怀里

• Pinyin: huái li
• Hanzi breakdown: 怀 = 忄+ 褱 (heart radical + phonetic, cherish/hold); 里 = 田 + 土 (field + earth, inner space)

Meaning

In one's arms; against one's chest; within one's embrace. Refers to the physical space held within the front of the body.

Used to describe the physical or emotional space of holding or being held. Common in literary and everyday contexts to convey warmth, protection, or intimacy. Often appears in descriptions of parent-child affection or moments of comfort.

Examples

1. 小猫缩在她怀里，睡得十分香甜。 The kitten curled up in her arms and slept soundly.
2. 他从怀里掏出一封信，递给了老人。 He pulled a letter from inside his coat and handed it to the old man.
3. 孩子冷了，就钻进母亲的怀里寻求温暖。 When the child got cold, he snuggled into his mother’s arms to seek warmth.

Usage Guide

Context: family, literature, emotion, daily life

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 她把孩子紧紧地搂在怀里，生怕他受到任何伤害。(She held the child tightly in her arms, afraid of any harm coming to him.)
• 他从怀里取出那枚珍贵的戒指，郑重地递给了她。(He reached inside his chest and took out the precious ring, then solemnly handed it to her.)

Don't Say

• 怀里 for abstract emotional states like 'in my heart' — use 内心 or 心里 for psychological inner states rather than a physical embrace

Origin & History

怀 (bosom/cherish) + 里 (inside/within)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal