snap
snap — 動詞
- snappresent simple I / you / we / they
- snapshe / she / it
- snappedpast simple
- snapping-ing form
1. When a thin, stiff object such as a branch, pencil, or rope breaks all at once w
折斷
細長物體啪一聲突然折斷
When a thin, stiff object such as a branch, pencil, or rope breaks all at once with a sharp cracking sound; or you break something like that on purpose.
The old branch snapped under the weight of the heavy snow.
那根老樹枝承受不住厚雪的重量，啪的一聲斷了。
intransitive: noun + snap under weight/pressure
Adaeze snapped the pencil in half when she heard the bad news.
Adaeze 聽到壞消息時，把鉛筆啪的一聲折成兩半。
transitive: snap + noun + in half/in two
A strong gust of wind snapped the wooden fence post clean in two.
一陣強風把木籬笆的柱子啪的一聲吹斷了。
Kabir snapped the dry spaghetti pieces before dropping them into the pot.
Kabir 在把乾義大利麵條丟進鍋裡之前，先啪的一聲折斷。
The rope suddenly snapped during the game, and everyone fell backward.
比賽進行中繩子突然斷裂，所有人都往後摔倒。
文法句型
snap + noun
noun + snap
用法筆記
Object is usually long, thin, and rigid (a stick, bone, rope, pencil). The sharp cracking sound is a defining feature — if the object breaks silently, a different verb is more appropriate.
常見錯誤
2. To reach a point where you can no longer stay calm or manage your feelings, ofte
崩潰；失控
因壓力而突然情緒失控
To reach a point where you can no longer stay calm or manage your feelings, often showing sudden anger, after a long period of stress or difficulty.
After months of working without a break, Amelia finally snapped at the meeting.
工作了好幾個月都沒休息，Amelia 終於在會議上崩潰了。
snap + under pressure: lose emotional control
Children who feel ignored sometimes snap and throw things around the room.
感到被忽略的孩子有時會突然失控，往房間裡丟東西。
Kabir knew he was about to snap, so he went outside to breathe.
Kabir 知道自己快要失控了，於是走到外面去喘口氣。
The long wait at the hospital made even the calmest patients snap.
在醫院漫長的等待讓連最冷靜的病人都崩潰了。
Reuben nearly snapped when his computer crashed just before the deadline.
Reuben 的電腦在截止時間前故障時，他差點崩潰。
- crack
very similar; 'crack under pressure' has the same meaning
- break down
broader — can include crying or giving up, not just anger
- lose it
informal synonym for sudden emotional loss of control
- stay calm
to remain in control of emotions
- keep it together
informal phrase meaning to stay composed
文法句型
snap (under stress / pressure)
snap and + verb
用法筆記
Commonly used with 'under' (snap under pressure/stress) or with 'about to / nearly.' The emotion is most often anger, though frustration or grief can also trigger it.
常見錯誤
3. To move or push something quickly into a new position, or to move that way, usua
啪地移動
迅速移動到位並發出短促聲響
To move or push something quickly into a new position, or to move that way, usually producing a short click or crack sound.
Lan snapped the lid back onto the plastic container.
Lan 啪的一聲把蓋子蓋回塑膠容器上。
transitive: snap + noun + onto/into position
The wooden ruler snapped into place when Joaquín pushed the lever.
Joaquín 推動把手時，那把木尺啪的一聲卡進定位。
intransitive: noun + snap + into place
Defne snapped the puzzle piece firmly into its spot.
Defne 把拼圖片啪的一聲用力按進它的位置。
The flag snapped in the wind above the school gate.
旗幟在校門上方啪啦作響地飄動。
Nicholas snapped the book shut and stood up from his chair.
Nicholas 啪的一聲把書合上，從椅子上站了起來。
文法句型
snap + noun + into/onto
noun + snap + into/onto
用法筆記
Often followed by a preposition of position: into, onto, shut, open. The sound is brief and sharp — like a light switch clicking or a lid sealing.
4. To go back rapidly to a former shape or state after being bent, pulled, or press
彈回；恢復
受壓後迅速回到原來狀態
To go back rapidly to a former shape or state after being bent, pulled, or pressed out of that shape.
The rubber band snapped back into its original shape when Lan let go.
Lan 一放手，橡皮筋就啪的一聲彈回原來的形狀。
snap back + to [original state/shape]
Talia's hair snapped back into curls the moment the rain touched it.
Talia 的頭髮一碰到雨水就立刻彈回捲曲的狀態。
The young tree snapped upright after the heavy snow melted away.
厚重的雪融化後，那棵小樹迅速彈回了挺直的樣子。
Many local businesses snap back quickly after a short period of difficulty.
許多本地商家在短暫的低迷之後很快就恢復了。
The metal ruler snapped back to its straight position after James bent it.
James 把金屬尺彎曲後，它啪的一聲彈回了筆直的狀態。
- bounce back
very similar meaning; more common in figurative use
- spring back
synonymous; 'spring' emphasises the elastic force
- recover
broader and more formal; does not imply speed
文法句型
snap back (to + noun)
用法筆記
Very often used with the particle 'back.' Can be literal (a bent object returning to shape) or figurative (an economy, market, or person recovering from difficulty).
5. To close something, or for something to close, firmly and quickly with a short s
啪地關上
快速關閉並發出清脆響聲
To close something, or for something to close, firmly and quickly with a short sharp sound.
The metal briefcase snapped shut with a loud click in the empty hall.
那只金屬公事包啪的一聲關上，在空蕩蕩的大廳裡發出響亮的喀哒聲。
intransitive: noun + snap shut
James snapped the lock shut before running to catch his train.
James 啪的一聲鎖好扣鎖，然後跑去趕火車。
transitive: snap + noun + shut
The old suitcase snapped shut when Ziad pressed down on both sides.
Ziad 把兩邊往下壓時，那隻舊皮箱啪的一聲關上了。
Ayana snapped the necklace clasp shut while looking in the mirror.
Ayana 對著鏡子啪的一聲扣好項鍊的扣環。
The laptop snapped shut when Christopher bumped against the desk.
Christopher 撞到桌子時，筆記型電腦啪的一聲合上了。
- click shut
emphasises the sound; a quieter version of snap shut
- close quickly
general description without the sound element
- snap open
the same type of movement in the opposite direction
文法句型
snap + noun + shut
noun + snap + shut
用法筆記
Used with the adverb 'shut' to indicate the closing action. The object is typically something with a lid, clasp, or hinged cover. The sound is a defining feature — silent closing does not fit this sense.
6. When a creature attempts to sink its teeth into a person or thing by suddenly cl
咬；猛咬
動物快速合嘴試圖咬人
When a creature attempts to sink its teeth into a person or thing by suddenly closing its mouth, often as a warning or in self-defence.
The guard dog snapped at the stranger who climbed over the fence.
那隻看門狗朝著翻越籬笆的陌生人猛咬過去。
animal + snap at [target]
The turtle snapped at the lettuce leaf but missed the first time.
那隻烏龜對著萵苣葉咬了一口，但第一次沒咬到。
The little fish snapped at the food as soon as it hit the water.
那條小魚一看到食物掉進水裡就立刻咬了上去。
Ziad's cat snapped at his hand when he tried to brush her fur.
Ziad 的貓在他試圖梳牠的毛時，朝他的手咬了一口。
The horse snapped at the apple but took it with surprising gentleness.
那匹馬朝著蘋果咬去，但動作輕柔得令人吃驚。
文法句型
snap at + noun
animal + snap (at)
用法筆記
The subject is always an animal (or a person behaving like one). The preposition 'at' introduces the target of the attempted bite. If the animal actually bites and holds on, 'snap' is not the right verb — use 'bite' or 'clamp.'
常見錯誤
7. to respond to someone in a sharp, irritated tone, usually with a short and angry
厲聲說
突然生氣地說
to respond to someone in a sharp, irritated tone, usually with a short and angry remark.
When Lukas asked again about the money, his brother snapped, "Enough already!"
當 Lukas 再次問起錢的事，他弟弟厲聲說：『夠了！』
snap + direct speech for sudden angry reply
The tired nurse snapped at the patient's family for making too much noise.
疲憊的護士對病患家屬厲聲說話，嫌他們太吵。
snap at + person + for + reason
Ayesha could feel her patience running out, but she did not snap at the children.
Ayesha 感覺耐心快耗盡了，但她沒有對孩子們發火。
Constanza snapped an angry reply before realizing her boss was standing right behind her.
Constanza 氣沖沖地回了話，才發現老闆就站在她身後。
The cashier snapped at Minho when he asked for a simple receipt.
店員對 Minho 厲聲說話，只因為他要一張收據。
文法句型
snap at + person
snap + speech
用法筆記
Frequently followed by 'at + person' when the angry words are directed at someone. When used transitively, the direct object is the angry remark itself, not the person.
常見錯誤
8. to take photographs, especially quickly and without careful preparation.
拍照；快拍
快速拍照片
to take photographs, especially quickly and without careful preparation.
Lien snapped photos of the street performers during her lunch break.
Lien 在午休時間拍了幾張街頭藝人的照片。
snap + photos + of + subject
Tourists snapped pictures of the sunset over the old harbour.
觀光客拍下了老港口日落的照片。
Quinn snapped a quick photo of the menu before the waiter took it away.
Quinn 在服務生收走菜單前快速拍了一張照片。
The journalist snapped several shots of the protest from across the street.
記者從街對面拍了幾張抗議活動的照片。
Kofi snapped a picture of the street art on his way to the station.
Kofi 在去車站的路上隨手拍了一張街頭塗鴉的照片。
文法句型
snap + photos/pictures/shots + of + subject
用法筆記
Commonly used with 'photos', 'pictures', or 'shots' as the object. Less formal than 'photograph' and implies speed or casualness.
常見錯誤
9. to close or attach something using a small metal or plastic fastener with two ro
扣上
按壓按扣將衣物固定
to close or attach something using a small metal or plastic fastener with two rounded parts that lock together with a clicking sound.
Bao snapped his jacket shut before stepping out into the cold wind.
Bao 在出門迎向寒風前把外套啪嗒扣好。
snap + clothing + shut/closed
Madison snapped the collar of her dog's coat into place.
Madison 把狗的項圈按扣扣好。
snap + object + into place
Walid helped the toddler snap her coat closed before they went outside.
Walid 幫學步的女兒在外出前把外套扣好。
The buttons on the baby's pyjamas snap together easily.
嬰兒睡衣的釦子一按就扣上了。
Lukas snapped the straps on his backpack and headed for the door.
Lukas 扣上背包的扣帶，然後走向門口。
- unsnap
to open by releasing a snap fastener
文法句型
snap + clothing + shut/closed/together
用法筆記
Often used with an adjective complement such as 'shut', 'closed', or 'together' to describe the result of fastening. The fastener itself is also called a 'snap' (noun).
常見錯誤
snap — 名詞
- snapsingular
- snapsplural
1. a short, sharp noise made when something thin breaks or when two hard pieces cli
劈啪聲
物體斷裂或閉合時發出的短促尖響
a short, sharp noise made when something thin breaks or when two hard pieces click together.
Lara heard the snap of a twig behind her and spun around quickly.
Lara 聽到身後傳來樹枝的劈啪聲，迅速轉過身去。
a snap of [something] describing a sudden noise
The branch gave a loud snap before it fell onto the garden path.
那根樹枝發出響亮的劈啪聲，然後掉到了花園小徑上。
gave a [adjective] snap — common verb-noun collocation
Mert closed the metal box, and the lid shut with a clean snap.
Mert 關上金屬盒，蓋子喀噠一聲乾淨俐落地闔上了。
A sudden snap from the kitchen made everyone stop talking for a moment.
廚房突然傳來劈啪一聲，在座所有人頓時安靜了片刻。
文法句型
a snap (of something)
用法筆記
Usually singular — this sense is nearly always used as "a snap" or "the snap" describing a single sound event.
2. a small round fastener made of two metal or plastic discs that lock together whe
按扣
衣服上由兩片金屬或塑膠圓片扣合的扣件
a small round fastener made of two metal or plastic discs that lock together when pressed, used on clothing.
Nellie sewed a new snap onto the baby's jacket after the old one broke.
Nellie 把一顆新按扣縫在嬰兒外套上，取代了那顆壞掉的。
sew a snap onto [garment]
The snap on Théo's shirt popped open when he bent to tie his shoe.
Théo 彎腰繫鞋帶時，襯衫上的按扣啪地彈開了。
Eli prefers jackets with snaps instead of buttons because they close faster.
Eli 比較喜歡用按扣的外套，因為比釦子更容易扣上。
Tara replaced the broken snap on her cardigan with a matching blue one.
Tara 把開襟毛衣上壞掉的按扣換成了一顆藍色的同款扣。
- popper
British term for the same fastener
- press stud
more formal term, common in UK and Australia
- fastener
broader category; less specific than snap
用法筆記
Also called a "popper" in British English. More common in casual or children's clothing than in formal wear.
3. an informal picture that someone takes quickly with a simple camera or phone, wi
快照
隨手拍攝、不講究技巧的非正式照片
an informal picture that someone takes quickly with a simple camera or phone, without trying to produce art.
Apinya showed us a snap of her cat sleeping on the sofa last Sunday.
Apinya 給我們看了一張她上週日拍的貓咪睡在沙發上的快照。
My grandmother keeps a snap of the old house in her wallet at all times.
我祖母一直把一張老房子的快照放在皮夾裡。
keep a snap in one's wallet — treasured informal photo
Dylan took a snap of the cherry blossoms during his walk through the park.
Dylan 在公園散步時隨手拍了一張櫻花的快照。
A woman on the train asked if she could take a snap of the sunset.
火車上的一位女士問她能否拍一張日落的快照。
Amani sent me a snap of the beach at sunset, and it looked beautiful.
Amani 傳給我一張海邊日落的快照，看起來很美。
用法筆記
Distinguish from "snapshot" — snap is the shortened, more informal form. Unlike a formal photograph, a snap is usually unposed.
常見錯誤
4. a simple card game where players take turns laying cards face-up and call out "s
對牌遊戲
看見相同牌喊「snap」的簡單牌戲
a simple card game where players take turns laying cards face-up and call out "snap!" when two cards of the same value appear.
Ryo won three rounds of snap by spotting matching cards faster than anyone else.
Ryo 靠著比任何人都快發現相同的牌，連贏三局對牌遊戲。
The children played snap for nearly an hour before dinner last night.
孩子們在晚餐前玩了大約一小時的對牌遊戲。
play snap — fixed collocation for the game
During the party, four friends sat on the rug and played snap together.
派對期間，四個朋友坐在地毯上一起玩對牌遊戲。
Snap is a good game for teaching young children how to recognise numbers quickly.
對牌遊戲很適合用來教幼兒快速辨認數字。
文法句型
play snap
用法筆記
Treated as an uncountable game name — "Do you want to play snap?" not "play a snap." The exclamation "Snap!" is also used outside the game when two identical things appear together.
5. a task or activity that needs very little effort and is finished quickly.
簡單事
幾乎不費力氣就能完成的事情
a task or activity that needs very little effort and is finished quickly.
The maths quiz was a snap for Lara, who finished it in under five minutes.
Lara 覺得數學小考輕而易舉，她不到五分鐘就寫完了。
be a snap for [someone] — fixed phrase
For a trained cook like Piotr, making this sauce is an absolute snap.
對 Piotr 這樣受過訓練的廚師來說，做這個醬汁根本是小事一樁。
After months of practice, driving the delivery truck became a snap for him.
練習幾個月後，開送貨卡車對他來說變得很簡單。
Fixing the leaky pipe was no snap, despite what the plumber had promised.
修理漏水的水管一點也不簡單，不像水電工原先保證的那麼容易。
- breeze
similar in register, suggests something passes quickly and easily
- piece of cake
British equivalent, equally informal
- cinch
slightly older slang, same meaning
文法句型
be a snap
no snap
用法筆記
Primarily American English. British speakers more commonly use "a piece of cake" or "easy peasy." Usually appears in the singular form "a snap" or "no snap."
6. the action in American football where the centre starts a play by sending the ba
開球
美式足球中中鋒將球向後傳給四分衛的動作
the action in American football where the centre starts a play by sending the ball through his open legs to the quarterback behind him.
The centre made a clean snap to the quarterback, who then threw a long pass.
中鋒乾淨俐落地將球開給四分衛，後者隨即傳出一記長傳。
make a clean snap to the quarterback — key collocation
Élise fumbled the snap on the first play, and the other team recovered the ball.
Élise 在第一次進攻時開球失手，球被對方搶走了。
The crowd went quiet right before the snap, waiting for the play to start.
觀眾在開球前全場安靜下來，等待攻勢展開。
All eleven players stayed perfectly still until the centre began the snap.
所有十一名球員在中鋒開始開球前都保持靜止不動。
- hike
informal equivalent, from the quarterback's signal "hike!"
- snap count
refers to the timing or number signal before the snap, not the act itself
用法筆記
This sense is specific to American football. In Canadian football the same action is called a "snap" as well, though the rules differ slightly. Not used in rugby or soccer.
7. a noun placed before another noun to describe a decision or action that is made
倉促；輕率
未經仔細思考就迅速做出的決定或行動
a noun placed before another noun to describe a decision or action that is made suddenly, without taking time to think about it carefully.
Faisal made a snap decision to book the flight before the prices went up again.
Faisal 在票價再次上漲前倉促決定預訂機票。
attributive noun: a snap decision
Paloma later admitted that her snap judgment about the new teacher was unfair.
Paloma 後來承認她對新老師的倉促判斷有失公允。
collocation: snap judgment
The prime minister called a snap election, hoping to win a larger majority in parliament.
總理宣布提前大選，希望能在國會贏得更多席次。
Takeshi knew that a snap reaction to the email would only make the situation worse.
Takeshi 知道如果對那封郵件草率回應，只會讓情況變得更糟。
Snap decisions are rarely the best — the Watanabe family sleeps on big choices.
倉促的決定很少是最好的——Watanabe 家對重大抉擇會先睡一覺再說。
- considered
done after careful thought
- deliberate
done on purpose with full awareness
- measured
cautious and balanced after thought
文法句型
a snap + noun (decision, judgment, election, reaction, vote)
用法筆記
This noun only appears before another noun in compounds like 'snap decision' or 'snap election.' Unlike the adjective sense, it cannot be used as a predicate: ❌ 'The decision was snap.' ✅ 'It was a snap decision.' Distinguish from noun sense 5 (EASY TASK) — that sense means something is easy; this sense means something is done quickly and impulsively.
常見錯誤
snap — 形容詞
- snappositive
- snappercomparative
- snappestsuperlative
1. describes a decision, judgment, or action that is made very quickly, usually wit
倉促的
未經仔細思考就做出的
describes a decision, judgment, or action that is made very quickly, usually without giving it enough thought first
Min made a snap decision to quit her job and travel across Asia.
Min 倉促決定辭掉工作，去亞洲旅行。
collocation: snap decision
The judge later admitted his snap judgment in court had been unfair to the defendant.
法官後來承認，自己在庭上的倉促判斷對被告不公平。
collocation: snap judgment; attributive use
Buying that expensive guitar was a snap choice that Lukas regretted the next day.
買下那把昂貴的吉他是 Lukas 隔天就後悔的輕率選擇。
Femi's snap reaction to the news surprised everyone in the office.
Femi 對那則消息的倉促反應，讓辦公室裡每個人都很吃驚。
A snap decision made in anger often leads to problems later on.
在氣頭上倉促做出的決定，常常會在事後引發問題。
- hasty
focuses on speed; less negative than snap
- impulsive
emphasises acting on sudden feeling rather than thought; similar register
- rash
stronger negative connotation — suggests the result was unwise or dangerous
- spur-of-the-moment
more informal; can be neutral or positive ('spur-of-the-moment trip')
- considered
opposite in terms of thoughtfulness
- deliberate
opposite in terms of intention and care
文法句型
snap + noun (decision, judgment, reaction, reply, choice)
用法筆記
Always used before a noun (attributive only). This sense of snap cannot appear after a linking verb — 'The decision was snap' is incorrect.
常見錯誤
snap — 副詞
1. describes an action that happens together with a sudden short sharp noise, like
啪嚓
伴隨短促清脆斷裂或閉合聲的動作
describes an action that happens together with a sudden short sharp noise, like the sound made when a thin piece of wood breaks or a lock clicks into place.
The dry branch went snap when Eshe broke it across her knee.
Eshe 在膝蓋上折斷那根乾樹枝時，樹枝啪嚓斷了。
go snap — onomatopoeic adverb for sudden breaking sound
Paloma closed the metal case, and the lock clicked with a snap.
Paloma 關上金屬箱，鎖扣喀噠一聲扣上。
verb + with a snap — action accompanied by a sharp sound
The wooden window swung shut with a snap after Zayd pressed the latch.
Zayd 按下門閂後，木窗啪嚓一聲關上。
The fishing line went snap when a big fish pulled hard underwater.
大魚在水下用力一拉，釣線啪嚓斷了。
The old leather belt went snap when it caught on the rusty nail.
舊皮帶鈎到生鏽的釘子時，啪嚓斷了。
文法句型
verb + snap
go snap
用法筆記
This adverbial use of 'snap' is uncommon in formal writing but appears in everyday speech and narrative prose to describe a sudden sound accompanying an action. The pattern 'go snap' is especially common.
常見錯誤
snap — 感嘆詞
1. An exclamation shouted during the card game Snap when two matching cards are pla
配對！
紙牌遊戲Snap中喊出的叫聲
An exclamation shouted during the card game Snap when two matching cards are placed on the table one after the other, indicating that the player has spotted the match.
Dario shouted 'Snap!' the moment the two queens were placed on the pile.
Dario 在兩張皇后牌被放到牌堆上時立刻喊了『配對！』
shouted 'Snap!' in the card game Snap
The children all screamed 'Snap!' at once, making the teacher laugh.
孩子們同時尖叫『配對！』，讓老師笑了出來。
Hugo won the round because he called 'Snap!' before anyone else could react.
Hugo 因為比任何人都先喊『配對！』而贏了那一輪。
In Snap, you say 'Snap!' as soon as you see two matching cards.
玩 Snap 時，一看到兩張相同牌就要喊『配對！』
'Snap!' yelled Paloma, slapping her hand on the pile of cards with a grin.
『配對！』Paloma 大喊，同時把手拍在牌堆上，咧嘴笑著。
用法筆記
This exclamation is only used in the context of the card game Snap. For everyday situations where two things are identical, see sense 2 below.
2. A playful exclamation made when realising that two people share something identi
一樣！
發現兩人事物相同時的驚呼
A playful exclamation made when realising that two people share something identical — for instance, the same item of clothing, the same word spoken at the same moment, or the same idea occurring at the same time.
Noor and Rin wore the same red dress and yelled 'Snap!' together.
Noor 和 Rin 穿著同一件紅洋裝，兩人一起喊了『一樣！』
used when two people have identical things
When Faisal said 'That's what I was thinking!' Christopher called out 'Snap!' with a grin.
當 Faisal 說『我也是這麼想的！』，Christopher 笑著喊了『一樣！』
'Snap! We chose the same film without knowing it,' said Élise, laughing.
『一樣！我們不知不覺選了同一部電影，』Élise 笑著說。
Harper and Zuri both started humming the same tune and then shouted 'Snap!' together.
Harper 和 Zuri 同時哼起同一首歌，然後一起喊了『一樣！』
At the party, three guests wore the same scarf — someone laughed and said 'Snap!'
派對上有三位賓客圍著同一款圍巾——有人笑著說了聲『一樣！』
用法筆記
Used informally among friends or in casual settings when a coincidence is discovered. This sense is an extension of the card-game exclamation (sense 1) into everyday life.