耐心

• Pinyin: nài xīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 耐 = 而 + 寸, to endure; 心 = pictograph of a heart

Meaning

Patient; patience. The quality of being able to wait calmly or endure difficulties.

Functions as both an adjective (patient) and a noun (patience). Essential quality often mentioned in parenting, teaching, customer service, and personal development. Opposite: 不耐烦 (impatient).

Examples

1. 教小孩子学东西需要很大的耐心。 Teaching children requires a lot of patience.
2. 他是一个很有耐心的人，从来不会急躁。 He is a very patient person; he never gets impatient.
3. 请耐心等待，马上就轮到您了。 Please wait patiently; it will be your turn soon.

Usage Guide

Context: education, service, personal qualities

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 谢谢你这么有耐心地教我。(Thank you for teaching me so patiently.)
• 我对他已经没有耐心了。(I've lost patience with him.)

Don't Say

• 我很耐心这件事。(耐心 doesn't take a direct object — say 我对这件事很有耐心)

Origin & History

耐 (nài, to endure) + 心 (xīn, heart/mind). A heart that can endure; patience.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal