天真

• Pinyin: tiān zhēn
• Hanzi breakdown: 天 = 一 (one) + 大 (big) — a person stretching under the sky; 真 = 匕 (change) + 目 (eye) + 八 (eight) — originally depicted something genuine and real

Meaning

Naive; innocent; guileless. Having a simple, pure outlook that lacks worldly experience or cynicism.

Can be warm and affectionate when describing a child's innocent perspective, or gently critical when describing an adult who is unrealistically trusting or idealistic. Tone depends heavily on context. Often used with 可爱 (adorable) for positive connotations, or 太 (too) to suggest excessive naivety.

Examples

1. 小孩子的想法总是那么天真，让人觉得非常可爱。 Children's thoughts are always so innocent, which people find extremely adorable.
2. 他轻易相信了陌生人说的话，真是太天真了。 He easily believed what the stranger told him — he really is too naive.
3. 她天真地认为只要努力工作，一定就能成功。 She naively believed that as long as you work hard, you will definitely succeed.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, character description

Tone: affectionate or gently critical

Do Say

• 这个孩子非常天真可爱，总是相信大人说的话。(This child is so innocent and loveable, always believing what the adults say.)
• 你也太天真了，不是每个人都那么善良的。(You're being too naive; not everyone is that kind.)

Don't Say

• 他的回答天真地正确。(Don't use 天真地 to modify a word like 正确 — restructure as 他天真地以为自己是对的.)

Origin & History

Compound of 天 (heaven/natural) and 真 (genuine/true), literally 'naturally genuine' — pure as nature intended.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal