The mind is elsewhere, leading to a lack of focus on the present.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Mind is not present; unfocused.
- Describes a state of distraction.
- Used in study, work, and daily life.
Overview
心不在焉是一个常用的汉语成语，用来描述一个人在学习、工作或与人交流时，注意力无法集中，精神恍惚的状态。它强调的是一种内在的注意力分散，而不是外在的干扰。这个成语的字面意思是“心不在这里”，非常形象地表达了人神游物外的感觉。
心不在焉通常用作谓语或定语。作为谓语时，后面可以跟“地”字结构，例如“他心不在焉地听着课”。作为定语时，可以直接修饰名词，例如“心不在焉的学生”。它也可以用来形容一种状态，比如“他最近总是心不在焉的”。
这个成语经常出现在描述学习场景的语境中，比如学生上课不认真听讲；在工作场合，形容员工工作时容易走神；在日常交流中，表示某人听你说话时没有认真听，或者在思考别的事情。例如，老师可能会说：“你上课怎么心不在焉的？” 或者朋友可能会问：“你看起来心事重重的，是不是心不在焉？”
与“心不在焉”相似的词语包括“分心”、“走神”、“恍惚”等。“分心”和“走神”更侧重于注意力被外界事物吸引而偏离。“恍惚”则更侧重于神志不清、模糊不清的状态。“心不在焉”则更强调内心的思绪游离，不专注于当前事物，但神志是清楚的。
Examples
他上课总是心不在焉，所以成绩不太好。
everydayHe is always absent-minded in class, so his grades are not very good.
面对重要的会议，他努力克制自己心不在焉的倾向。
formalFacing the important meeting, he tried hard to control his tendency to be absent-minded.
我跟你说话呢，你怎么一副心不在焉的样子？
informalI'm talking to you, why do you look so absent-minded?
研究表明，长期的心不在焉可能与认知功能下降有关。
academicResearch indicates that chronic absent-mindedness may be related to a decline in cognitive function.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
上课心不在焉
absent-minded in class
工作时心不在焉
absent-minded at work
显得心不在焉
appear absent-minded
Often Confused With
'走神' (zǒushén) is very similar and often interchangeable with '心不在焉'. However, '走神' might imply a more sudden shift in attention, while '心不在焉' suggests a more persistent state of mental disengagement.
'恍惚' (huǎnghū) describes a state of being dazed, bewildered, or trance-like. It implies a lack of clear consciousness, whereas '心不在焉' means the mind is present but not focused on the current task.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This idiom is commonly used in everyday conversation and writing. It's generally neutral to slightly negative in connotation, implying a lack of focus that might be undesirable. Avoid using it in highly formal or technical contexts unless describing a specific psychological state.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse '心不在焉' with words describing sadness or physical illness. Remember, it specifically refers to a lack of mental focus on the present situation. Also, ensure you use it correctly as an adjective or predicate, not typically as a verb.
Tips
Focus on the Present Moment
Practice mindfulness to train your brain to stay focused. Consciously bring your attention back when you notice your mind wandering.
Avoid Distractions
Minimize external distractions like phone notifications or unnecessary background noise when you need to concentrate.
Importance of Concentration
In Chinese culture, diligence and focus are highly valued, especially in academic and professional pursuits. Being '心不在焉' can be seen as a sign of lacking seriousness.
Word Origin
The idiom literally translates to 'heart/mind not present here'. It's a descriptive phrase that has been used for centuries to denote a state of distraction or preoccupation.
Cultural Context
In many East Asian cultures, including Chinese culture, diligence, focus, and attentiveness are highly valued traits. Demonstrating '心不在焉' can be perceived as disrespectful or lacking in seriousness, especially in academic or professional settings.
Memory Tip
Imagine your '心' (heart/mind) is '不' (not) '在' (at) '焉' (here). Picture your mind physically floating away from your head, leaving you unfocused.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“心不在焉”强调的是一种内在的精神状态，即心思不在此处，思绪飘忽。而“分心”更侧重于被外界事物吸引，导致注意力转移。
它可以用来形容学生上课不专心，工作时注意力不集中，或者与人交谈时没有认真倾听等各种需要集中注意力但未能做到的情况。
通常情况下，“心不在焉”带有一定的贬义，因为它暗示了某人没有尽到应有的注意义务，可能导致效率低下或错误。
可以通过练习正念冥想来提高专注力，设定明确的目标，减少干扰源，并确保充足的休息来改善心不在焉的状态。
Test Yourself
上课时，他总是___，老师讲的内容他都没听进去。
根据句子描述，他上课没有听进去，说明他注意力不集中，所以“心不在焉”最合适。
“心不在焉”最准确的意思是：
“心不在焉”的字面意思就是心不在这里，引申为精神不集中，注意力无法集中在当前的事情上。
请根据以下词语，组成一个通顺的句子：他 / 听我说话 / 总是 / 心不在焉
这个句子结构完整，语意通顺，符合“心不在焉”的用法。
Score: /3
Summary
The mind is elsewhere, leading to a lack of focus on the present.
- Mind is not present; unfocused.
- Describes a state of distraction.
- Used in study, work, and daily life.
Focus on the Present Moment
Practice mindfulness to train your brain to stay focused. Consciously bring your attention back when you notice your mind wandering.
Avoid Distractions
Minimize external distractions like phone notifications or unnecessary background noise when you need to concentrate.
Importance of Concentration
In Chinese culture, diligence and focus are highly valued, especially in academic and professional pursuits. Being '心不在焉' can be seen as a sign of lacking seriousness.
Examples
4 of 4他上课总是心不在焉，所以成绩不太好。
He is always absent-minded in class, so his grades are not very good.
面对重要的会议，他努力克制自己心不在焉的倾向。
Facing the important meeting, he tried hard to control his tendency to be absent-minded.
我跟你说话呢，你怎么一副心不在焉的样子？
I'm talking to you, why do you look so absent-minded?
研究表明，长期的心不在焉可能与认知功能下降有关。
Research indicates that chronic absent-mindedness may be related to a decline in cognitive function.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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