走心

• Pinyin: zǒu xīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 走 (go through) + 心 (heart) -> reaches or uses the heart.

Meaning

Sincere, heartfelt, or emotionally thoughtful.

It praises work, words, gifts, or performances that feel carefully meant. It contrasts with perfunctory or formulaic effort.

Examples

1. 这封信写得很走心。 This letter is written with real feeling.
2. 礼物不贵，但特别走心。 The gift wasn't expensive, but it was really thoughtful.
3. 他的演讲走心，大家都安静听完。 His speech was heartfelt, and everyone listened quietly to the end.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, work feedback, creative work

Tone: warm, appreciative

Do Say

• 这个策划很走心。（This plan feels thoughtful.）
• 走心的道歉比模板话有用。（A sincere apology works better than a template.）

Don't Say

• 把形式化套话夸成走心。（走心 requires real care or feeling.）

Common Mistakes

• Using it for any expensive gift; sincerity matters more than price.

Origin & History

Modern colloquial use of 心, "heart," to describe sincerity and emotional care.

Cultural Context

Era: 2010s-2020s

Generation: Young and mainstream speakers

Social background: Broadly used in urban speech

Regional notes: Common across Mainland China.