神情

• Pinyin: shén qíng
• Hanzi breakdown: 神 = 礻(spirit) + 申 (extend); 情 = 忄(heart) + 青 (blue/young)

Meaning

Expression; look; countenance; demeanor.

Refers to the expression on someone's face that reflects their emotional or mental state. More literary than 表情, emphasizing the spirit or attitude behind the expression. Often used in descriptive writing to convey characters' inner states.

Examples

1. 看他紧张的神情，肯定是有什么心事。 Looking at his nervous expression, he must have something on his mind.
2. 她神情自若，仿佛什么事都没发生过。 She looked composed, as if nothing had happened.
3. 父亲脸上露出满足的神情，看着孩子们开心地玩耍。 A satisfied expression appeared on Father's face as he watched the children play happily.

Usage Guide

Context: literary, descriptive, observation

Tone: observant

Do Say

• 他的神情有些忧郁。(His expression looks somewhat melancholic.)
• 她神情严肃地说了这番话。(She said these words with a serious expression.)

Don't Say

• 你的神情是什么 — too literary for asking how someone feels; just ask 你怎么了？

Origin & History

Compound of 神 (spirit) + 情 (emotion/expression), meaning the spirit or emotion shown in one's expression.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal