玻璃心

• Pinyin: bō lí xīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 玻璃 (glass) + 心 (heart) -> a heart that breaks easily.

Meaning

玻璃心 means overly fragile or easily hurt feelings.

It can describe someone who reacts strongly to minor criticism, but it can also be dismissive if used carelessly. Prefer describing behavior rather than labeling a person harshly.

Examples

1. 他听到一点建议就难受，有点玻璃心。 He gets upset at the slightest bit of advice; he's a bit玻璃心.
2. 刚入职时玻璃心很正常。 Being 玻璃心 when you first start a new job is perfectly normal.
3. 别用玻璃心否定真实委屈。 Don't use 玻璃心 to dismiss genuine hurt feelings.

Usage Guide

Context: feedback, relationships, self-reflection

Tone: critical, teasing, cautionary

Do Say

• 对小批评很受伤可说玻璃心。（It fits fragile reactions.）
• 自嘲自己玻璃心比指责别人更温和。（Self-use is safer.）

Don't Say

• 别人受伤时直接骂玻璃心。（It can invalidate feelings.）

Common Mistakes

• Do not use it to dismiss legitimate hurt or unfair treatment.

Origin & History

The metaphor compares a fragile heart to glass that cracks easily.

Cultural Context

Era: 2020s

Generation: Broad internet users

Social background: Students, workers, and relationship discussions

Regional notes: Common across Mainland Chinese online speech.