信念

• Pinyin: xìn niàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 信 = 亻 (person) + 言 (speech), meaning trust; 念 = 今 (now) + 心 (heart), meaning thought

Meaning

Belief; faith; conviction. A firmly held principle or idea that guides one's actions.

Deeper than 信仰 (religious faith), referring to core values and convictions that motivate a person. Often used in discussions about perseverance, ideology, or life philosophy. Common collocations include 坚定的信念 (firm belief) and 信念不变 (unchanged conviction).

Examples

1. 他始终坚持自己的信念，从不动摇。 He has always stuck to his beliefs and never wavered.
2. 信念是支撑他走过困难时期的力量。 Belief was the strength that carried him through difficult times.
3. 年轻人应该有自己的信念和追求。 Young people should have their own beliefs and pursuits.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, motivation

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 坚持你的信念！(Stick to your beliefs!)
• 是什么信念支撑着你？(What conviction keeps you going?)

Don't Say

• 我有一个信念吃健康 (Awkward — 信念 is for abstract principles, not practical habits; restructure as 我坚信健康饮食很重要)

Origin & History

Compound of 信 (to believe, trust) and 念 (to think, idea), meaning a thought one believes in.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal