flüchtig
fleeting · brief
Etwas ist nur kurz da oder bleibt nicht lange. Es kann auch leicht vergessen werden oder schnell verschwinden.
The German word "flüchtig" is an adjective that means "fleeting" or "transient". It describes something that lasts for a very short time or something that is not thorough or in-depth. The origin comes from the verb "flüchten," which means to flee, suggesting a hastiness or rapidity.
Similar words in German include "kurz" (short), "vorübergehend" (temporary), and "rasch" (quick). The emphasis with "flüchtig," however, is often on the lack of depth or detail, something that is glanced at or done hastily, rather than just the short duration itself as with "kurz" or "rasch".
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Examples
Er wirft einen flüchtigen Blick auf die Uhr.adjective
He casts a fleeting glance at the clock.
Sein Lächeln war nur flüchtig.adjective
His smile was only brief.
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