体贴

• Pinyin: tǐ tiē
• Hanzi breakdown: 体 = 亻(person) + 本 (root) — body, experience; 贴 = 贝 (shell) + 占 (to occupy) — to stick close

Meaning

To be considerate of; thoughtful; attentive to someone's needs.

Describes someone who pays close attention to another's feelings, needs, and comfort. A highly valued quality in relationships. Often used for spouses, caregivers, or attentive friends.

Examples

1. 她老公特别体贴，知道她加班辛苦，每天都给她准备夜宵。 Her husband is especially considerate — knowing she works overtime, he prepares late-night snacks for her every day.
2. 护士们既专业又体贴，照顾病人无微不至。 The nurses are both professional and attentive, caring for patients down to every detail.
3. 真正体贴的人不需要你开口，就能察觉你的需求。 A truly considerate person can sense your needs without you having to ask.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, care, service

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 他很体贴人。(He's very considerate.)
• 谢谢你这么体贴。(Thank you for being so thoughtful.)

Don't Say

• 把表面客气说成'体贴' (Don't call surface politeness 体贴 — it implies genuine, heartfelt consideration)

Origin & History

体 means to experience, 贴 means close to — closely experiencing someone's feelings.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal