用心

• Pinyin: yòng xīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 用 = to use; 心 = pictograph of a heart, meaning heart/mind

Meaning

Attentively; with care; intention; motive. To put one's heart into something or the intention behind an action.

Has two main uses: as an adverb meaning 'attentively/carefully' (用心学习 - study attentively), and as a noun meaning 'intention/motive' (别有用心 - have ulterior motives). Common phrases: 用心良苦 (painstaking effort), 用心听 (listen carefully).

Examples

1. 她做事非常用心，每个细节都考虑得很周到。 She does everything with great care, considering every detail thoroughly.
2. 老师的批评虽然严厉，但用心良苦，都是为了学生好。 Although the teacher's criticism was harsh, it came from the best intentions — all for the students' benefit.
3. 这道菜是厨师用心准备的，请慢慢品尝。 This dish was prepared with the chef's full attention; please savor it slowly.

Usage Guide

Context: encouragement, evaluation, appreciation

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 你要用心听讲。(You need to listen attentively.)
• 这份礼物真用心。(This gift shows real thought and care.)

Don't Say

• 我用心了一本书 — 用心是副词或名词，不能这样用，说'我用心读了一本书'

Origin & History

Compound of 用 (to use) + 心 (heart/mind). Literally 'to use one's heart/mind,' meaning to apply care and attention.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal