顺心

• Pinyin: shùn xīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 顺 = 川 + 页 — flowing smoothly; 心 = pictograph of a heart

Meaning

To one's satisfaction; going smoothly as one wishes. Describes a state where things unfold in accordance with one's desires and expectations.

A common expression used in greetings and blessings, especially during the Lunar New Year (e.g. 万事顺心). Also used in conversation to describe a period when work and life are going well. Slightly warmer and more personal than 顺利.

Examples

1. 希望你在新的一年里事事顺心，身体健康。 I hope everything goes smoothly for you in the new year, and that you stay healthy.
2. 近来工作不太顺心，总感觉有些力不从心。 Work hasn’t been going very smoothly lately—I keep feeling like I’m not up to it.
3. 孩子考上了理想的大学，这让她感到十分顺心。 Her child got into their dream university, which made her feel truly satisfied.

Usage Guide

Context: greetings, blessings, conversation, new-year

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 逢年过节给亲友发信息时，祝对方万事顺心是最常见也最真诚的祝福之一。(When sending messages to relatives and friends during festivals, wishing them that all goes smoothly as they wish is one of the most common and heartfelt blessings.)
• 最近工作压力不小，但总体来说还算顺心，项目推进得比预期顺利。(Work pressure has been considerable recently, but overall things are going reasonably well, with the project moving forward more smoothly than expected.)

Don't Say

• 不能将 顺心 与 顺利 完全互换 — 顺心 emphasises personal satisfaction and emotional fulfilment, while 顺利 focuses on the smooth progress of a task

Origin & History

顺 (in accordance with) + 心 (heart, wishes) — things going as the heart desires

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal