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B1 noun #4,000 most common 10 min read

信仰

xìnyǎng Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 信仰 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 信仰 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 信仰 (xìnyǎng) often, as it is quite complex. However, you can think of it as a 'big' version of the word 'believe' (相信). In A1, you learn simple things like 'I believe you' (我相信你). 信仰 is different because it is a noun, like 'a belief' or 'faith.' You might see it in simple sentences about religion. For example, 'He has a belief.' In Chinese, this is '他有信仰' (Tā yǒu xìnyǎng). You can remember that the first part '信' means to trust or believe, and the second part '仰' means to look up. So, 信仰 is when you look up to something very important and trust it with your whole heart. Even at this early stage, knowing this word helps you understand that Chinese has special words for very serious topics. You don't use it for small things like believing it will rain. You use it for things like God or very important ideas. Think of it as a 'special heart word.' When you see it, know that the speaker is talking about something they care about very deeply. It's like having a treasure in your heart that guides you. In A1, just try to recognize the characters. The 'person' radical in both characters shows that this is something related to human beings and how they act. It is a very stable and strong word. If you have a 信仰, you are never truly alone because your belief is always with you.

At the A2 level, you are starting to talk more about your life and your opinions. You might want to mention your 'faith' or 'beliefs' in a simple way. The word 信仰 (xìnyǎng) is the perfect noun for this. You can use it with the verb '有' (to have). For example, '我有我的信仰' (I have my beliefs). This sounds very strong and clear. You can also use it to describe what kind of faith someone has. For example, '宗教信仰' (zōngjiào xìnyǎng) means 'religious belief.' At this level, it's important to distinguish between 信仰 (the noun) and 相信 (the verb). If you want to say 'I believe in him,' you use '我相信他.' But if you want to say 'Faith is important,' you use '信仰很重要.' You might hear this word in stories about brave people or in simple news reports about different cultures. It is a 'high-level' word that makes your Chinese sound more mature. Remember that 信仰 is not just an idea; it's something that people 'uphold' or 'keep.' You can say '坚持信仰' (jiānchí xìnyǎng) which means to keep your faith even when things are hard. This is a very common phrase in Chinese. Even at A2, using this word correctly shows that you understand the difference between a simple thought and a deep conviction. It is a word that carries respect. When you talk about someone's 信仰, you are showing that you respect their deepest values.

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more abstract topics, and 信仰 (xìnyǎng) is a key word for this. You should be able to discuss 'faith' in the context of society, culture, and personal growth. You will notice that 信仰 often appears with adjectives like '坚定的' (firm) or '崇高的' (noble). For example, '他有坚定的信仰' (He has a firm belief). You can also use it to talk about 'faith in something' by using the preposition '对' (duì). For example, '他对真理有信仰' (He has faith in the truth). At this level, you should also understand how 信仰 is used in political and philosophical contexts in China. It's not just about religion; it's about any system of thought that guides a person. You might encounter the phrase '信仰危机' (xìnyǎng wēijī), which means 'crisis of faith.' This is a common topic in modern Chinese essays and discussions. It refers to people feeling lost or without purpose. By using 信仰, you can express complex ideas about what makes life meaningful. You can also compare it to '理想' (ideals). While an ideal is a goal you want to reach, a 信仰 is the foundation that supports you while you try to reach it. Learning to use 信仰 correctly will help you participate in deeper conversations about life's purpose and the values that hold a society together. It is a word that bridges the gap between the personal and the social.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 信仰 (xìnyǎng) in formal writing and complex debates. You will see it used as a powerful rhetorical tool. In speeches, it is often used to inspire loyalty or resilience. For example, '信仰是我们的力量源泉' (Faith is the source of our strength). You should be aware of the nuances between 信仰 and similar words like '信念' (conviction) and '宗旨' (aim/purpose). While 信仰 is the overarching system, 信念 is the specific, intense belief in a certain outcome. You should also be able to use 信仰 in the context of 'freedom of belief' (信仰自由), which is a significant legal and social concept. In literature, 信仰 is often portrayed as something that can be tested, lost, or rediscovered. You might read sentences like '他在困境中丢失了信仰' (He lost his faith in adversity). Furthermore, you should understand the role of 信仰 in Chinese history, from the traditional 'Three Teachings' to modern ideological frameworks. Using this word allows you to discuss the 'spiritual pillar' (精神支柱) of a person or a group. You can also use it metaphorically in business or art, such as '对品牌的信仰' (faith in a brand) or '对艺术的信仰' (faith in art). At B2, your usage should reflect an understanding that 信仰 is not just a personal choice but often a social identity. It is a word that carries significant weight in any formal argument or analysis of human behavior.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 信仰 (xìnyǎng) should be nuanced and culturally grounded. You should be able to analyze the 'discourse of faith' in modern China, including how the term is used to construct national identity and moral frameworks. You will encounter the word in academic papers, philosophical treatises, and high-level political analysis. For instance, you might analyze the 'secularization of faith' (信仰的世俗化) or the 'reconstruction of values' (价值体系的重构). At this level, you should be able to use 信仰 to describe complex psychological states, such as 'existential faith' or 'ontological security.' You should also be familiar with how 信仰 is used in classical-style modern prose to evoke a sense of historical continuity and moral gravity. The word often appears in discussions about the 'Chinese Spirit' (中国精神) and how traditional values like 'benevolence' (仁) and 'righteousness' (义) function as a form of cultural 信仰. You should be able to distinguish between 'blind faith' (盲目信仰) and 'rational faith' (理性信仰) in a debate. Your ability to use 信仰 in various registers—from the poetic to the legalistic—is a hallmark of C1 proficiency. You can discuss how 信仰 influences social trust (社会信任) and how it serves as a 'moral anchor' (道德锚点) in a rapidly changing world. Using this word effectively shows that you can navigate the most sophisticated levels of Chinese intellectual life and express profound truths about the human condition.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of 信仰 (xìnyǎng) and can use it with the same precision and evocative power as a native scholar or writer. You understand the deep etymological roots of the characters and how they have shaped the Chinese concept of 'the transcendent.' You can discuss the dialectical relationship between 信仰 and 'doubt' (怀疑), or between 'faith' and 'reason' (理性), within the context of Chinese philosophy. You are capable of using 信仰 in creative writing to create deep emotional resonance, perhaps describing a character's 'spiritual odyssey' or their 'martyrdom for a belief.' In high-level diplomacy or cultural exchange, you can use the word to find common ground or to articulate fundamental differences in worldviews. You understand the subtle political implications of the word in contemporary China and can navigate these with sensitivity and sophistication. Whether you are discussing the 'metaphysics of faith' or the 'sociology of belief systems,' your use of 信仰 is impeccable. You can also appreciate the word's use in avant-garde literature or cinema, where it might be deconstructed or used ironically. For a C2 learner, 信仰 is not just a vocabulary item; it is a conceptual tool that allows you to engage with the very heart of Chinese civilization and its ongoing dialogue with the modern world. You can articulate how 信仰 functions as a 'meta-narrative' that gives meaning to the individual's life within the vast flow of history. Your mastery of this word signifies a deep, intuitive connection with the Chinese language's most profound expressions.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

信仰 in 30 Seconds

信仰 (xìnyǎng) is a formal Chinese noun meaning 'faith,' 'belief,' or 'conviction,' typically used in religious, ideological, or philosophical contexts.
It combines 'trust' (信) and 'looking up to' (仰), suggesting a deep reverence for the principles one follows.
Unlike the verb 'believe' (相信), 信仰 refers to a stable, long-term system of values that serves as a spiritual pillar.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'have' (有) and 'uphold' (坚持), it is essential for discussing deep personal or social values.

The Chinese word 信仰 (xìnyǎng) is a profound and multi-layered term that translates most directly to 'belief,' 'faith,' or 'conviction' in English. However, its resonance in Chinese culture and language carries a weight that often transcends simple cognitive assent to a fact. To understand 信仰, one must first look at the individual characters. 信 (xìn) represents 'trust,' 'honesty,' or 'faithfulness,' often depicted as a person (人) standing by their word (言). 仰 (yǎng) means 'to look up,' 'to admire,' or 'to respect.' Combined, 信仰 describes a state of looking up to a set of values, a deity, or an ideology with deep-seated trust and reverence. This word is not used lightly; it is reserved for the core principles that guide a person's life. In a religious context, it refers to one's spiritual faith, such as 宗教信仰 (zōngjiào xìnyǎng - religious belief). In a secular or political context, it refers to a steadfast adherence to an ideology or a cause, such as 共产主义信仰 (gòngchǎn zhǔyì xìnyǎng - belief in communism). Unlike the word 相信 (xiāngxìn), which simply means to believe that something is true or to trust someone in a specific instance, 信仰 implies a long-term, systemic commitment. You might 相信 that it will rain today, but you have 信仰 in the ultimate goodness of humanity. People use this word when discussing the 'soul' of a person or a nation. It is a common topic in philosophical debates, political speeches, and deep personal conversations.

Spiritual Dimension: 信仰 is the term used to describe a person's religious orientation, whether it be Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, or Islam. It suggests a total devotion of the spirit.

每个人都应该有自己的信仰，因为它是生活的指路明灯。

In modern Chinese society, the word is frequently invoked in discussions about the 'crisis of faith' (信仰危机 - xìnyǎng wēijī), referring to a perceived lack of moral and spiritual direction in the face of rapid economic change. To have 信仰 is seen as a source of inner strength (内在力量 - nèizài lìliàng), allowing an individual to remain steadfast during periods of adversity. It is also used to describe the unwavering loyalty of a soldier to their country or a scientist to the pursuit of truth.

Ideological Dimension: Beyond religion, 信仰 refers to political and social convictions. It is the 'anchor' of one's worldview.

他的信仰非常坚定，从未动摇过。

Culturally, the concept of 信仰 has evolved. In traditional China, it was tied to ancestor worship and the 'Three Teachings' (Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism). Today, it encompasses a wide range of personal values, including environmentalism, humanitarianism, and the pursuit of artistic excellence.

Cultural Nuance: In Chinese, 信仰 is often associated with the 'heart' (心) and 'spirit' (精神), emphasizing that belief is an internal, emotional, and psychological state rather than just an intellectual one.

对科学的信仰驱使他不断探索宇宙的奥秘。

在绝望中，信仰是他唯一的支撑。

这种文化信仰已经传承了几千年。

When you use 信仰, you are speaking about the foundational pillars of identity. It is a word of great dignity and seriousness.

Using 信仰 correctly requires understanding its role as a noun and the specific verbs that collocate with it. In English, we often say 'I believe in God,' where 'believe' is a verb. In Chinese, while you can say '我信神' (wǒ xìn shén), using the noun 信仰 adds a level of formality and depth. For example, '我有宗教信仰' (wǒ yǒu zōngjiào xìnyǎng) literally means 'I have religious faith.' The most common verb used with 信仰 is 拥有 (yōngyǒu - to possess) or 有 (yǒu - to have). Another very important verb is 坚持 (jiānchí - to persist in or uphold), as in '坚持自己的信仰' (uphold one's beliefs). This implies a sense of struggle or resistance against outside pressure.

Verbal Collocations: Common verbs: 拥有 (possess), 坚持 (uphold), 改变 (change), 放弃 (abandon), 寻找 (seek), 树立 (establish).

他为了自己的信仰奋斗了一辈子。

Adjectives play a crucial role in modifying 信仰. A 'firm belief' is '坚定的信仰' (jiāndìng de xìnyǎng). If someone follows a belief without thinking, it is '盲目的信仰' (mángmù de xìnyǎng - blind faith). If the belief is of a high moral standard, it is '崇高的信仰' (chónggāo de xìnyǎng - noble faith).

Adjective Modifiers: Examples: 坚定的信仰 (firm faith), 共同的信仰 (shared belief), 不同的信仰 (different beliefs).

我们虽然来自不同的国家，但有着共同的信仰。

In complex sentences, 信仰 often acts as the subject that drives action. '信仰力量' (the power of faith) is a common phrase. You will see sentences like '信仰给予他勇气' (Faith gives him courage). It is also used in the negative to describe a lack of purpose: '缺乏信仰' (lacking belief).

Subject/Object Roles: As a subject: 信仰是灵魂的支撑。 As an object: 他在寻找生命中的信仰。

在这个物欲横流的时代，保持纯粹的信仰很难。

教育的目的是为了让学生树立正确的信仰。

他因为放弃了信仰而感到内心空虚。

法律应当成为公民的一种信仰。

When writing about 信仰, remember that it is a formal word. In casual conversation about whether you believe a friend's excuse, never use 信仰; use 相信. 信仰 is for the big things: life, death, justice, and the divine.

The word 信仰 (xìnyǎng) is ubiquitous in specific domains of Chinese life, ranging from the highly formal to the deeply personal. One of the most common places you will hear it is in political discourse. In China, the Communist Party frequently emphasizes '坚定理想信念' (strengthening ideals and beliefs), where 信仰 is the cornerstone of a cadre's loyalty. You will hear it in news broadcasts, at party meetings, and in educational materials. It signifies a commitment to a collective future and a specific ideological path.

Political Context: Used to describe loyalty to the state, the party, or a social cause. It is often paired with 'loyalty' (忠诚) and 'mission' (使命).

作为一名党员，他始终保持着对党的忠诚和信仰。

Another major domain is religion. When visiting temples (Buddhist or Taoist) or churches in China, you will hear the term '信众' (xìnzhòng - believers) and discussions about '信仰自由' (xìnyǎng zìyóu - freedom of belief). It is the standard term used in legal and sociological discussions regarding religion. If you are filling out a formal form in China, there might be a section for '宗教信仰' (religious belief).

Religious/Spiritual Context: Standard term for one's spiritual affiliation. It covers everything from organized religion to personal spiritual practices.

尊重他人的宗教信仰是现代社会的基本准则。

You will also encounter 信仰 in the arts and entertainment. A very famous Mandopop song by Jeff Chang (张信哲) is titled '信仰,' where he sings about love being his only faith. In movies, especially historical dramas or war films, the protagonist often has a defining moment where they must choose between their life and their 信仰. This makes the word a 'high-drama' term, associated with sacrifice and integrity.

Artistic/Romantic Context: Used to elevate a personal goal or a romantic relationship to the level of a sacred conviction.

你就是我的信仰，是我活下去的全部动力。

这部电影讲述了一群年轻人为了信仰而奋斗的故事。

在追求艺术的道路上，他始终坚持着最初的信仰。

有些人的信仰是金钱，而有些人的信仰是自由。

In academic and philosophical circles, 信仰 is discussed in relation to ethics, existentialism, and social structure. It is the subject of many books and lectures. When you hear the word, pay attention to the context—it will tell you whether the speaker is talking about God, the State, a lover, or a personal moral code.

For English speakers learning Chinese, the most common mistake with 信仰 (xìnyǎng) is confusing it with other words for 'believe' or 'trust.' The most frequent error is substituting 信仰 for 相信 (xiāngxìn). While both involve 'belief,' they are not interchangeable. 相信 is a verb that means to accept something as true or to have confidence in someone. You 相信 your friend's story, but you have 信仰 in a higher power. If you say '我对这个天气有信仰' (I have faith in this weather), it sounds very strange and overly dramatic. You should say '我相信天气会变好' (I believe the weather will improve).

Confusion with 相信 (xiāngxìn): Mistake: Using 信仰 as a verb to mean 'believe a fact'. Correct: Use 相信 for facts/people; use 信仰 as a noun for systems of belief.

Incorrect: 我信仰你。 Correct: 我相信你。

Another mistake is confusing 信仰 with 信任 (xìnrèn). 信任 means 'trust' or 'credit,' usually between people or organizations. You 信任 your business partner. You do not have 信仰 in them unless you view them as a divine or ideological figure. 信仰 is vertical (looking up to something greater), while 信任 is horizontal (trusting an equal or a subordinate).

Confusion with 信任 (xìnrèn): Mistake: Using 信仰 to mean interpersonal trust. Correct: Use 信任 for trusting a person's reliability or honesty.

Incorrect: 我们之间需要信仰。 Correct: 我们之间需要信任。

A third mistake involves the word 信念 (xìnniàn - conviction). While very similar, 信念 is often more personal and goal-oriented. You have the 信念 that you can win a race. 信仰 is broader and more systemic. You can have a 信仰 in justice, which gives you the 信念 to fight a specific legal battle. Confusing these isn't always a 'error,' but it can make your Chinese sound less precise.

Precision with 信念 (xìnniàn): 信仰 is the 'system' or 'god'; 信念 is the 'inner conviction' or 'will' derived from that system.

他靠着必胜的信念度过了难关。(Use 信念 here for a specific goal).

信仰是一座灯塔，照亮前行的路。

不要把信仰和迷信(míxìn - superstition)混为一谈。

如果没有信仰，生活就会变得枯燥乏味。

Finally, remember that 信仰 is a formal, serious word. Using it in very casual contexts can make you sound like you are giving a speech. Use it when you mean to discuss the deep, foundational beliefs of a person's life.

To master 信仰 (xìnyǎng), it is helpful to compare it with its close cousins in the Chinese vocabulary. The most important comparison is with 信念 (xìnniàn), 相信 (xiāngxìn), and 信任 (xìnrèn). Each of these words deals with the concept of 'trust' or 'belief,' but they operate in different spheres and with different intensities.

信仰 vs. 信念 (xìnniàn): 信仰 is 'faith/belief' as a system (e.g., religion, ideology). 信念 is 'conviction' or 'creed,' often more personal and focused on a specific outcome or principle. You have a 信仰 in Buddhism, and that gives you the 信念 to be kind to all living things.

他的信仰支持着他的信念。

Another word to consider is 崇拜 (chóngbài - worship/adore). While 信仰 involves looking up (仰), 崇拜 is more about the act of adoration or idolization. You can have a 信仰 in a philosophy without necessarily 'worshipping' a person. 崇拜 is often used for celebrities or charismatic leaders.

信仰 vs. 崇拜 (chóngbài): 信仰 is a principled belief; 崇拜 is an emotional or fan-like adoration. You 信仰 science, but you might 崇拜 Einstein.

这种盲目的个人崇拜并不是真正的信仰。

Then there is 迷信 (míxìn - superstition). This literally means 'blurred/lost belief.' It is used negatively to describe beliefs that are considered irrational, unscientific, or backward. Using 信仰 instead of 迷信 shows respect for the belief system in question.

信仰 vs. 迷信 (míxìn): 信仰 is positive/neutral (faith); 迷信 is negative (superstition). Science is a 信仰 for some, while astrology is often called 迷信 by critics.

我们要分清科学信仰与封建迷信。

他把对金钱的追求当成了唯一的信仰。

真正的信仰应该让人变得更有智慧。

这种信仰的力量是无穷的。

在各种信仰并存的时代，包容非常重要。

Understanding these distinctions helps you navigate the subtle social and emotional landscapes of Chinese communication. Choosing 信仰 over 相信 or 迷信 can change the entire tone of a sentence from a simple statement of fact to a profound declaration of values.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 信 is also the word for 'letter' (as in mail) in modern Chinese, because a letter is a person's word sent across a distance, requiring trust that the message is true.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃiːn jæŋ/

US /ʃin jɑŋ/

In Chinese, both syllables carry equal weight, but the tones are crucial. Xìn (4th tone, falling) and Yǎng (3rd tone, falling-rising).

Rhymes With

景象 (jǐngxiàng) 影响 (yǐngxiǎng) 演讲 (yǎnjiǎng) 海洋 (hǎiyáng) 理想 (lǐxiǎng) 方向 (fāngxiàng) 太阳 (tàiyáng) 故乡 (gùxiāng)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'x' as 'ks' like in 'box'.
Ignoring the tones, making it sound like 'xin yang' without pitch changes.
Pronouncing 'i' as a short 'i' like in 'bit' instead of a long 'ee'.
Confusing the 'y' sound with a 'j' sound.
Not aspirating or correctly placing the tongue for the 'ng' ending.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are somewhat complex but common in high-level texts.

Writing 4/5

Writing '信仰' correctly requires attention to the 'person' radical and the '仰' component.

Speaking 3/5

The tones (4-3) are distinct but need practice to sound natural in a sentence.

Listening 3/5

Easily confused with other 'xin' words if tones are not clear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

信 (trust/believe) 仰 (look up) 人 (person) 言 (speech) 心 (heart)

Learn Next

理念 (concept/philosophy) 崇高 (noble) 坚持 (persist) 灵魂 (soul) 真理 (truth)

Advanced

形而上学 (metaphysics) 存在主义 (existentialism) 教条主义 (dogmatism) 虔诚 (piety) 弥赛亚 (Messiah)

Grammar to Know

Using '对' to indicate the object of faith.

他[对]真理有坚定的信仰。

Noun as Subject in 'A is B' sentences.

信仰[是]一种力量。

Adjective + '的' + Noun.

[崇高的]信仰。

Verb + Object collocation.

[坚持]信仰。

Negative '没有' for lack of faith.

他[没有]任何信仰。

Examples by Level

他有信仰。

He has faith.

A simple Subject + Verb + Object structure.

我的朋友有信仰。

My friend has faith.

Possessive '我的' (my) modifies the subject.

信仰很重要。

Faith is very important.

Noun + Adjective (with '很' as a linker).

你有信仰吗？

Do you have faith?

Question formed with the particle '吗'.

他没有信仰。

He doesn't have faith.

Negative '没有' (do not have).

这是他的信仰。

This is his faith.

Demonstrative '这' (this) + '是' (is).

大家都有信仰。

Everyone has faith.

'大家' (everyone) + '都' (all) + '有' (have).

信仰是好的。

Faith is good.

Simple definition sentence using '是'.

你有宗教信仰吗？

Do you have a religious belief?

'宗教' (religion) acts as a modifier for '信仰'.

他坚持自己的信仰。

He upholds his own belief.

'坚持' (to persist/uphold) is a common verb for 信仰.

信仰给了他力量。

Faith gave him strength.

Indirect object '他' comes before the direct object '力量'.

每个人都应该有信仰。

Everyone should have a belief.

'应该' (should) indicates a recommendation.

他的信仰非常坚定。

His faith is very firm.

'坚定' (firm) is a standard adjective for 信仰.

他们有共同的信仰。

They have a common belief.

'共同的' (common/shared) modifies '信仰'.

什么是你的信仰？

What is your belief?

Question using the pronoun '什么'.

他因为信仰而快乐。

He is happy because of his faith.

'因为...而...' (because of... then...) structure.

尊重他人的信仰很重要。

It is important to respect others' beliefs.

'尊重' (respect) is the verb; '他人的信仰' is the object.

他正在寻找生命的信仰。

He is looking for a belief in life.

'正在' indicates an ongoing action.

信仰是他的精神支柱。

Faith is his spiritual pillar.

'精神支柱' is a common metaphorical phrase.

不要盲目地追求信仰。

Don't blindly pursue faith.

'盲目地' (blindly) is an adverbial phrase.

他的信仰从未动摇过。

His faith has never wavered.

'从未...过' means 'never before'.

法律应当成为一种信仰。

Law should become a kind of faith.

'成为' (to become) suggests a transformation.

他对科学有着深厚的信仰。

He has a deep faith in science.

'对...有着...' is a formal way to express having a feeling toward something.

信仰能让人在绝望中看到希望。

Faith can let people see hope in despair.

Complex sentence with a causative '让' (let/make).

这种信仰深深地扎根于文化中。

This belief is deeply rooted in the culture.

'扎根于' (rooted in) is a sophisticated metaphorical verb.

他为了维护信仰付出了巨大的代价。

He paid a great price to defend his faith.

'为了...而...' or '为了...' to show purpose.

信仰的缺失导致了社会的混乱。

The lack of faith led to social chaos.

'缺失' (lack/absence) and '导致' (lead to/cause).

我们需要重塑对未来的信仰。

We need to reshape our faith in the future.

'重塑' (reshape/reconstruct) is a B2-level verb.

信仰自由是受法律保护的权利。

Freedom of belief is a right protected by law.

Passive structure '受...保护' (protected by).

他在哲学中找到了自己的信仰。

He found his belief in philosophy.

'在...中' (in the midst of) indicates context.

没有信仰的民族是没有希望的。

A nation without faith is a nation without hope.

Parallel structure using '没有...'.

信仰不仅仅是宗教，也是一种生活态度。

Faith is not just religion, but also an attitude toward life.

'不仅仅是...也是...' (not only... but also...).

信仰的异化往往源于对权力的追逐。

The alienation of faith often stems from the pursuit of power.

'异化' (alienation) and '源于' (originate from) are academic terms.

他的一生都在为实现共产主义信仰而奋斗。

He spent his whole life striving to realize his communist belief.

'为...而奋斗' (strive for the sake of).

在消费主义时代，信仰正面临着前所未有的挑战。

In the era of consumerism, faith is facing unprecedented challenges.

'前所未有' (unprecedented) is a C1-level idiom.

信仰的力量在于它能超越物质的匮乏。

The power of faith lies in its ability to transcend material scarcity.

'在于' (lies in) and '超越' (transcend).

探讨信仰的本质是哲学家们的永恒课题。

Exploring the essence of faith is an eternal task for philosophers.

Gerund-like subject '探讨...' (Exploring...).

他那纯粹的信仰让他在物欲横流的世界里显得格格不入。

His pure faith made him seem out of place in a materialistic world.

'格格不入' (misfit/incompatible) is an idiom.

信仰的重建需要从基础教育抓起。

The reconstruction of faith needs to start from basic education.

'从...抓起' (start from/focus on).

这种信仰体系构成了社会稳定的基石。

This belief system constitutes the cornerstone of social stability.

'构成' (constitute) and '基石' (cornerstone).

信仰的终极关怀是对人类命运的深切忧虑。

The ultimate concern of faith is a deep anxiety for the fate of humanity.

'终极关怀' (ultimate concern) is a theological/philosophical term.

他在虚无主义的深渊中，凭借着微弱的信仰寻求救赎。

In the abyss of nihilism, he sought redemption through a faint faith.

'虚无主义' (nihilism) and '救赎' (redemption).

信仰与理性的辩证统一是现代思想史的核心命题。

The dialectical unity of faith and reason is a core proposition in the history of modern thought.

'辩证统一' (dialectical unity) and '核心命题' (core proposition).

当信仰沦为教条，它便失去了引导灵魂的灵性。

When faith degenerates into dogma, it loses the spirituality to guide the soul.

'沦为' (degenerate into) and '教条' (dogma).

这种跨越时空的信仰共鸣，展现了人类精神的伟力。

This resonance of faith across time and space demonstrates the great power of the human spirit.

'共鸣' (resonance) and '伟力' (mighty power).

信仰的崩塌往往伴随着道德底线的沦丧。

The collapse of faith is often accompanied by the loss of moral boundaries.

'崩塌' (collapse) and '沦丧' (loss/ruin).

他以信仰为马，驰骋在真理的荒原上。

With faith as his horse, he galloped across the wilderness of truth.

A highly metaphorical and poetic construction.

信仰的真谛不在于形式的虔诚，而在于内心的觉醒。

The true meaning of faith lies not in formal piety, but in the awakening of the heart.

'不在于...而在于...' (not in... but in...).

Common Collocations

宗教信仰

坚定的信仰

信仰自由

信仰危机

坚持信仰

丧失信仰

共同的信仰

信仰的力量

树立信仰

政治信仰

Common Phrases

信仰缺失

— A lack of belief or moral vacuum in society. Often used to explain social problems.

信仰缺失是导致道德滑坡的原因之一。

精神信仰

— Spiritual belief. Focuses on the internal, non-material aspect of faith.

除了物质生活，我们还需要精神信仰。

科学信仰

— A belief in science and the scientific method as a guiding principle.

科学信仰让我们不断探索未知。

盲目信仰

— Blind faith. Believing something without questioning or critical thinking.

盲目信仰往往会导致错误的决定。

信仰崩塌

— The total collapse of one's belief system, usually due to a traumatic event.

那次意外让他的信仰崩塌了。

终极信仰

— Ultimate faith. The highest or most fundamental belief a person holds.

追求真理是他这一生的终极信仰。

文化信仰

— A belief rooted in one's cultural heritage and traditions.

孝道是中国传统文化信仰的一部分。

信仰之光

— The light of faith. A poetic way to describe how belief guides a person.

信仰之光照亮了黑夜。

坚守信仰

— To stay true to one's faith despite difficulties or temptations.

在困难面前，他依然坚守信仰。

寻找信仰

— To search for a sense of purpose or a belief system to follow.

许多年轻人在旅行中寻找信仰。

Often Confused With

信仰 vs 相信 (xiāngxìn)

相信 is a verb for believing a fact; 信仰 is a noun for a belief system.

信仰 vs 信任 (xìnrèn)

信任 is trust in a person's reliability; 信仰 is faith in a higher principle.

信仰 vs 信念 (xìnniàn)

信念 is an inner conviction or creed; 信仰 is the broader system of faith.

Idioms & Expressions

"笃信不疑"

— To believe firmly without any doubt. Often used for deep faith.

他对他所教导的理论笃信不疑。

Formal

"至死不渝"

— Unswerving until death. Often used to describe loyalty to a 信仰.

他对革命事业的忠诚至死不渝。

Literary

"指路明灯"

— A guiding light. Often used metaphorically for a 信仰.

信仰是他人生的指路明灯。

Metaphorical

"精神支柱"

— Spiritual pillar. Something that provides mental support.

这种信仰成了他唯一的精神支柱。

Neutral

"格格不入"

— Incompatible; like a square peg in a round hole. Used when a 信仰 clashes with surroundings.

他的信仰与这个社会格格不入。

Common

"物欲横流"

— Materialistic desires flowing everywhere. Describes a society lacking 信仰.

在物欲横流的时代，信仰尤为珍贵。

Formal/Literary

"坚定不移"

— Firm and unshakable. Describes the quality of a 信仰.

我们要坚定不移地走自己的路。

Formal

"前仆后继"

— One falls, another follows. Used for people sacrificing for their 信仰.

先烈们为了信仰前仆后继。

Literary

"大公无私"

— Selfless and impartial. A quality often associated with noble 信仰.

他的信仰让他变得大公无私。

Formal

"心诚则灵"

— If the heart is sincere, the spirit will respond. A common saying about faith.

只要你心诚则灵，愿望会实现的。

Colloquial

Easily Confused

信仰 vs 自信 (zìxìn)

Both start with '信'.

自信 means 'self-confidence,' while 信仰 is 'faith/belief' in something external or systematic.

他很有自信，但他没有信仰。

信仰 vs 迷信 (míxìn)

Both relate to belief.

迷信 is 'superstition' (negative), while 信仰 is 'faith' (neutral/positive).

这是信仰，不是迷信。

信仰 vs 信誉 (xìnyù)

Both start with '信'.

信誉 is 'reputation' or 'credit' in business, not spiritual faith.

这家公司的信誉很好。

信仰 vs 崇拜 (chóngbài)

Both involve looking up to something.

崇拜 is 'worship/adoration' (emotional), while 信仰 is 'belief/conviction' (principled).

他信仰科学，但不崇拜科学家。

信仰 vs 理想 (lǐxiǎng)

Both are guiding principles.

理想 is a 'goal/ideal' to reach; 信仰 is the 'foundation/faith' that supports you.

他的理想是当医生，他的信仰是救人。

Sentence Patterns

我有[Noun]信仰。

我有宗教信仰。

我对[Target]有信仰。

我对科学有信仰。

信仰是[Metaphor]。

信仰是人生的灯塔。

坚持[Possessive]信仰。

他坚持自己的信仰。

信仰给予[Person][Quality]。

信仰给予他勇气。

随着[Social Change]，信仰面临[Challenge]。

随着时代的发展，信仰面临着新的挑战。

信仰的本质在于[Abstract Concept]。

信仰的本质在于对未知的敬畏。

[Metaphor]构成了信仰的[Foundation]。

对人类的爱构成了他信仰的基石。

Word Family

Nouns

信徒 (believer)

信众 (believers/congregation)

信条 (creed)

信念 (conviction)

Verbs

信奉 (to believe in/follow)

相信 (to believe)

信任 (to trust)

仰慕 (to admire)

Adjectives

虔诚的 (pious/devout)

坚定的 (firm)

盲目的 (blind)

宗教 (religion)

上帝 (God)

真理 (truth)

精神 (spirit)

灵魂 (soul)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal speech, literature, and news; rare in daily casual chitchat about trivialities.

Common Mistakes

Using 信仰 to mean 'believe a person'. → 我相信你。
信仰 is for systems/ideals. Use 相信 for trusting people or facts.
Saying '我信仰...' like a verb. → 我有...的信仰。
Though it can be a verb, it is much more commonly used as a noun with '有'.
Confusing 信仰 with 信任. → 我信任我的合作伙伴。
信任 is 'trust' in someone's reliability; 信仰 is 'faith' in a principle.
Using 信仰 for trivial hobbies. → 我非常喜欢足球。
信仰 is too formal and serious for sports or hobbies unless being very dramatic.
Mixing up 信仰 and 迷信. → 这是一种崇高的信仰。
Be careful not to call a respected faith '迷信' (superstition).

Tips

Noun usage

Always remember 信仰 is primarily a noun. Use verbs like 有 (have), 拥有 (possess), or 坚持 (uphold) with it.

Context matters

In China, 信仰 is a very serious word. Don't use it for trivial likes or dislikes.

Synonym choice

Use 信念 for personal goals and 信仰 for overarching systems of belief.

Tone clarity

Make sure the 4th tone on 'Xìn' is sharp and falling, and the 3rd tone on 'Yǎng' is low and dipping.

Character components

Both characters have the 'person' radical (亻). This reminds you that 信仰 is a human quality.

Respect

When asking about someone's 信仰, use a polite and neutral tone, as it is a personal topic.

Common phrases

Learn '精神支柱' (spiritual pillar) as it often appears alongside 信仰 in literature.

News keywords

In Chinese news, listen for '坚定信仰' as a sign of discussing ideological commitment.

Reading practice

Read essays about '信仰危机' to see how the word is used to critique modern society.

Deep meaning

Think of 信仰 as your 'internal compass.' This will help you remember its profound meaning.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a person (人) standing by their word (言) — that's 'Xin'. Now imagine that person looking 'Up' (仰) at the stars. When you look up at the stars and trust what you see, that is 'Xin-Yang' (Faith).

Visual Association

Visualize a person standing at the foot of a giant, glowing mountain (the belief), looking up (仰) with a heart (信) full of trust.

Word Web

Religion Trust Ideology Pillar Spirit Truth Loyalty Hope

Challenge

Try to write a sentence about your own 信仰. It doesn't have to be religious; it can be a belief in kindness, hard work, or the power of coffee!

Word Origin

The word 信仰 is composed of two ancient Chinese characters. '信' (xìn) dates back to the oracle bone script, where it combined 'person' (人) and 'speech/mouth' (言/口), signifying that a person's words should be trustworthy. '仰' (yǎng) also features the 'person' radical and a component meaning 'to face upwards,' originally describing someone looking up at the sky or a tall structure.

Original meaning: The original combined sense was to look up to something with total trust and reverence, essentially a vertical relationship between a human and a higher principle or being.

Sino-Tibetan, specifically the Sinitic branch.

Cultural Context

Be respectful when asking about 信仰. In China, while many people identify as atheists, they may still have strong cultural or philosophical 信仰.

English speakers might use 'faith' more loosely (e.g., 'faith in a team'). In Chinese, 信仰 is usually more solemn.

The song '信仰' by Jeff Chang (张信哲), a classic love ballad. The phrase '理想信念' frequently used in Chinese government documents. The film 'The Message' (风声), which explores the 信仰 of underground agents.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Religious discussion

你信什么教？
宗教信仰自由
虔诚的信徒
教义和仪式

Political ideology

坚定理想信念
为信仰而战
政治觉悟
共产主义信仰

Philosophical debate

人生的意义
精神支柱
信仰危机
道德底线

Personal relationships

共同的价值观
我对你有信心
信任与信仰
爱是我的信仰

Artistic expression

艺术信仰
创作理念
追求完美
灵魂的呼唤

Conversation Starters

"你觉得在这个现代社会，信仰还重要吗？"

"你最敬佩的有坚定信仰的人是谁？"

"如果一个人没有信仰，他的生活会是什么样的？"

"艺术可以成为一种信仰吗？"

"你如何看待不同信仰之间的冲突？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你生命中最核心的信仰是什么，它是如何形成的？

描述一次你的信仰受到挑战的经历，你当时是怎么做的？

你认为科学和信仰是可以共存的吗？请说明理由。

如果让你为未来的孩子树立一种信仰，你会选择什么？

探讨一下'信仰的力量'是如何在历史上改变世界的。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While it can technically be used as a verb in some contexts (e.g., '他信仰佛教'), it is much more common and natural as a noun in modern Chinese. For the verb 'to believe,' use '相信' or '信奉'.

宗教 (zōngjiào) is 'religion' (the institution), while 信仰 (xìnyǎng) is 'faith' (the personal belief). You can have a 信仰 without belonging to a 宗教.

You can say '我没有宗教信仰' (Wǒ méiyǒu zōngjiào xìnyǎng).

Generally, yes. It implies integrity and depth. However, it can be negative if paired with '盲目' (blind).

It sounds very exaggerated and slightly humorous. It's better to say '我是...的忠实粉丝' (I am a loyal fan of...).

No, it can refer to political beliefs, scientific convictions, or personal life philosophies.

It translates to 'crisis of faith,' referring to a situation where people or society feel they have lost their guiding moral or spiritual principles.

Both are used. '对真理的信仰' emphasizes the target, while '宗教信仰' is a standard compound noun.

The most direct opposite is '怀疑' (doubt) or '虚无' (nihilism).

The formal term is '宗教信仰自由' (zōngjiào xìnyǎng zìyóu).