忠心

• Pinyin: zhōng xīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 忠 = 中 (middle) + 心 (heart), meaning centered heart/loyalty; 心 = pictograph of a heart

Meaning

Loyalty; devotion; faithfulness to a person, cause, or duty.

Refers to sincere loyalty and unwavering devotion, often used to describe loyalty to one's country, leader, organization, or ideals. Can also describe a pet's faithfulness. Carries strong positive connotations of moral uprightness and steadfastness.

Examples

1. 他对公司的忠心有目共睹，二十年来从未考虑过跳槽。 His loyalty to the company is obvious to all—he hasn't considered changing jobs in twenty years.
2. 这只狗对主人忠心耿耿，寸步不离地守护着他。 This dog is utterly devoted to its owner, never leaving his side for a moment.
3. 历史上那些忠心为国的将领，至今仍被人们传颂。 Those generals who were loyal to their country throughout history are still celebrated to this day.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, literature, relationships

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 他的忠心值得信赖。(His loyalty is trustworthy.)
• 忠心的员工是公司最宝贵的财富。(Loyal employees are a company's most valuable asset.)

Don't Say

• 这道菜做得很忠心。(Incorrect — 忠心 is for loyalty to people/causes, not for quality of food)

Origin & History

Compound of 忠 (loyal, faithful) and 心 (heart). Literally means a loyal heart, emphasizing that true loyalty comes from the heart.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal