To be hard-hearted means to remain unmoved by the suffering or feelings of others.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes a person who lacks empathy or compassion.
- Can refer to being firm and unyielding in decisions.
- Often used to criticize someone's cold-hearted behavior.
Overview
- 1概述：心硬是一个描述性词汇，核心含义是“心肠坚硬”。它指代一种情感上的冷漠或意志上的坚决。在中文语境中，这个词既可以作为一种负面评价，指责某人冷酷无情；也可以在特定语境下作为一种中性甚至褒义的描述，指某人在处理棘手问题时能够保持冷静，不被个人情感所左右。
Examples
他心硬如铁，无论你怎么求他，他都不会答应。
everydayHe is as hard-hearted as iron; no matter how you beg him, he won't agree.
在处理这类违规行为时，管理层表现得十分心硬。
formalThe management was very firm/hard-hearted in dealing with such violations.
别指望他会心软，他那人一向心硬。
informalDon't expect him to be soft-hearted; he has always been hard-hearted.
文学评论认为，该角色的心硬是其悲剧命运的根源。
academicLiterary critics argue that the character's hard-heartedness is the root of his tragic fate.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
心硬如铁
Heart as hard as iron
心肠硬
Hard-hearted
不得不心硬
Have to be hard-hearted
Often Confused With
This is the exact opposite, meaning soft-hearted or easily moved by others' pleas.
Focuses more on the act of being cruel or making a painful decision, rather than the character trait.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
The term is used to describe a person's character or a specific attitude. It is often used in informal conversation to express disappointment or criticism. In formal settings, it describes a firm, unyielding stance.
Learners often mistake '心硬' for 'difficult' (困难). It specifically refers to emotional hardness, not task difficulty. Do not use it to describe physical hardness.
Tips
Use it to describe firm decision-making
When someone refuses to change their mind despite pleas, you can describe them as heart-hardened or firm.
Avoid using it casually
Calling someone heart-hearted is a strong criticism. Be careful not to offend friends or colleagues.
Cultural association with stone
Chinese often compares a hard heart to a stone (铁石心肠), emphasizing the inability to be moved.
Word Origin
Derived from the combination of '心' (heart) and '硬' (hard). It reflects the ancient metaphorical belief that the heart is the seat of emotions.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, being 'soft-hearted' (心软) is often praised as a virtue, while 'hard-hearted' is viewed as a defect of character, reflecting the Confucian emphasis on benevolence.
Memory Tip
Think of a heart made of stone. A stone is hard, cold, and cannot feel warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions大多数情况下是贬义，带有批评色彩。但在某些极端情况下，形容一个人在面对困难时不动摇，也可以理解为意志坚定。
可以使用“心软”或“菩萨心肠”。这两个词与“心硬”构成直接的反义关系。
这取决于语境。如果指上司裁员时果断，可以说他“心硬”，这通常被视作职场职业素养的一部分。
“冷漠”侧重于对他人的漠不关心，而“心硬”更强调内心像石头一样坚硬，难以被打动。
Test Yourself
面对那只受伤的小猫，他竟然毫无反应，真是太___了。
因为表现出毫无反应，符合冷酷的语境。
下列哪个词最能体现“心硬”的特质？
冷酷描述了缺乏情感波动，与心硬含义一致。
他 / 看来 / 真是 / 心硬 / 的
符合中文主谓宾结构。
Score: /3
Summary
To be hard-hearted means to remain unmoved by the suffering or feelings of others.
- Describes a person who lacks empathy or compassion.
- Can refer to being firm and unyielding in decisions.
- Often used to criticize someone's cold-hearted behavior.
Use it to describe firm decision-making
When someone refuses to change their mind despite pleas, you can describe them as heart-hardened or firm.
Avoid using it casually
Calling someone heart-hearted is a strong criticism. Be careful not to offend friends or colleagues.
Cultural association with stone
Chinese often compares a hard heart to a stone (铁石心肠), emphasizing the inability to be moved.
Examples
4 of 4他心硬如铁，无论你怎么求他，他都不会答应。
He is as hard-hearted as iron; no matter how you beg him, he won't agree.
在处理这类违规行为时，管理层表现得十分心硬。
The management was very firm/hard-hearted in dealing with such violations.
别指望他会心软，他那人一向心硬。
Don't expect him to be soft-hearted; he has always been hard-hearted.
文学评论认为，该角色的心硬是其悲剧命运的根源。
Literary critics argue that the character's hard-heartedness is the root of his tragic fate.
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有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
一点
A1A little; a bit; slightly.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
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B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
