To be humble and open to learning from others is the fastest path to wisdom.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Open-minded and willing to accept advice.
- Shows a lack of arrogance.
- Essential for personal and professional growth.
1) 概述：虚心是一个褒义词，核心在于“空”与“纳”。它代表一个人内心没有傲慢的成见，像空杯子一样准备好接纳新的知识和建议。在中文语境下，虚心被视为一种高尚的品德，特别是在师生、上下级或学术交流中。
2) 使用方式：虚心通常作状语或定语。作为状语时，常修饰“接受”、“请教”、“学习”等动词，例如“虚心请教”。作为定语时，常与“态度”搭配，即“虚心的态度”。
3) 常见语境：它常出现在职场反馈、学术讨论或个人成长建议中。例如，领导鼓励员工要虚心听取客户意见，或者学生在寻求老师指导时表现得非常虚心。
4) 近义词辨析：与“谦虚”相比，“虚心”更强调“向外吸收”的过程，即为了进步而放下身段；而“谦虚”更侧重于个人性格的内敛，即不夸耀自己的成就。两者在很多情况下可以互换，但“虚心”动作性更强。
Examples
他总是虚心听取大家的意见。
everydayHe always listens to everyone's opinions with an open mind.
我们需要虚心接受市场的反馈。
formalWe need to be receptive to market feedback.
虚心使人进步，骄傲使人落后。
academicModesty helps one move forward; arrogance makes one fall behind.
你要虚心一点，别太固执。
informalYou should be more open-minded and not so stubborn.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
虚心求教
Humbly seek advice
保持虚心
Stay open-minded
虚心学习
Learn with an open mind
Often Confused With
谦虚 is more about personality, while 虚心 is more about the act of learning and accepting input.
虚伪 means hypocritical or fake, which is the complete opposite of the sincere nature of 虚心.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
虚心 is widely used in both formal and informal settings. It is a highly respected trait in Chinese society. It is almost always used as an adjective, often modifying how an action is performed.
Common Mistakes
Some learners confuse '虚心' with '虚伪'. Remember that '虚心' is a virtue, while '虚伪' is a character flaw. Do not use '虚心' to describe being shy or timid.
Tips
Use it with verbs of learning
Pair '虚心' with verbs like 请教 (ask for advice) or 学习 (learn) to sound natural. It emphasizes the active process of acquiring knowledge.
Don't confuse with empty
While '虚' means empty, '虚心' is not about being empty-headed. It means clearing your mind of ego to make space for others' wisdom.
Traditional Chinese values
In Confucian culture, being '虚心' is considered a prerequisite for becoming a sage. It reflects the value of constant self-improvement.
Word Origin
The word stems from the concept of an empty vessel in Taoist philosophy. An empty vessel can hold more, just as an open mind can learn more.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, 虚心 is linked to the concept of 'emptiness' being a strength. It is highly valued in educational and professional hierarchies.
Memory Tip
Imagine a cup that is empty (虚) and ready to be filled with water (knowledge). This 'empty heart' (虚心) is ready to learn.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions虚心侧重于学习的态度，即愿意接受别人的意见；谦虚则侧重于个人的修养，即不自满、不炫耀。
可以，这是一种高度赞美，表示长辈虽然资历深，但依然愿意听取晚辈的建议，非常有风度。
通常翻译为 open-minded 或 humble。如果强调学习，也可以用 receptive to feedback。
完全不是，虚心是一个非常正面的褒义词。它代表了进步的动力和良好的心理素质。
Test Yourself
作为一名新人，我们要保持___的态度，多向老员工请教。
虚心符合语境中‘多向他人请教’的需求。
下列哪种行为体现了虚心？
虚心就是愿意接纳建议并自我修正。
请教 / 虚心 / 他 / 向 / 老师
状语‘虚心’应放在动词‘请教’之前。
Score: /3
Summary
To be humble and open to learning from others is the fastest path to wisdom.
- Open-minded and willing to accept advice.
- Shows a lack of arrogance.
- Essential for personal and professional growth.
Use it with verbs of learning
Pair '虚心' with verbs like 请教 (ask for advice) or 学习 (learn) to sound natural. It emphasizes the active process of acquiring knowledge.
Don't confuse with empty
While '虚' means empty, '虚心' is not about being empty-headed. It means clearing your mind of ego to make space for others' wisdom.
Traditional Chinese values
In Confucian culture, being '虚心' is considered a prerequisite for becoming a sage. It reflects the value of constant self-improvement.
Examples
4 of 4他总是虚心听取大家的意见。
He always listens to everyone's opinions with an open mind.
我们需要虚心接受市场的反馈。
We need to be receptive to market feedback.
虚心使人进步，骄傲使人落后。
Modesty helps one move forward; arrogance makes one fall behind.
你要虚心一点，别太固执。
You should be more open-minded and not so stubborn.
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