you can explore related idioms and expressions in Chinese, such as "一心一意" (yī xīn yī yì, wholeheartedly) and "專心致志" (zhuān xīn zhì zhì, concentrate on). These idioms emphasize the importance of single-mindedness and dedication in achieving success.

Example Sentences from Different Age Groups:

1. Children (8-12 years old): 我在寫作業的時候，不能散精，要專心完成。

(Wǒ zài xiě zuòyè de shíhou, bùnéng sàn jīng, yào zhuān xīn wánchéng.)

When I'm doing homework, I can't be unfocused. I need to concentrate and complete it.

2. Teenagers (13-18 years old): 上課時，我不喜歡散精，因為會錯過老師的講解。

(Shàngkè shí, wǒ bù xǐhuān sàn jīng, yīnwèi huì cuòguò lǎoshī de jiǎngjiě.)

I don't like being unfocused in class because I might miss the teacher's explanation.

3. Adults (above 18 years old): 在工作中，不能散精，要全力以赴，才能取得好的成果。

(Zài gōngzuò zhōng, bùnéng sàn jīng, yào quán lì yǐ fù, cái néng qǔdé hǎo de chéngguǒ.)

In work, you can't be unfocused. You need to give it your all to achieve good results.