担心

• Pinyin: dān xīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 担 = 扌(hand) + 旦 (dawn, phonetic); 心 = pictograph of a heart

Meaning

To worry; to be concerned about. A feeling of anxiety about something that might happen.

One of the most common words for expressing worry or concern in Chinese. Can be followed by a clause describing what one is worried about. Used across all registers from casual conversation to formal writing. Often paired with 不要 to tell someone not to worry.

Examples

1. 妈妈总是担心我一个人在外面吃不好。 Mum always worries that I'm not eating well on my own out there.
2. 考试快到了，他很担心自己考不好。 The exam is coming soon and he's very worried about not doing well.
3. 你不用担心，这件事我会帮你处理的。 You don't need to worry — I'll help you handle this.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, emotional

Tone: concerned

Do Say

• 别担心，一切都会好的。(Don't worry — everything will be fine.)
• 我很担心他的身体。(I'm very worried about his health.)

Don't Say

• 把担心和害怕完全混用 (Don't fully equate 担心 with 害怕 — 担心 is anxiety about potential problems; 害怕 is fear of actual danger or threats)

Origin & History

担 (carry on shoulder) + 心 (heart) — to carry worry in one's heart, bearing a burden of concern.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal