着想

• Pinyin: zhuó xiǎng
• Hanzi breakdown: 着 = 羊 + 目 (focus); 想 = 相 + 心 (think)

Meaning

To consider; to think about someone's interests; to have someone in mind. Showing concern for another's wellbeing.

Typically used with 为 to mean considering someone else's interests or welfare. Implies thoughtfulness and care for others' needs. Common in discussions of relationships and responsibilities.

Examples

1. 父母总是为孩子的未来着想。 Parents always have their children's future in mind.
2. 领导应该为员工的福利着想。 Leaders should keep employees' welfare in mind.
3. 你要多为自己的健康着想。 You should think more about your own health.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, advice, responsibility

Tone: caring

Do Say

• 我这样做完全是为你着想。(I'm doing this entirely for your benefit.)
• 公司应该多为基层员工着想。(The company should think more about the interests of grassroots employees.)

Don't Say

• 着想天气 — must have a person as the object; use 考虑 for non-person considerations

Origin & History

着 (to focus on) + 想 (to think)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal