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B1 noun 9 min read

细心的

xixin de
Examples Notes & Tips 细心的 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 细心的 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you can think of '细心的' (xìxīn de) as a way to say someone is 'very careful.' It is like being a good student who doesn't make mistakes. You use it to describe people you like, such as a '细心的老师' (careful teacher) or a '细心的妈妈' (careful mom). Even though you are just starting, you can use this word to give a nice compliment. Remember: '细' means small/fine and '心' means heart. So, it's a 'small-heart' person—someone who looks at the small things with their heart. Don't worry about the grammar too much; just remember 'Person + 很 (hěn) + 细心' for 'Person is very careful.'
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At the A2 level, you should start using '细心的' to describe specific roles and actions. You might use it in a job interview context or when talking about your hobbies. For example, if you like drawing, you need to be '细心的.' You can also start to see the difference between '细心' (meticulous) and '小心' (watch out!). If you are crossing the street, you are '小心.' If you are writing a letter and making sure the names are spelled right, you are '细心.' Try to use it with the '的' particle before nouns: '一个细心的学生' (a careful student).
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At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the nuance of '细心的' as a personality trait. It is not just about avoiding errors; it is about being thorough and considerate. You can use it to describe a '细心的照顾' (meticulous care) or '细心的安排' (careful arrangements). You should also be able to distinguish it from '仔细' (zǐxì), which is often more about the act of checking something. B1 learners should use '细心的' to add depth to their descriptions of people's characters in stories or presentations. It shows you understand that being 'careful' in Chinese can also mean being empathetic and thoughtful.
At the B2 level, you should be able to use '细心的' in more abstract and formal contexts. For instance, when analyzing a text, you can talk about '细心的分析' (meticulous analysis) or '细心的阅读' (careful reading). You should also be comfortable with synonyms and antonyms like '粗心' (cūxīn - careless) or '马虎' (mǎhu - sloppy). You will recognize that '细心的' is a key quality in professional fields like medicine, law, and engineering. Your usage should reflect an understanding of the cultural value placed on this trait, such as how it relates to 'face' and respect in interpersonal relationships.
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At the C1 level, you will encounter '细心的' in literature and high-level academic discourse. You will see it used to describe a '细心的观察者' (careful observer) in a philosophical sense. You should be able to distinguish '细心' from even more specific terms like '严谨' (yánjǐn - rigorous) or '周密' (zhōumì - thorough/well-planned). At this level, you are not just using the word; you are analyzing the degree of 'carefulness' required for specific tasks. You might also use it in idioms or more complex sentence structures, like '细心的关怀下' (under [someone's] meticulous care), to describe nurturing environments or institutional support.
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At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '细心的' and its many connotations. You can use it to describe the '细心的雕琢' (meticulous carving) in an artistic critique or the '细心的考证' (meticulous textual research) in a historical analysis. You understand the subtle shift in meaning when '细心' is used as a noun, an adjective, or part of a set phrase. You can use it in highly formal writing to denote a level of precision that is almost spiritual or deeply ingrained in one's character. Your choice of '细心的' over other synonyms will be precise, based on the specific context of the sentence and the desired emotional or intellectual impact.
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Examples Notes & Tips

细心的 in 30 Seconds

  • Used to describe a meticulous and careful person or action.
  • Combines 'fine' and 'heart' to mean detailed attention.
  • Highly valued trait in professional and personal contexts.
  • Commonly used with '的' before nouns like 'student' or 'care'.

The Chinese term 细心的 (xìxīn de) is a cornerstone of describing positive personality traits and behavioral patterns in Mandarin. At its core, it translates to 'careful,' 'meticulous,' or 'attentive.' However, its usage goes far beyond a simple lack of mistakes. To be xìxīn is to possess a 'fine heart' or a 'detailed mind.' This word is composed of two primary characters: 细 (xì), meaning fine, thin, or detailed, and 心 (xīn), meaning heart or mind. The addition of 的 (de) transforms it into an attributive adjective used to describe people, actions, or attitudes.

Personality Trait
When describing a person as 细心的, you are highlighting their natural tendency to notice small things that others might overlook. This is a highly valued trait in Chinese culture, often associated with reliability and empathy. For example, a xìxīn friend might remember your favorite tea or notice when you are feeling slightly down without you saying a word.
Professional Context
In a workplace, this word describes an employee who is thorough. Whether it is an accountant checking figures or a designer perfecting a pixel, being 细心的 implies a high standard of quality control and a commitment to excellence through precision.
Interpersonal Care
It is frequently used to describe how one takes care of others. A doctor who listens to every symptom or a parent who meticulously prepares a child's lunch is exhibiting xìxīn behavior. It suggests a warmth that comes from paying close attention to the needs of others.

他是一个非常细心的医生，总是能发现别人忽略的小细节。(He is a very meticulous doctor; he always manages to find the small details that others overlook.)

In terms of social nuance, being called 细心的 is one of the highest compliments in a collaborative environment. It suggests that you are not '粗心' (cūxīn - careless/rough-hearted). The contrast between 'fine' (细) and 'rough' (粗) is a fundamental conceptual metaphor in Chinese thought regarding quality and character. A xìxīn approach is seen as a path to avoiding conflict and ensuring harmony, as it prevents the friction caused by oversights and errors. Whether you are studying for an exam, cooking a complex meal, or managing a team, invoking the spirit of 细心 ensures that every component is given its due respect and attention.

Using 细心的 (xìxīn de) correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement as an attributive modifier. In Mandarin, the particle 的 (de) acts as a bridge between the adjective and the noun it describes. The structure is typically: [Adjective] + 的 + [Noun].

我们需要一位细心的助理来处理这些复杂的财务报表。(We need a careful assistant to handle these complex financial statements.)

Beyond the simple noun modification, you can also use 细心 as a resultative or manner complement by using 地 (de) instead of 的 (de), though '细心地' is the adverbial form. For example, '细心地检查' (to check carefully). However, focusing on 细心的, we see it used to define the nature of an object or a person's role.

Describing People
When you want to emphasize that a person possesses the quality of being meticulous as a defining characteristic. '她是一个细心的护士' (She is a careful nurse). Here, the focus is on her professional identity.
Describing Abstract Concepts
You can use it for things like '照顾' (care), '安排' (arrangement), or '观察' (observation). '细心的照顾' (meticulous care) implies that every need was met with great attention.

经过他细心的修理，这台旧机器终于又转动起来了。(After his meticulous repair, this old machine finally started running again.)

In more advanced contexts, 细心的 can be paired with '观察者' (observer) or '研究者' (researcher) to denote a scientific or academic rigor. It denotes a level of precision that is necessary for discovery. For instance, '一个细心的观察者会发现植物生长过程中的微小变化' (A careful observer will notice tiny changes in the plant's growth process). This highlights that '细心' is not just about being nice; it is a cognitive tool for gathering accurate information.

In daily life in China, Taiwan, or Singapore, you will encounter 细心的 in various settings ranging from the domestic to the highly professional. It is a word that carries a lot of social currency because it validates the effort someone puts into their interactions with the world.

At Home
Parents often use this word to praise children for their homework or for helping with chores. '你真是个细心的孩子' (You really are a careful child) is a common phrase of encouragement. It is also used when discussing family members who are good at taking care of the elderly or sick.
In Service Industries
Waiters, hotel staff, and customer service representatives are often evaluated on whether they are xìxīn. If a waiter notices you are left-handed and places the cutlery accordingly, that is considered 细心的服务 (careful/attentive service).
In the Arts and Crafts
When looking at a detailed painting, a piece of calligraphy, or a hand-carved sculpture, people will comment on the 细心的雕刻 (meticulous carving). It acknowledges the hours of focused labor required to produce such fine work.

谢谢你细心的安排，我们的旅行非常完美。(Thank you for your meticulous arrangements; our trip was perfect.)

You will also hear it in news reports or documentaries. For instance, when archaeologists find a fragile relic, the narrator might describe the '细心的发掘' (careful excavation) process. In detective movies, the protagonist is almost always described as a '细心的侦探' (meticulous detective) who finds the clue that the local police missed. This word is essentially the hallmark of a 'pro' in any field. If you want to impress a Chinese speaker, demonstrating that you are xìxīn by noticing a small cultural detail or a specific preference will go a long way in building rapport.

While 细心的 (xìxīn de) is a relatively straightforward word, English speakers often make specific errors when translating 'careful' into Chinese. Understanding the boundaries of this word is key to sounding natural.

Mistake 1: Confusing it with '小心' (xiǎoxīn)
This is the most common error. Both mean 'careful,' but 小心 is used for 'being cautious' or 'watch out' (avoiding danger). You say '小心路滑' (Be careful, the road is slippery). You cannot say '细心的路滑'. 细心 is about attention to detail, not avoiding a fall.
Mistake 2: Physical Thinness
Because 细 (xì) can mean 'thin' or 'slender' (like in '细绳' - thin rope), beginners sometimes try to use 细心 to mean a 'thin heart' in a physical sense. This is never the case. It is always a metaphorical 'fine-grained' attention.
Mistake 3: Overuse of '的'
As mentioned in the grammar section, if you are using it as a predicate (e.g., 'He is careful'), you should say '他很细心'. Adding '的' at the end ('他是细心的') is grammatically possible but often sounds like a direct translation from English 'He is careful' and can feel slightly stiff or overly emphatic.

❌ 错误 (Wrong): 请细心！车来了！(Please be meticulous! The car is coming!)
✅ 正确 (Correct): 请小心！车来了！(Please be cautious! The car is coming!)

Another mistake is confusing 细心 with 仔细 (zǐxì). While they are very close, 仔细 often implies a more temporary state of checking something (like checking your keys before leaving), whereas 细心 is often a more permanent personality trait or a deeper level of caring. You '仔细地看' (look carefully) but you are a '细心的人' (careful person).

To truly master 细心的 (xìxīn de), you must understand its neighbors in the semantic field of 'carefulness' and 'attention.' Chinese has several words that overlap with xìxīn, each with a specific flavor.

仔细 (zǐxì)
仔细 also means careful, but it leans more towards 'thorough' or 'attentive to details during a process.' It is often used as an adverb. '仔细检查' (check thoroughly). While xìxīn is about the 'heart' (caring), zǐxì is about the 'eye' (looking closely).
认真 (rènzhēn)
认真 means serious, earnest, or conscientious. A person who is rènzhēn works hard and takes their duties seriously. They might be rènzhēn but not necessarily xìxīn (they work hard but might still miss a tiny detail). Xìxīn is a subset of being rènzhēn.
周到 (zhōudào)
周到 means thoughtful or considerate. It is often used for hospitality. While xìxīn is about the details of a task, zhōudào is about the completeness of a service. '服务周到' (thoughtful service) means you thought of everything the guest might need.
严谨 (yánjǐn)
严谨 means rigorous or strict. This is the academic or scientific version of xìxīn. You use this for a scholar's logic or a scientist's experiment methodology.

他不仅做事认真，而且非常细心，每一个小错都不会放过。(He is not only serious about his work, but also very meticulous; he won't let a single small mistake slip by.)

In summary, 细心的 is your go-to word for describing a 'careful nature.' It bridges the gap between being technically precise and being emotionally attentive. Whether you are describing a '细心的观察者' (careful observer) or a '细心的朋友' (attentive friend), you are highlighting a quality that is deeply respected and universally appreciated in the Chinese-speaking world.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Chinese medicine, a 'fine' pulse (细脉) was a specific diagnostic sign. The transition from physical fineness to mental meticulousness happened early in the development of the language.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɕî.ɕín tɤ/
US /ɕi˥˩ ɕin˥ tɤ/
Primary stress on 'xì', secondary on 'xīn'. The 'de' is neutral and short.
Rhymes With
亲 (qīn) 新 (xīn) 金 (jīn) 音 (yīn) 心 (xīn) 信 (xìn - near rhyme) 近 (jìn - near rhyme) 拼 (pīn)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'xi' as 'shi' (English 'sh').
  • Using a falling tone for 'xin' instead of a high-level or rising tone.
  • Over-emphasizing the 'de' particle.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Characters are common but require distinguishing 'xi' and 'xin'.

Writing 3/5

Writing '细' and '心' is basic, but using '的' correctly takes practice.

Speaking 2/5

Tone changes in 'xìxīn' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Easy to recognize in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

心 细 的 好 人

Learn Next

仔细 认真 小心 粗心 马虎

Advanced

严谨 周密 体贴入微 胆大心细 精益求精

Grammar to Know

The 'de' particle as an attributive marker.

细心的(adj) + 的 + 朋友(noun)

Adverbs with 'de' (地).

细心地(adv) + 检查(verb)

Predicative adjectives with 'hen'.

他很细心 (No 'de').

Reduplication of adjectives (AABB).

仔仔细细 (Very careful).

Resul

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Examples by Level

1

他是一个细心的孩子。

He is a careful child.

Subject + 是 + (adjective + 的) + Noun

2

妈妈很细心。

Mom is very careful.

Subject + 很 + Adjective (no 'de' at the end)

3

细心的老师教我写字。

A careful teacher teaches me to write.

Adjective + 的 + Noun

4

谢谢你细心的帮助。

Thank you for your careful help.

Adjective + 的 + Abstract Noun

5

他做事很细心。

He does things very carefully.

Subject + Verb + Object + 很 + Adjective

6

细心的妹妹在画画。

The careful younger sister is drawing.

Adjective + 的 + Subject

7

这是一个细心的计划。

This is a careful plan.

This is + (adjective + 的) + Noun

8

你应该做一个细心的人。

You should be a careful person.

Should + be + (adjective + 的) + Noun

1

细心的护士正在照顾病人。

The careful nurse is taking care of the patient.

Adjective + 的 + Noun + Verb Phrase

2

他是一个细心的摄影师。

He is a careful photographer.

Subject + 是 + (adjective + 的) + Noun

3

我需要一个细心的助手。

I need a careful assistant.

I need + (adjective + 的) + Noun

4

细心的观察能帮你学到更多。

Careful observation can help you learn more.

Adjective + 的 + Noun (as subject)

5

她一直是一个细心的女孩子。

She has always been a careful girl.

Always + be + (adjective + 的) + Noun

6

细心的修理让车变好了。

Careful repair made the car better.

Adjective + 的 + Noun + Resultative Phrase

7

这个细心的安排让我很感动。

This meticulous arrangement moved me.

Demonstrative + Adjective + 的 + Noun

8

细心的工人不会出错。

Careful workers don't make mistakes.

Adjective + 的 + Noun + Negative Verb

1

细心的性格对他很有帮助。

His meticulous personality is very helpful to him.

Adjective + 的 + Character/Trait

2

在细心的照顾下，他康复了。

Under meticulous care, he recovered.

Under + (adjective + 的 + Noun) + context

3

他细心的发现解决了大问题。

His careful discovery solved a big problem.

Adjective + 的 + Noun (discovery)

4

我们需要一位细心的翻译。

We need a meticulous translator.

Need + (adjective + 的) + Noun

5

细心的阅读能让你理解深意。

Careful reading allows you to understand the deep meaning.

Adjective + 的 + Noun (action)

6

他是个细心的父亲，记得每个细节。

He is a meticulous father; he remembers every detail.

Subject + 是 + (adjective + 的) + Noun

7

细心的准备是成功的关键。

Meticulous preparation is the key to success.

Adjective + 的 + Noun + is + Key

8

请做一个细心的观察者。

Please be a meticulous observer.

Imperative + be + (adjective + 的) + Noun

1

细心的财务审核发现了漏洞。

A meticulous financial audit discovered the loophole.

Adjective + 的 + Professional Term

2

他细心的考量了所有风险。

He meticulously considered all the risks.

Adjective + 的 + Abstract Action

3

细心的经营让这家店活了下来。

Meticulous management kept this shop alive.

Adjective + 的 + Management

4

一个细心的研究者必须客观。

A meticulous researcher must be objective.

Adjective + 的 + Noun + Modal Verb

5

细心的沟通化解了矛盾。

Meticulous communication resolved the conflict.

Adjective + 的 + Communication

6

由于他细心的教导，学生们进步很快。

Due to his meticulous teaching, the students progressed quickly.

Due to + (adjective + 的 + Noun)

7

细心的设计体现在每一个细节中。

Meticulous design is reflected in every detail.

Adjective + 的 + Design

8

他细心的照料让花园变得很美。

His meticulous care made the garden beautiful.

Adjective + 的 + Care

1

细心的逻辑分析是辩论的核心。

Meticulous logical analysis is the core of the debate.

Adjective + 的 + Complex Abstract Noun

2

他在细心的观察中总结出了规律。

He summarized the patterns from meticulous observation.

In + (adjective + 的 + Noun) + context

3

细心的筹划是大型活动成功的保障。

Meticulous planning is the guarantee for the success of large events.

Adjective + 的 + Noun + as + Guarantee

4

细心的笔触勾勒出人物的内心。

Meticulous brushstrokes outline the character's inner world.

Adjective + 的 + Noun (Artistic)

5

细心的史料考证还原了真相。

Meticulous historical research restored the truth.

Adjective + 的 + Academic Term

6

细心的制度安排避免了权力腐败。

Meticulous institutional arrangements avoided power corruption.

Adjective + 的 + Institutional Term

7

他细心的体察民情，深受爱戴。

He meticulously observed the people's conditions and was deeply loved.

Adjective + 的 + Classical/Formal Action

8

细心的打磨让作品更具感染力。

Meticulous polishing makes the work more infectious.

Adjective + 的 + Polishing (metaphorical)

1

细心的雕琢赋予了石头生命。

Meticulous carving gave the stone life.

Adjective + 的 + Poetic Noun

2

细心的布局彰显了设计师的匠心。

The meticulous layout highlights the designer's ingenuity.

Adjective + 的 + Layout

3

细心的审视揭示了表象下的危机。

Meticulous scrutiny revealed the crisis beneath the surface.

Adjective + 的 + Scrutiny

4

细心的呵护是文化遗产传承的关键。

Meticulous care is the key to the inheritance of cultural heritage.

Adjective + 的 + Nurturing/Care

5

细心的打磨使这篇文章无懈可击。

Meticulous polishing made this article impeccable.

Adjective + 的 + Polishing

6

细心的考量中蕴含着深邃的智慧。

Profound wisdom is contained within meticulous consideration.

In + (adjective + 的 + Noun) + Verb Phrase

7

细心的描摹让读者身临其境。

Meticulous description makes the reader feel as if they are there.

Adjective + 的 + Description

8

细心的平衡是这种外交政策的核心。

Meticulous balance is the core of this foreign policy.

Adjective + 的 + Balance

Common Collocations

细心的照顾
细心的观察
细心的安排
细心的检查
细心的人
细心的准备
细心的听众
细心的雕刻
细心的体察
细心的打磨

Common Phrases

胆大心细

— Bold but cautious; having both courage and attention to detail.

做手术需要胆大心细。

心细如发

— Extremely meticulous; as fine as a hair.

她的观察力心细如发。

处处细心

— To be careful in everything and everywhere.

我们在工作中要处处细心。

多加细心

— To be extra careful.

这件事请你多加细心。

特别细心

— Especially meticulous.

他对数字特别细心。

不够细心

— Not careful enough.

你还是不够细心。

表现细心

— To show meticulousness.

他在面试中表现得很细心。

一贯细心

— Consistently careful.

他一贯细心，不会出错。

细心周到

— Meticulous and thoughtful.

她的服务细心周到。

细心体会

— To experience or understand something with great care.

请细心体会诗中的意境。

Idioms & Expressions

"胆大心细"

— To be brave yet cautious.

一个成功的将军必须胆大心细。

Literary/Common
"丝丝入扣"

— Meticulously woven together (usually for art or logic).

这本小说的逻辑丝丝入扣。

Literary
"精雕细刻"

— To work with great care and precision (literally carving).

这篇文章是精雕细刻出来的。

Idiomatic
"一丝不苟"

— Not one bit of negligence; extremely scrupulous.

他办公事向来一丝不苟。

Formal
"明察秋毫"

— To see clearly enough to spot a tiny hair in autumn; very discerning.

领导应该明察秋毫。

Literary
"体贴入微"

— Extremely considerate and thoughtful down to the smallest detail.

他对妻子体贴入微。

Idiomatic
"谨小慎微"

— Overly cautious about small things (sometimes negative).

他做事总是谨小慎微，不敢冒险。

Neutral/Negative
"面面俱到"

— Attending to every aspect; comprehensive.

他的安排面面俱到。

Neutral
"洞若观火"

— To see things as clearly as looking at a fire; clear-sighted.

他对局势的分析洞若观火。

Formal
"入木三分"

— Penetrating and profound (originally about calligraphy).

他的见解入木三分。

Literary

Word Family

Nouns

细心 (meticulousness/carefulness)

Verbs

细心 (to be careful - functioning as a predicate)

Adjectives

细心的 (meticulous)
细腻的 (fine/delicate)

Related

小心
仔细
认真
粗心
马虎
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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine your heart is a fine-toothed comb (细) that catches every small detail (心) as it moves through your day.

Visual Association

A person using a magnifying glass to look at a tiny heart.

Word Web

细小 心思 心情 细节 细腻 细致 精心 用心

Challenge

Try to find three things in your room that only a '细心的' person would notice and describe them in Chinese.

Word Origin

The phrase is a combination of '细' (fine/detailed) and '心' (heart/mind). '细' originally depicted fine silk threads, symbolizing something thin or intricate. '心' represents the heart, the seat of thought and emotion in Chinese philosophy.

Original meaning: To have a mind that can perceive things as fine as silk threads.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

Praising someone as '细心' is always positive. However, calling a man 'too fine-hearted' (太细心) can occasionally imply he is over-sensitive or focuses on trivialities, though this is rare.

English speakers often use 'careful' for everything. In Chinese, you must choose between 'safety-careful' (小心) and 'detail-careful' (细心).

Confucian Analects: Emphasis on 'jing' (reverence/meticulousness). Detective stories (like Judge Dee): The hero is always '细心'. Modern Chinese work culture: '细心' is a top requirement in job ads.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace

  • 细心的检查
  • 细心的安排
  • 工作细心
  • 细心的助手

Hospital

  • 细心的照顾
  • 细心的护理
  • 细心的医生
  • 细心的观察

Education

  • 细心的老师
  • 细心的学生
  • 细心的阅读
  • 细心的分析

Social/Dating

  • 他很细心
  • 细心的礼物
  • 细心的关怀
  • 体贴细心

Art/Craft

  • 细心的雕刻
  • 细心的绘画
  • 细心的打磨
  • 细心的设计

Conversation Starters

"你觉得你是一个细心的人吗？"

"在你的工作中，细心有多重要？"

"你最佩服哪位细心的朋友？"

"你觉得细心是天生的还是后天培养的？"

"有没有因为不够细心而犯错的经历？"

Journal Prompts

写一次你因为细心而避免了麻烦的经历。

描述一个你认为非常细心的人，他做了什么让你这么觉得？

在日常生活中，我们应该如何在哪些方面更加细心？

讨论一下‘细心’和‘效率’之间的关系。

如果你是一名老师，你会如何培养学生细心的习惯？

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