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B2 noun #6,000 most common 8 min read

慈悲

cibei Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 慈悲 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 慈悲 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '慈悲' (cíbēi) is a very difficult word because it is abstract. You can think of it as a 'very, very big kindness.' Imagine a mother loving her baby or a person helping a tiny bird. That big feeling is '慈悲.' You don't need to use it in daily conversation yet, but you might see it in stories about heroes or gods. It is made of two parts: 'cí' (kindness) and 'bēi' (sadness for others). Together, they mean you want everyone to be happy and no one to be sad. It's like the heart of a superhero who helps everyone.

For A2 learners, '慈悲' is a formal way to talk about kindness. You already know '好' (good) and '善良' (kind). '慈悲' is much stronger. It is often used in movies or books about ancient China. When a king is '慈悲,' he is nice to his people. When a monk is '慈悲,' he cares about all animals. You can use it when you want to sound very respectful. For example, '他是一个慈悲的人' (He is a compassionate person). It's a noun or an adjective that shows a very high level of goodness.

At the B1 level, you should start to distinguish '慈悲' from words like '同情' (sympathy). '同情' is just feeling sorry for someone. '慈悲' is a deeper, more spiritual feeling. It is a key word in Chinese culture, especially because of Buddhism. You will hear it in the phrase '大发慈悲' (show great mercy), which people sometimes use when they are asking for a big favor. You should understand that this word carries a sense of 'saving' or 'helping' someone who is in a difficult position. It is common in literature and formal writing.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '慈悲' in appropriate contexts, such as discussing philosophy, religion, or humanitarian issues. You should understand its components: '慈' (giving happiness) and '悲' (removing suffering). You should be able to use it in common structures like '怀有慈悲之心' (harbor a heart of compassion) or '慈悲为怀' (to be compassionate as a principle). At this level, you should also recognize the difference between '慈悲' and '仁慈' (benevolence), noting that '仁慈' often relates to social status and Confucianism, while '慈悲' is more universal and Buddhist.

For C1 learners, '慈悲' should be part of your formal vocabulary for discussing ethics and social responsibility. You should be able to analyze its role in Chinese history and literature. For example, how the concept of '慈悲' influenced the development of charitable organizations in China. You should also be comfortable with its nuanced use in modern media, including its occasional ironic or hyperbolic use in colloquial speech. You should be able to write essays discussing whether '慈悲' is a necessary quality for modern leaders or how it differs from Western concepts of 'mercy' or 'grace.'

At the C2 level, you should have a mastery of '慈悲' that includes its most esoteric and literary uses. This includes understanding its place in classical Chinese texts and Buddhist sutras. You should be able to discuss the subtle differences between '慈悲,' '大慈大悲' (great compassion and great mercy), and other related philosophical terms. You should be able to use the word in high-level academic or professional settings, such as discussing the 'ethics of compassion' in medical or legal contexts. You should also be able to detect and use the word's subtle connotations in complex literary works, where it might be used to contrast with cold-heartedness or calculated pragmatism.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

慈悲 in 30 Seconds

慈悲 (cíbēi) is a high-level Chinese word for 'compassion' and 'mercy,' deeply rooted in Buddhist and traditional ethics.
It combines '慈' (giving happiness) and '悲' (removing pain), representing an active, selfless love for all beings.
The word is primarily used in formal, literary, or religious contexts, rather than for casual everyday kindness.
Commonly seen in the phrase '大发慈悲' (to show great mercy) or '慈悲为怀' (to take compassion as a core principle).

The Chinese term 慈悲 (cíbēi) is a profound concept that transcends simple kindness. While often translated as 'compassion' or 'mercy' in English, its roots are deeply embedded in Buddhist philosophy and traditional Chinese ethics. The character 慈 (cí) historically refers to the kind of love a mother has for her child—a selfless, nurturing affection that seeks to provide happiness to others. The character 悲 (bēi) refers to empathy or the feeling of shared suffering, specifically the desire to alleviate the pain of others. Together, 慈悲 represents the dual action of bringing joy and removing suffering. It is not merely a passive feeling but an active orientation toward the world and all living beings.

Philosophical Depth: In a Buddhist context, it is one of the 'Four Immeasurables.' It is the quality associated with the Bodhisattva Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. In secular usage, it describes a person who is exceptionally forgiving, empathetic, and altruistic.

佛教徒相信，我们应该对所有众生怀有慈悲之心。(Buddhists believe we should hold a heart of compassion for all living beings.)

You will encounter this word in literature, religious texts, formal speeches regarding humanitarian aid, and historical dramas. It is a high-register word; you wouldn't typically use it to describe a friend buying you a coffee. Instead, you use it to describe a judge showing leniency, a philanthropist dedicating their life to the poor, or a spiritual leader's teachings. It implies a moral superiority or a vastness of spirit. When someone acts with 慈悲, they are looking past their own interests to address the fundamental needs of others.

Social Context: It is often paired with the verb '怀有' (huáiyǒu - to possess/harbor) or '展现' (zhǎnxiàn - to display). It reflects a cultural value that prizes emotional restraint and universal love over individualistic desire.

面对敌人的挑衅，他表现出了极大的慈悲。(Facing the enemy's provocation, he showed great mercy.)

In modern Mandarin, while the religious connotation remains strong, the word has expanded to describe general humanitarianism. For instance, a '慈悲机构' (compassionate organization) refers to a charity. However, always remember the weight of the word; it suggests a deep, soulful commitment to the welfare of others, often at a scale that is larger than everyday politeness.

大发慈悲 (dà fā cí bēi) is a common phrase meaning to show great mercy, sometimes used slightly ironically when asking for a favor.

Using 慈悲 (cíbēi) correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as both a noun and an adjective. Most commonly, it functions as a noun representing the abstract quality of compassion. You will frequently see it in the structure '怀有……的慈悲' (to have the compassion of...) or '……展现出慈悲' (...displays compassion). It acts as the object of verbs that involve internal states or external expressions of morality.

As a Noun: When used as a noun, it often refers to a state of mind or a spiritual virtue. For example: '慈悲是人类最高尚的美德之一' (Compassion is one of the noblest virtues of humanity).

请您大发慈悲，帮帮我们吧！(Please show great mercy and help us!)

As an adjective, 慈悲 describes people, actions, or hearts. It is often followed by the particle '的' (de). For example, '慈悲的心肠' (a compassionate heart) or '慈悲的行为' (a merciful act). In this form, it modifies the noun to imbue it with a sense of sacred or profound kindness. Note that while '善良' (kind) is used for everyday goodness, '慈悲' is used for transformative or exceptionally deep kindness.

那位老人有一颗极其慈悲的心。(That elderly person has an extremely compassionate heart.)

Formal Usage: In legal or historical contexts, it might describe a ruler's '慈悲为怀' (taking compassion as one's core principle). This is a four-character idiom (chengyu) that signifies a leadership style based on mercy rather than iron-fisted rule.

Interestingly, in modern digital slang, '大发慈悲' is sometimes used sarcastically between friends. If a friend finally agrees to play a game with you after you've begged them, you might say, '你终于大发慈悲了' (You've finally shown mercy). However, for a learner, it is best to master the respectful, serious usage first, as the word carries significant cultural and spiritual weight in the Chinese-speaking world.

You will encounter 慈悲 (cíbēi) in several specific environments. First and foremost is in Buddhist temples and literature. If you visit a temple in China, Taiwan, or Southeast Asia, you will see this word on plaques, in sutras, and in the names of charitable foundations like the 'Tzu Chi' (慈济) Foundation, where '慈' is the first character. Monks and practitioners use it as a greeting or a guiding principle for life.

Media and Entertainment: In 'Wuxia' (martial arts) novels and 'Xianxia' (fantasy) dramas, characters often debate the merits of '慈悲'. A hero might be told that being too '慈悲' toward an enemy will lead to their own downfall. Conversely, a wise master might teach that true strength lies in '慈悲' rather than violence.

在武侠小说中，高僧常说：“施主请放下屠刀，慈悲为怀。” (In martial arts novels, eminent monks often say: "Benefactor, please put down the butcher's knife and embrace compassion.")

In formal political and humanitarian speeches, the word is used to describe the spirit of international aid or social welfare. When a leader talks about a '慈悲的社会' (a compassionate society), they are referring to a social safety net that protects the vulnerable. It is a word that signals a high level of moral discourse.

Lastly, you might hear it in daily life during specific emotional appeals. If someone is in a position of power over another (like a boss over an employee who made a mistake), the subordinate might ask the boss to '大发慈悲' (show mercy). In this context, it functions similarly to 'have a heart' or 'be merciful' in English. It is a powerful word that appeals to the listener's highest sense of humanity and empathy.

这部电影探讨了在战争中保持慈悲是否可能。(This movie explores whether it is possible to maintain compassion during war.)

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is using 慈悲 (cíbēi) in situations that are too casual. Because its English translation is 'compassion' or 'mercy,' learners often treat it as a synonym for 'kind' (善良 - shànliáng) or 'nice' (好 - hǎo). However, 慈悲 is much more intense and formal. Calling a friend '慈悲' because they lent you a pen would sound very strange—almost like you are comparing them to a deity.

Confusing with 怜悯 (liánmǐn): Another common error is confusing 慈悲 with 怜悯 (pity/sympathy). While they overlap, 怜悯 often implies a power imbalance where the speaker feels sorry for someone 'below' them. 慈悲, while it can involve a power difference, is rooted in a universal, spiritual love rather than just 'feeling sorry' for someone.

Incorrect: 谢谢你借给我钱，你真慈悲。(Thank you for lending me money, you are so compassionate [too formal/spiritual].)
Correct: 谢谢你借给我钱，你真大方/人真好。(Thank you for lending me money, you are so generous/kind.)

Grammatically, learners sometimes forget that 慈悲 is primarily a noun. While it can be used as an adjective (慈悲的), it cannot be used as a verb directly like 'I compassion you.' You must use a construction like '对他展现慈悲' (show compassion to him) or '怀有慈悲之心' (harbor a heart of compassion). Using it as a standalone verb is a common structural error for English speakers.

Finally, be careful with the phrase '大发慈悲'. While it is a standard way to say 'show mercy,' using it in the wrong tone can sound mocking or sarcastic. If you say it to someone who is genuinely helping you, it's fine. But if you say it to someone who is being stubborn, it can come off as a sharp jab at their ego.

Understanding the synonyms of 慈悲 (cíbēi) helps refine your nuance. The most common alternative is 善良 (shànliáng). While both involve being good, 善良 is an everyday personality trait (kind-heartedness), whereas 慈悲 is a profound, often spiritual, virtue. You would call a child who shares their toys 善良, but you would call a saint 慈悲.

慈悲 vs. 仁慈 (réncí): 仁慈 is very close to 慈悲. However, 仁慈 is more rooted in Confucianism and often describes a ruler or someone in authority being benevolent to their subordinates. 慈悲 is more Buddhist and emphasizes empathy for suffering across all living things, not just social hierarchies.

慈悲 vs. 怜悯 (liánmǐn): 怜悯 focuses specifically on the feeling of pity or sympathy for someone in a miserable state. 慈悲 is broader; it includes the desire to give happiness (慈) as well as the desire to remove pain (悲).

Comparison:
1. 他很善良 (He is a kind person).
2. 国王很仁慈 (The king is benevolent).
3. 菩萨很慈悲 (The Bodhisattva is compassionate).

Another word to consider is 同情 (tóngqíng), which means 'sympathy.' This is a very common, neutral word used for feeling bad for someone's situation. It lacks the moral and spiritual weight of 慈悲. If you are watching a sad movie, you feel 同情 for the characters. If you dedicate your life to saving refugees because of a deep spiritual conviction, that is 慈悲.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 慈 (cí) contains the 'heart' (心) radical at the bottom, indicating it's an internal emotional state. The top part '兹' means 'increase,' suggesting a heart that increases the happiness of others.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tsʰɨ̌ peɪ/

US /tsʰɨ̌ peɪ/

In Mandarin, syllables generally have equal weight, but the rising tone on 'cí' creates a natural emphasis.

Rhymes With

词 (cí) 磁 (cí) 杯 (bēi) 悲 (bēi) 非 (fēi) 飞 (fēi) 推 (tuī) 归 (guī)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'cí' with a flat tone (1st tone) instead of a rising tone (2nd tone).
Pronouncing 'bēi' with a falling tone (4th tone) which would change the meaning.
Confusing the 'ts' sound in 'cí' with a 'ch' sound.
Not sustaining the high level tone on 'bēi' long enough.
Mumbling the 'i' in 'cí' which should be a distinct central vowel.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The characters are somewhat complex for beginners, and the abstract meaning requires cultural context.

Writing 5/5

Writing '慈' and '悲' correctly requires attention to the strokes, especially the 'heart' and 'increase' components.

Speaking 3/5

The tones are straightforward, but using it in the right register is the main challenge.

Listening 3/5

It is a distinct-sounding word, often emphasized in speech due to its weight.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

好心爱人善

Learn Next

仁慈怜悯佛博爱境界

Advanced

普度众生悲天悯人解脱因果修行

Grammar to Know

Using '怀着' to describe holding an internal state.

他怀着慈悲的心去工作。

The '以...为...' structure for core principles.

他以慈悲为怀。

Using '的' to turn abstract nouns into adjectives.

慈悲的行为。

Adverbial construction with '地'.

他慈悲地看着受苦的人。

Noun + 之 + Noun for formal possessive compounds.

慈悲之心。

Examples by Level

他很慈悲。

He is very compassionate.

Subject + Adverb + Adjective.

慈悲的心。

A compassionate heart.

Adjective + Particle 'de' + Noun.

我们要慈悲。

We should be compassionate.

Subject + Auxiliary Verb + Adjective.

那个人很慈悲。

That person is very compassionate.

Demonstrative + Noun + Adverb + Adjective.

慈悲是好的。

Compassion is good.

Noun as subject.

他有慈悲心。

He has a compassionate heart.

Subject + Verb + Noun.

老师很慈悲。

The teacher is very compassionate.

Noun + Adverb + Adjective.

大发慈悲吧！

Show some mercy!

Common phrase.

这位医生非常慈悲。

This doctor is very compassionate.

Specific noun + Intensifier + Adjective.

他慈悲地看着孩子。

He looked at the child compassionately.

Adverbial usage with 'de'.

慈悲是他的特点。

Compassion is his characteristic.

Noun as subject.

请你大发慈悲，帮帮我。

Please show mercy and help me.

Polite request using the phrase.

他是一个慈悲的老人。

He is a compassionate old man.

Noun phrase with adjective.

佛教教导我们要慈悲。

Buddhism teaches us to be compassionate.

Subject + Verb + Object + Clause.

他的慈悲感动了大家。

His compassion moved everyone.

Possessive + Noun as subject.

她怀着慈悲的心工作。

She works with a compassionate heart.

Prepositional phrase describing manner.

在这个冷酷的世界里，慈悲显得尤为珍贵。

In this cold world, compassion seems especially precious.

Complex sentence with contrast.

他虽然严厉，但内心其实很慈悲。

Although he is strict, his heart is actually very compassionate.

Concession clause using '虽然...但...'.

我们应该对弱者展现出慈悲。

We should show compassion to the weak.

Usage of '展现' (display).

这部电影的主题是爱与慈悲。

The theme of this movie is love and compassion.

Noun as part of a compound subject.

他大发慈悲，决定原谅那个犯错的孩子。

He showed great mercy and decided to forgive the child who made a mistake.

Common phrase followed by a decision.

真正的慈悲不仅仅是同情，更是行动。

True compassion is not just sympathy, but action.

Comparison using '不仅仅是...更是...'.

他的一生都在践行慈悲。

He spent his whole life practicing compassion.

Object of the verb '践行' (to practice/fulfill).

由于他的慈悲，许多人得到了救助。

Because of his compassion, many people received help.

Causal phrase '由于...'.

慈悲为怀是许多中国传统文化的核心思想。

Taking compassion as a core principle is a central thought in much of traditional Chinese culture.

Idiom as subject.

作为一名领导者，他展现了难得的慈悲与远见。

As a leader, he displayed a rare compassion and foresight.

Prepositional phrase '作为...'.

我们不能因为追求效率而丧失了慈悲之心。

We cannot lose our heart of compassion because of the pursuit of efficiency.

Complex negative construction.

这名法官以慈悲著称，常给犯人改过自新的机会。

This judge is known for mercy and often gives prisoners a chance to turn over a new leaf.

Structure '以...著称' (known for...).

慈悲的力量往往比暴力的力量更持久。

The power of compassion is often more enduring than the power of violence.

Comparative sentence.

他在处理危机时，始终保持着一种慈悲的态度。

In handling the crisis, he always maintained a compassionate attitude.

Manner phrase with '始终保持着'.

这种慈悲的行为在当今社会显得格外重要。

This kind of compassionate behavior is exceptionally important in today's society.

Noun phrase as subject with emphasis.

他将慈悲融入到了他的每一项决策中。

He integrated compassion into every one of his decisions.

Resultative construction with '融入到'.

慈悲并非软弱，而是一种建立在深刻理解基础上的力量。

Compassion is not weakness, but a strength built on the foundation of profound understanding.

Contrastive structure '并非...而是...'.

在探讨伦理学时，慈悲与正义的关系是一个永恒的话题。

When discussing ethics, the relationship between compassion and justice is an eternal topic.

Topic-comment structure.

他这种超越国界的慈悲，赢得了全世界的尊重。

His compassion, which transcends national borders, has won the respect of the entire world.

Relative clause modifying the subject.

文学作品往往通过展现人性的慈悲来引发读者的共鸣。

Literary works often evoke readers' resonance by displaying the compassion of human nature.

Manner phrase using '通过...'.

即便是最残酷的战争，也无法完全泯灭人类内心的慈悲。

Even the cruelest war cannot completely extinguish the compassion in the human heart.

Emphasis using '即便...也...'.

他的慈悲并非出于施舍，而是出于对生命的敬畏。

His compassion is not out of charity, but out of reverence for life.

Complex 'not because... but because...' structure.

在现代企业管理中，慈悲领导力正逐渐受到重视。

In modern corporate management, compassionate leadership is gradually gaining importance.

Noun compound as subject.

他以一种近乎神圣的慈悲，宽恕了那些曾经伤害过他的人。

With a near-divine compassion, he forgave those who had once harmed him.

Adverbial phrase with '近乎'.

慈悲在佛教教义中不仅是情感的升华，更是智慧的体现。

In Buddhist doctrine, compassion is not only the sublimation of emotion but also the manifestation of wisdom.

Sophisticated 'not only... but also...' structure.

这种大慈大悲的情怀，正是他能够感化众人的原因所在。

This sentiment of great compassion and mercy is precisely the reason why he is able to move and reform the masses.

Inversion for emphasis with '原因所在'.

若无慈悲，法律则沦为冰冷的惩罚工具。

Without compassion, the law degenerates into a cold tool of punishment.

Conditional structure '若无...则...'.

他笔下的角色往往在绝望中展现出一种悲悯与慈悲的底色。

The characters under his pen often display a background of pity and compassion amidst despair.

Literary description using '底色' (background/undertone).

这种慈悲观超越了狭隘的民族主义，迈向了普世价值。

This view of compassion transcends narrow nationalism and moves toward universal values.

Abstract subject with sophisticated verbs.

在他看来，慈悲是通往精神解脱的必经之路。

In his view, compassion is the inevitable path to spiritual liberation.

Metaphorical usage.

慈悲的深度决定了一个人灵魂的高度。

The depth of compassion determines the height of a person's soul.

Parallelism between 'depth' and 'height'.

他那充满慈悲的目光，仿佛能洞察世间所有的苦难。

His compassion-filled gaze seemed as if it could pierce through all the suffering in the world.

Simile using '仿佛'.

Common Collocations

怀有慈悲之心

大发慈悲

慈悲为怀

展现慈悲

充满慈悲

慈悲的事业

极度慈悲

失去慈悲

慈悲的化身

感化慈悲

Common Phrases

慈悲喜舍

— The four immeasurables in Buddhism: Loving-kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity.

修行者应追求慈悲喜舍的境界。

慈悲面孔

— A compassionate face or appearance, sometimes used to describe someone who looks very kind.

他长着一副慈悲面孔。

慈悲心肠

— A compassionate heart or nature.

他天生一副慈悲心肠。

慈悲救世

— Saving the world with compassion.

他怀着慈悲救世的理想。

慈悲之举

— An act of compassion.

捐款给灾区是一个慈悲之举。

假慈悲

— Fake compassion; crocodile tears.

别在这里假慈悲了，我知道你的目的。

慈悲法则

— The law of compassion (often in philosophical contexts).

宇宙中存在着慈悲法则。

慈悲怀抱

— A compassionate embrace (often metaphorical).

大地母亲以慈悲怀抱接纳了一切。

慈悲之光

— The light of compassion.

让慈悲之光照亮黑暗。

慈悲教义

— Compassionate teachings.

这种慈悲教义影响了很多人。

Often Confused With

慈悲 vs 怜悯

怜悯 is more about 'pitying' someone, while 慈悲 is a broader 'universal compassion'.

慈悲 vs 善良

善良 is common kindness; 慈悲 is profound or spiritual kindness.

慈悲 vs 仁慈

仁慈 is often benevolence from a position of power; 慈悲 is more empathetic and universal.

Idioms & Expressions

"慈悲为怀"

— To cherish compassion in one's heart as a basic principle of life.

为官者应当慈悲为怀，体恤民情。

Formal

"大慈大悲"

— Infinite compassion and mercy, usually describing deities like Guanyin.

大慈大悲的观世音菩萨。

Religious/Formal

"悲天悯人"

— To bemoan the state of the universe and pity the fate of mankind.

他的作品中充满了悲天悯人的情怀。

Literary

"慈眉善目"

— To have a kind and pleasant facial expression.

那位老奶奶慈眉善目，看起来很亲切。

Neutral

"心怀慈悲"

— To have compassion in one's heart.

只有心怀慈悲，才能得到真正的快乐。

Formal

"救苦救难"

— To save people from suffering and disasters.

他被人们视为救苦救难的英雄。

Formal

"普度众生"

— To help all living beings find salvation (Buddhist term).

佛陀立志普度众生。

Religious

"与人为善"

— To be kind to others; to help others with good intentions.

我们应该与人为善，多交朋友。

Neutral

"宽大为怀"

— To be broad-minded and forgiving.

请您宽大为怀，原谅他的无心之过。

Formal

"舍己为人"

— To sacrifice oneself for the sake of others.

他这种舍己为人的精神值得学习。

Formal

Easily Confused

慈悲 vs 恩惠 (ēnhuì)

Both involve doing something good for others.

恩惠 is a specific favor or benefit given, often creating a debt of gratitude. 慈悲 is a general state of compassion.

他给了我很多恩惠。

慈悲 vs 可怜 (kělián)

Both relate to seeing suffering.

可怜 is an adjective meaning 'pitiful' or 'pathetic.' 慈悲 is the virtue of responding to that state.

那个流浪汉真可怜。

慈悲 vs 慈祥 (cíxiáng)

Both start with '慈'.

慈祥 specifically describes the kind, gentle appearance of an elderly person. 慈悲 is the abstract virtue.

慈祥的老奶奶。

慈悲 vs 宽容 (kuānróng)

Both involve not being harsh.

宽容 is tolerance or forgiveness for mistakes. 慈悲 is a deeper desire to remove suffering.

我们要学会宽容他人。

慈悲 vs 同情 (tóngqíng)

Both involve feeling for others.

同情 is basic sympathy. 慈悲 is a higher, often selfless or spiritual, form of that feeling.

我同情你的遭遇。

Sentence Patterns

他是一个慈悲的人。

我爷爷是一个慈悲的人。

请你大发慈悲，帮帮我吧。

老板，请你大发慈悲，别开除我。

我们应该怀着慈悲之心对待世界。

志愿者们怀着慈悲之心来到了灾区。

慈悲并非……而是……

慈悲并非软弱，而是一种力量。

若无慈悲，……则……

若无慈悲，社会则会变得冷酷无情。

以慈悲为怀

医生应该以慈悲为怀。

展现出慈悲

他在最困难的时候展现出了慈悲。

慈悲的目光

他用慈悲的目光看着我。

Word Family

Nouns

慈悲心 (Compassionate heart)

慈悲行 (Compassionate act)

慈悲观 (Perspective of compassion)

Verbs

慈悲 (Rarely used as a verb, usually '行慈悲')

Adjectives

慈悲的 (Compassionate)

大慈大悲的 (Greatly compassionate)

善良

仁慈

怜悯

同情

布施

How to Use It

frequency

Common in literature, religion, and formal speech; rare in casual daily chores.

Common Mistakes

Using 慈悲 to mean 'pity' in a negative way. → 使用 '可怜' 或 '怜悯'。
慈悲 is always positive and noble. Pity can sometimes be condescending.
Using it as a verb: '我慈悲他'。 → 我对展现了慈悲。
慈悲 is not a transitive verb in Chinese.
Confusing 慈悲 (cíbēi) with 慈祥 (cíxiáng). → Use 慈祥 for an old person's look, 慈悲 for the virtue.
They share the first character but describe different things (look vs. virtue).
Using it in very casual settings. → Use 善良 or 人好 instead.
It sounds overly dramatic or religious in casual contexts.
Writing the top of '慈' as '兹' incorrectly. → Follow the stroke order for '兹'.
The top part is '兹' (zī), not '草' (grass).

Tips

Pair with '心'

The most common way to use it is as '慈悲之心' (heart of compassion). This sounds very natural in formal writing.

Religious context

If you are in a temple, use the word with great respect. It is a core tenet of faith for many people.

Noun vs Adjective

Remember that it's usually a noun. To use it as an adjective, add '的', as in '慈悲的行为'.

Contrast with 善良

Always ask yourself: Is this kindness everyday (善良) or profound (慈悲)? This helps you choose the right word.

Tone practice

The transition from the rising 2nd tone (cí) to the flat 1st tone (bēi) is a great exercise for tonal agility.

Radical memory

Remember the 'heart' (心) radical. Both parts of compassion come from the heart.

Idiom recognition

When you hear 'Ci Bei...', listen for 'Wei Huai' at the end. It's a very common set phrase.

Look for Guanyin

In texts about Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy), this word will appear frequently. It's her defining trait.

Avoid over-formality

Don't use it to thank someone for something small like holding the door. It will sound weirdly intense.

Think of 'Give and Take'

Think of 'Ci' as giving happiness and 'Bei' as taking away pain. This is the traditional definition.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ci' as 'Cheerful' (giving happiness) and 'Bei' as 'Beneath' (feeling the suffering beneath the surface). Together, they are Compassion.

Visual Association

Imagine a mother (慈) holding a child who is crying (悲), representing the act of comforting and removing pain.

Word Web

佛 (Buddha) 爱 (Love) 心 (Heart) 救 (Save) 苦 (Suffering) 善 (Good) 德 (Virtue) 恩 (Grace)

Challenge

Try to use '慈悲' in a sentence today to describe someone's profound kindness, rather than just using '善良'.

Word Origin

The term '慈悲' originates from Buddhist translations of Sanskrit terms 'Maitri' (慈) and 'Karuna' (悲). It entered the Chinese language during the Han Dynasty as Buddhism spread from India.

Original meaning: 慈 (cí) originally meant maternal love or kindness; 悲 (bēi) originally meant sorrow or grief.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese characters) with Indo-European (Sanskrit) conceptual roots.

Cultural Context

Avoid using '慈悲' in a mocking way, as it is a sacred term for many Buddhists. However, '大发慈悲' can be slightly playful in the right informal context.

English speakers often translate this as 'mercy,' but 'mercy' can sound like a superior sparing an inferior. 'Compassion' is a closer match for the horizontal, empathetic nature of 慈悲.

Guanyin (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) The movie 'Shaolin' (which explores themes of 慈悲) The Tzu Chi Foundation (a massive global charity named after this concept)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Religion

大慈大悲
慈悲喜舍
佛法慈悲
慈悲为怀

Charity

慈悲事业
慈悲捐助
慈悲机构
行慈悲

Literature/Drama

慈眉善目
慈悲心肠
展现慈悲
悲悯之情

Legal/Moral

大发慈悲
宽大为怀
慈悲法律
道德慈悲

Daily Life (Sarcastic)

你终于慈悲了
求你大发慈悲
假慈悲
别慈悲了

Conversation Starters

"你觉得在这个现代社会，慈悲心还重要吗？ (Do you think compassion is still important in this modern society?)"

"你最敬佩的慈悲的人是谁？ (Who is the compassionate person you admire most?)"

"有些时候，慈悲会不会变成一种软弱？ (At times, can compassion become a kind of weakness?)"

"在你的文化中，人们是如何定义慈悲的？ (In your culture, how do people define compassion?)"

"如果你大发慈悲，你会最想帮助哪一类人？ (If you were to show great mercy, which group of people would you most want to help?)"

Journal Prompts

描写一次你对他人展现慈悲的经历。当时你有什么感觉？ (Describe a time you showed compassion to someone else. How did you feel then?)

论述慈悲与正义之间的平衡。 (Discuss the balance between compassion and justice.)

想象一个完全没有慈悲的世界，那会是什么样子？ (Imagine a world completely without compassion; what would that be like?)

为什么佛教如此强调慈悲？ (Why does Buddhism emphasize compassion so much?)

记录今天你观察到的一个小小的慈悲之举。 (Record a small act of compassion you observed today.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, while it has strong Buddhist roots, it is a common word used in secular contexts to describe deep humanitarian compassion or mercy in history and literature.

It would be too formal. Use '善良' (shànliáng) or '热心' (rèxīn) for everyday kindness. '慈悲' is reserved for exceptional or spiritual kindness.

In Buddhist philosophy, '慈' (cí) is about giving happiness to others, while '悲' (bēi) is about removing their suffering.

Not always. In historical dramas or serious requests, it is sincere. However, in modern daily life, it is often used with a light, humorous, or sarcastic tone.

Both characters have the '心' (heart) radical at the bottom. '慈' has '兹' on top, and '悲' has '非' on top. Focus on the balance between the top and bottom parts.

It is a four-character idiom (chengyu) meaning to hold compassion as one's guiding principle. It is often used to describe virtuous people or leaders.

It is rare as a person's given name, but the character '慈' is frequently used in names (e.g., 慈禧 - Empress Dowager Cixi).

It is overwhelmingly positive, representing one of the highest virtues in Chinese culture.

It means 'fake compassion' or 'hypocrisy.' It is used to criticize someone who pretends to be kind but has bad intentions.

Yes, it can describe a judge or ruler showing mercy instead of strictly following a harsh law.