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電光石火

전광석화 電光石火

Speed as fast as a flash of lightning or a spark from a flint; an action happening in the blink of an eye.

Chinese Idiom 4-character idiom Learn with Music
Quick Answer

전광석화 (電光石火) means "Speed as fast as a flash of lightning or a spark from a flint; an action happening in the blink of an eye.". The idiom is composed of the characters for lightning (電), light (光), stone (石), and fire (火). Origi

1 Meaning

전광석화 (電光石火) means “Speed as fast as a flash of lightning or a spark from a flint; an action happening in the blink of an eye.”.

Jeongwang-seokhwa refers to an extremely short duration or a movement so rapid it resembles a lightning strike or a spark flying from a flint. It metaphorically describes a decisive action taken in a fleeting moment.

2 Examples

1

Spotting a flaw in the opposing team's defense during a professional e-sports match.

Unleashing a coordinated team combo without a second of hesitation to secure an instant victory.

2

The exact moment tickets for a world-famous pop star's concert go on sale.

Clicking the purchase button within 0.1 seconds using a pre-logged-in account to successfully book a seat.

3

Needing to pivot a new product strategy due to a sudden and unexpected market shift.

Skipping long-winded meetings to gather key stakeholders for an immediate tactical revision and execution.

4

A dangerous moment where a child is about to dash into a busy street.

Reacting instinctively to pull the child to safety before even consciously processing the danger.

Which situation fits this idiom?

Pick the everyday scene where “전광석화” fits best.

3 Origin

The idiom is composed of the characters for lightning (電), light (光), stone (石), and fire (火). Originating from Buddhist texts and Zen literature, it was initially used to describe the sharp, sudden nature of spiritual enlightenment. In modern contexts, it is frequently used to highlight extreme physical speed, such as a lightning-fast tactical play in sports or a split-second business decision. It represents an overwhelming energy that dominates a situation before the opponent or the environment can even perceive what has happened.

4 Key Lessons

1

Only those who are prepared can seize and execute the opportunities found within a fleeting moment.

2

Hesitation leads to missed chances; sometimes, swift decisiveness is more valuable than searching for perfection.

3

In a fast-changing world, agility and the ability to read the flow of events are essential for survival and success.

5 English Expression

English Vocabulary

Ignite

불을 붙이다, 점화하다

"She used a match to ignite the campfire."

Delay

지연, 미룸

"The train was late due to a technical delay."

Thunder

천둥

"I heard the sound of thunder after the lightning flash."

Collide

충돌하다

"The two players collided while trying to catch the ball."

🔗 Same series — watch a related Short Related

고진감래 (苦盡甘來) — 쓴 것이 다하면 반드시 달콤한 결실이 찾아온다는 법칙
▶ Watch on YouTube

6 Learn with Music

전광석화 track image

전광석화 Track

Faster Than Thunder (電光石火)

“한 번의 훅과 한 번의 드롭으로 판을 끝내고, 네가 숨 쉬는 순간에도 나는 이미 사라지는 이 속도가 바로 전광석화다.”

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전광석화

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