心中

• Pinyin: xīn zhōng
• Hanzi breakdown: 心 = pictograph of the heart; 中 = a line through the centre of a rectangle, meaning 'middle/centre'

Meaning

In one's heart; deep inside. A slightly literary way to express inner feelings or thoughts.

More formal and literary than 心里, though both mean 'in one's heart.' Often appears in written Chinese, speeches, and emotional expressions. Common phrases include 心中有数 (to have a clear idea in mind) and 心中的梦想 (the dream in one's heart). Preferred in song lyrics and poetry.

Examples

1. 他心中有一个梦想。 He has a dream in his heart.
2. 这件事我心中有数。 I have a clear idea about this matter.
3. 她永远在我心中。 She will always be in my heart.

Usage Guide

Context: literary, emotional expression, formal

Tone: reflective

Do Say

• 你在我心中很重要。(You are very important in my heart.)
• 他心中一直有这个想法。(He has always had this idea in his heart.)

Don't Say

• 在口语中过度使用心中 (Don't overuse 心中 in casual spoken Chinese — it sounds too literary; use 心里 instead for everyday conversation)

Origin & History

心 (xīn, heart) + 中 (zhōng, middle/within). Literally 'in the middle of the heart' — the innermost feelings.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal