心目

• Pinyin: xīn mù
• Hanzi breakdown: 心 = heart/mind (pictograph); 目 = 目 (eye — pictograph of an eye)

Meaning

In one's mind; in one's eyes; how one perceives or regards something in one's inner vision or estimation.

Used in the fixed pattern '在…心目中' (in the eyes/mind of…) to express someone's subjective perception or estimation of something. More literary and emphatic than simply '认为' (to think/consider).

Examples

1. 在很多年轻人心目中，这位科学家是无可取代的精神偶像。 In the minds of many young people, this scientist is an irreplaceable spiritual icon.
2. 父亲在她心目中一直是那个无所不能、坚不可摧的英雄形象。 In her eyes, her father has always been an invincible, unshakable hero.
3. 这部影片在影迷心目中的地位，随着时间的推移反而愈加崇高。 This film’s status among movie lovers has only grown more revered over time.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, commentary, personal expression

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 在广大读者心目中，这部小说不仅是一部文学杰作，更是一代人共同的精神归宿。(In the minds of vast numbers of readers, this novel is not only a literary masterpiece but also the shared spiritual home of an entire generation.)
• 他在队友心目中的形象，因为这次临阵退缩而大打折扣，难以挽回。(His image in the minds of his teammates was severely damaged by this act of retreating at a critical moment, and it was difficult to recover.)

Don't Say

• 我的心目认为 — 心目 is a noun used in 在…心目中; do not use it as the subject of a verb; say 在我心目中 or use 我认为

Origin & History

心 (heart/mind) + 目 (eye) — the inner eye of the mind; how one sees and judges with the heart

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal