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B1 adjective #4,500 most common 8 min read

心安

xinan Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 心安 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 心安 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you might not use '心安' (xīn'ān) very often, as it describes a complex feeling. However, you can think of it as a way to say you feel 'good' or 'peaceful' in your heart. You know '心' (xīn) means heart and '安' (ān) is in '天安门' (Tiananmen) or '安全' (ānquán - safe). So, '心安' is when your heart feels safe. You might hear it when someone says they are happy because their family is okay. It is a 'quiet' kind of happy. For beginners, just remember that it is about how you feel inside, not about a quiet room. You can use it in simple sentences like '我心安' (I am at ease), though adding '感到' (feel) makes it better. It's a positive word!

At the A2 level, you can start using '心安' (xīn'ān) to describe feelings of relief. For example, after an exam is over, or when you find something you lost, you might feel '心安'. It is different from '开心' (kāixīn - happy) because '心安' is more about a lack of worry. You should recognize that it consists of two very common characters. You can use it with '让' (ràng - to make/let), like '他的话让我心安' (His words make me feel at ease). This is a great way to express that someone's presence or words helped you stop worrying. It's an important word for describing emotional safety and the beginning of understanding 'conscience' in Chinese.

At the B1 level, you should understand that '心安' (xīn'ān) often has a moral or ethical component. It's not just about being 'relaxed' (轻松); it's about having a clear conscience. If you do something helpful, you feel '心安'. If you do something you know is wrong, you might feel '不心安' (bù xīn'ān). You should also learn the common idiom '心安理得' (xīn'ān lǐ dé), which means to feel at ease because you know you are in the right. At this level, you can start using '心安' to explain your motivations, such as why you chose a certain path or why you refused to do something dishonest. It's a key word for discussing values and personal feelings.

At the B2 level, you can use '心安' (xīn'ān) in more abstract and literary ways. You'll encounter it in discussions about life philosophy and the 'search for peace'. For example, the phrase '此心安处是吾乡' (Where the heart is at ease, there is my home) is a famous line that B2 students should recognize. You should also be able to distinguish '心安' from similar words like '踏实' (tāshi - grounded/secure) and '坦然' (tǎnrán - unperturbed). '心安' is specifically about the internal state of the '心' (heart/mind). You might use it in essays to describe a character's internal resolution or in debates about the importance of integrity over material gain.

At the C1 level, your use of '心安' (xīn'ān) should reflect a deep understanding of its cultural and philosophical roots. It is tied to the concept of '问心无愧' (wèn xīn wú kuì - to have a clear conscience). You should be able to use it to discuss complex moral dilemmas where '心安' is the ultimate arbiter of a decision. You can explore how '心安' is used in classical and modern literature to represent a character's spiritual home. Your ability to use '心安' in formal writing, perhaps contrasting it with social pressure or external success, will demonstrate high-level proficiency. You should also be familiar with how this term is used in the context of '安心立命' (finding one's place in life and being at peace).

At the C2 level, '心安' (xīn'ān) is a tool for nuanced expression in high-level discourse. You can analyze its usage in different historical periods of Chinese literature, from the works of Su Dongpo to modern existentialist writers. You should understand the subtle interplay between '心安' and other Confucian virtues like '仁' (benevolence) and '义' (righteousness). In professional or academic settings, you can use '心安' to discuss the psychological state of a population or the ethical implications of systemic changes. Your command of the word should allow you to use it in metaphors and complex rhetorical structures, showing that you grasp not just the definition, but the 'soul' of the word in the Chinese linguistic consciousness.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

心安 in 30 Seconds

心安 (xīn'ān) means 'at ease' or 'peace of mind', focusing on internal tranquility and a clear conscience.
It is often used when a worry is resolved or when one acts according to their moral values.
Commonly paired with verbs like '感到' (feel) or used in the idiom '心安理得' (clear conscience).
Unlike '安静' (quiet), '心安' refers to internal peace rather than external silence.

The Chinese term 心安 (xīn'ān) is a profound psychological and moral adjective that describes a state of internal peace, tranquility, and a clear conscience. While the English translation 'at ease' or 'relieved' captures the surface level, 心安 carries a heavy weight of ethical satisfaction. In the Chinese worldview, the 'heart' (心) is the seat of both emotion and logic. When your heart is 'peaceful' (安), it implies that your actions have aligned with your values, leaving no room for guilt, anxiety, or internal conflict. It is the opposite of being 'restless' or 'troubled by one's conscience.'

Literal Meaning: The character 心 (xīn) means heart or mind, and 安 (ān) means peace, safety, or stability. Together, they signify a heart that is anchored and not wavering.
Moral Connotation: Often used in the context of doing the right thing. If you help someone in need, even if it was difficult, you feel 心安. If you cheat, you might feel 不安 (bù'ān - uneasy).
Emotional Relief: It is also used when a long-standing worry is resolved. For example, knowing your parents are healthy and safe makes you feel 心安.

只要问心无愧，就能处处心安。(As long as you have a clear conscience, you can feel at ease everywhere.)

You will encounter this word in daily life when people discuss their decisions. For instance, someone might turn down a high-paying job that involves unethical practices because taking it wouldn't make them feel 心安. It is also a very common word in literature and song lyrics, often symbolizing a return to one's true self or a place of belonging. As the famous saying goes, '此心安处是吾乡' (Where the heart is at ease, there is my home).

听到了孩子平安的消息，他终于感到心安了。(Upon hearing news of the child's safety, he finally felt at ease.)

In a modern context, 心安 is also used in marketing and services. Insurance companies or security systems often use this word to promise 'peace of mind' to their customers. However, the emotional depth of 心安 remains primarily personal and internal. It is a quiet, steady feeling rather than an explosive joy.

Using 心安 (xīn'ān) correctly requires understanding its role as an adjective that usually follows verbs of feeling or state. It is rarely used to modify a noun directly (like 'a peaceful heart') without a linking particle, though it can happen in poetic contexts. Most commonly, it functions as a predicative adjective or a resultative complement.

Structure 1: Subject + (感到/觉得) + 心安: This is the most common way to express that someone feels at ease.
Example: 看到你没事，我就心安了。 (Seeing that you are okay, I feel at ease.)
Structure 2: Subject + 让/令 + Person + 心安: Used when something or someone provides a sense of security to someone else.
Example: 他的话让我感到很心安。 (His words made me feel very much at ease.)
Structure 3: Verb + 得 + 心安: Focuses on the manner in which an action is performed.
Example: 这笔钱拿得不心安。 (Taking this money doesn't feel right/leaves me with an uneasy conscience.)

只有诚实做事，才能睡得心安。(Only by doing things honestly can one sleep with a clear conscience.)

It is important to note the difference between 心安 and 安心 (ānxīn). While they share the same characters, 安心 is often a verb meaning 'to feel relieved' or 'to set one's mind at rest' (e.g., 请安心 - please don't worry). 心安 is more about the internal state of being at peace. You '安心' (settle your mind) in order to achieve '心安' (the state of being at ease).

In formal writing, 心安 often appears in the idiom 心安理得 (xīn'ān lǐ dé). This four-character idiom is used to describe someone who feels they have done nothing wrong and thus has a perfectly clear conscience. For example: 他心安理得地接受了这份奖励。 (He accepted the reward with a clear conscience.) This implies he truly believes he deserves it and hasn't cheated to get it.

You will encounter 心安 (xīn'ān) in a variety of settings, ranging from intimate family conversations to high-level philosophical discussions. It is a word that resonates deeply with the Chinese cultural emphasis on social harmony and personal integrity.

In Family Life: Parents often use this word when talking about their children's safety. '只要你平安回家，我就心安了' (As long as you come home safe, I will be at ease). It expresses the relief of a guardian.
In Professional Ethics: In the workplace, colleagues might discuss whether a certain shortcut is ethical. Someone might say, '这样做虽然快，但我心里不心安' (Even though this is faster, I don't feel right about it in my heart).
In Pop Culture and Music: Many Mandopop songs use '心安' to describe the feeling of being with a loved one who feels like 'home'. It conveys a sense of belonging and security that transcends mere physical presence.

有你在身边，我感到特别心安。(With you by my side, I feel especially at ease.)

In news reports, especially those concerning social justice or charity, you might hear donors saying that helping others makes them feel 心安. Here, the word bridges the gap between individual emotion and social responsibility. It suggests that humans have a natural inclination toward kindness, and fulfilling that inclination brings a unique kind of peace.

Furthermore, in the context of mental health and wellness (which is becoming a bigger topic in urban China), 心安 is often used to describe the goal of meditation or mindfulness practices. It's about finding that 'inner peace' that isn't disturbed by the chaos of modern life. It's not just about 'not being stressed', but about reaching a state where your soul feels grounded.

While 心安 (xīn'ān) might seem straightforward, English speakers often confuse it with other 'peace' or 'quiet' related words in Chinese. Understanding these nuances is key to sounding like a native speaker.

Mistake 1: Using '心安' for Physical Silence: Incorrect: 这个图书馆很心安。 (This library is very 'at ease'.)
Correct: 这个图书馆很安静 (ānjìng)。
Reason: 心安 is internal; 安静 is external environmental silence.
Mistake 2: Confusing '心安' with '安心': Incorrect: 请你心安。 (Please feel at ease - used as a command).
Correct: 请你安心 (ānxīn)。
Reason: 安心 is often used as a verb meaning 'to set one's mind at ease' or 'to stop worrying'. 心安 is the resulting state.
Mistake 3: Overusing it for simple happiness: Incorrect: 我吃到了好吃的冰淇淋，我很心安。
Correct: 我很开心 (kāixīn)。
Reason: 心安 is a deep, often moral peace. Eating ice cream is a transient pleasure, not a matter of conscience or deep security.

Incorrect: 他的解释让我很安静。
Correct: 他的解释让我感到很心安。

Another subtle mistake is the placement of degree adverbs. While you can say 很心安, you often see it paired with verbs like 感到 (gǎndào - to feel) or 觉得 (juéde - to think/feel). Simply saying 我心安 sounds a bit clipped or poetic; 我感到心安 is much more natural in speech.

To truly master 心安 (xīn'ān), it's helpful to compare it with its synonyms. Each word carries a slightly different shade of meaning, and choosing the right one will make your Chinese sound much more sophisticated.

心安 vs. 踏实 (tāshi): 踏实 literally means 'feet on solid ground'. It is used when you feel secure because a situation is stable or you have worked hard. 心安 is more about the conscience; 踏实 is more about the lack of worry regarding practical matters.
心安 vs. 坦然 (tǎnrán): 坦然 means to be calm and unperturbed, especially in the face of accusation or difficulty. It implies a certain level of openness. If you are 坦然, you have nothing to hide. 心安 is the internal feeling of that state.
心安 vs. 宁静 (níngjìng): 宁静 is often used for a peaceful environment or a very high-level state of mental tranquility (serenity). It is more poetic and less about 'conscience' than 心安.

Comparison:
- 做完作业我感到踏实。(I feel steady/secure after finishing homework.)
- 没做坏事我感到心安。(I feel at ease because I did nothing wrong.)

In some contexts, you might also use 自在 (zìzài), which means 'at ease' or 'comfortable' in a social sense, as in not feeling awkward. 心安 is much deeper than 自在. You can feel 自在 at a party, but you feel 心安 in your life choices.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '安' (peace) is composed of 'woman' under a 'roof'. In ancient times, this suggested that a home was peaceful when the domestic sphere was stable. Today, '心安' extends this 'domestic' peace to the 'internal' home of the mind.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃɪn æn/

US /ʃɪn æn/

The stress is equal on both syllables, but the pitch change between Tone 1 and Tone 2 is the key focus.

Rhymes With

平安 (píng'ān) 长安 (cháng'ān) 不安 (bù'ān) 晚安 (wǎn'ān) 早安 (zǎo'ān) 口安 (kǒu'ān) 定安 (dìng'ān) 公安 (gōng'ān)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'x' as a hard 'sh' like in 'shoe'. It should be softer.
Using the wrong tone for 'an' (e.g., Tone 4 instead of Tone 2).
Merging the two sounds into one syllable.
Pronouncing 'in' like 'een' in 'seen'.
Ignoring the slight gap/transition between the two characters.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are simple, but the philosophical nuance requires B1 level reading comprehension.

Writing 4/5

Using '心安' correctly in resultative structures (like 拿得心安) is a bit tricky for learners.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but often confused with '安心'.

Listening 3/5

Common in TV dramas and songs, usually easy to pick out.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

心 (Heart) 安 (Peace) 安全 (Safe) 舒服 (Comfortable) 担心 (Worry)

Learn Next

踏实 (Grounded) 坦然 (Unperturbed) 问心无愧 (Clear conscience) 理得 (Justified) 宁静 (Serene)

Advanced

禅定 (Zen meditation) 修身 (Self-cultivation) 安之若素 (Bear hardships with equanimity) 泰然自若 (Composed)

Grammar to Know

Resultative Complements with '得'

他这笔钱拿得**心安**。(He took this money with a clear conscience.)

Causative Verbs '让/令'

你的话**让**我很**心安**。(Your words make me feel at ease.)

Adverbs of Degree

我感到**格外**心安。(I feel especially at ease.)

Conditional '只要...就...'

**只要**你没事，我**就**心安了。(As long as you are okay, I'll be at ease.)

Topic-Comment Structure

这件事，我心里很**不心安**。(Regarding this matter, I feel very uneasy in my heart.)

Examples by Level

我看到妈妈，我很心安。

I see my mom, I am at ease.

Simple Subject + Adverb + Adjective structure.

家让我心安。

Home makes me feel at ease.

Using '让' to show cause and effect.

他不来，我不心安。

If he doesn't come, I am not at ease.

Negation with '不'.

你平安，我就心安。

If you are safe, I will be at ease.

Conditional '就' used for reassurance.

这里很安全，我很心安。

It is safe here, I am at ease.

Connecting safety (安全) to feeling (心安).

老师的话让我心安。

The teacher's words made me feel at ease.

Subject is 'Teacher's words'.

我有钱，我心安。

I have money, I am at ease.

A1-level simple logic.

你在这里，我很心安。

You are here, I am very much at ease.

Using '在这里' as a condition.

考试结束了，我终于感到心安了。

The exam is over, I finally feel at ease.

Use of '终于' (finally) and '感到' (feel).

听到医生说没事，他才心安。

He only felt at ease after hearing the doctor say it was nothing.

Use of '才' to show a necessary condition.

这份工作虽然累，但让我心安。

This job is tiring, but it makes me feel at ease.

Contrast using '虽然...但...'.

只要你喜欢，我就心安了。

As long as you like it, I'll be at ease.

The '只要...就...' structure.

没做错事，心里就很心安。

If you haven't done anything wrong, your heart feels at ease.

Topic-comment structure: '心里' as the topic.

他在我身边，我觉得很心安。

He is by my side, I feel very much at ease.

Using '觉得' to express a feeling.

找到钱包后，她感到很心安。

After finding her wallet, she felt very relieved.

Time phrase '...后' (after).

为了让你心安，我给你打个电话。

To make you feel at ease, I'll give you a call.

Purpose clause with '为了'.

钱虽然不多，但拿得心安。

The money isn't much, but I can take it with a clear conscience.

Resultative complement structure: 'Verb + 得 + Adjective'.

他做人诚实，所以处处心安。

He is an honest person, so he is at ease everywhere.

Cause and effect with '所以'.

如果你不把真相说出来，你永远不会心安。

If you don't tell the truth, you will never be at ease.

Conditional with '如果'.

这种心安的感觉是金钱买不到的。

This kind of feeling of being at ease cannot be bought with money.

Using '心安' as an attributive to '感觉'.

看到孩子们都长大了，他感到十分心安。

Seeing that the children have all grown up, he feels very much at ease.

Degree adverb '十分' (extremely).

他心安理得地接受了大家的感谢。

He accepted everyone's thanks with a clear conscience.

Using the idiom '心安理得' as an adverbial.

虽然任务很重，但有团队支持，我感到很心安。

Although the task is heavy, with the team's support, I feel at ease.

Multiple clauses showing contrast and condition.

只有说实话，我才能心安。

Only by telling the truth can I be at ease.

'只有...才...' structure.

在喧闹的都市中，找一份心安并不容易。

In a noisy city, finding a sense of inner peace is not easy.

Using '心安' as a noun-like object of '找'.

他的一生追求的不过是内心的心安而已。

What he pursued his whole life was nothing more than inner peace.

Emphatic structure '不过是...而已'.

这种违背良心的事情，我做不到心安。

I cannot feel at ease doing something that goes against my conscience.

Verb-object phrase as a topic.

唯有问心无愧，方能得一生心安。

Only with a clear conscience can one achieve lifelong peace of mind.

Formal/Literary particles '唯有' and '方能'.

他选择了放弃名利，只为求个心安。

He chose to give up fame and wealth just for the sake of peace of mind.

Purpose phrase '只为求个...'.

面对质疑，他表现得非常心安，因为他没有撒谎。

Facing doubts, he appeared very much at ease because he didn't lie.

State complement '表现得...'.

这种安全感带给人们长久的心安。

This sense of security brings people a long-lasting peace of mind.

Dative structure '带给...心安'.

无论环境如何变化，他始终保持着一份心安。

No matter how the environment changes, he always maintains a sense of inner peace.

'无论...始终...' structure.

苏轼曾言：“此心安处是吾乡”，道尽了人生的真谛。

Su Shi once said, 'Where the heart is at ease, there is my home,' which expresses the essence of life.

Quotation of classical literature.

在利益的诱惑面前，守住那份心安才是最重要的。

In the face of the temptation of interests, keeping that sense of peace is the most important thing.

Complex nominalized subject.

这种心安并非来自物质的充裕，而是源于内心的充实。

This peace of mind does not come from material abundance, but from inner fulfillment.

'并非...而是...' (not... but rather...).

他以一种近乎禅定的状态，享受着此刻的心安。

In a state almost like Zen meditation, he enjoys the peace of mind of this moment.

Descriptive adverbial '以一种...的状态'.

对于一个漂泊者来说，心安才是最大的奢望。

For a wanderer, peace of mind is the greatest luxury.

Prepositional phrase '对于...来说'.

他的坦率让所有人都感到一种莫名的心安。

His frankness made everyone feel an indescribable sense of ease.

Use of '莫名的' (indescribable/mysterious).

在这纷繁复杂的世界里，唯有自律能让人心安。

In this complicated world, only self-discipline can make one feel at ease.

Literary '唯有'.

他深知，若无道德的约束，便无长久的心安。

He knows well that without the constraints of morality, there is no lasting peace of mind.

Formal conditional '若无...便无...'.

心安是儒家修身齐家的基石，也是个体通往自由的必经之路。

Peace of mind is the cornerstone of the Confucian self-cultivation and family management, and the necessary path for individuals to achieve freedom.

Philosophical and academic terminology.

他在作品中反复探讨“心安”与“物欲”之间的剧烈冲突。

In his works, he repeatedly explores the intense conflict between 'peace of mind' and 'material desire'.

Abstract noun usage in literary criticism.

这种心安是建立在对社会责任的深刻理解之上的。

This peace of mind is built upon a profound understanding of social responsibility.

Complex passive-like structure '建立在...之上'.

纵使身处逆境，只要心安，便能泰然处之。

Even in adversity, as long as the heart is at ease, one can handle it with composure.

Advanced conjunctions '纵使...只要...便能'.

他追求的是一种超越世俗成败的、永恒的心安。

What he pursues is an eternal peace of mind that transcends worldly success or failure.

Complex attributive clauses.

心安理得并非自满，而是一种对自己行为的终极确信。

Having a clear conscience is not complacency, but an ultimate conviction in one's own actions.

Philosophical definition structure.

在现代性的焦虑面前，心安成为了某种稀缺的精神资源。

In the face of modern anxiety, peace of mind has become a scarce spiritual resource.

Metaphorical usage in social commentary.

唯有在寂静的独处中，人才能真正审视自己的心安。

Only in silent solitude can one truly examine one's own peace of mind.

Inverted-like structure with '唯有'.

Synonyms

安心踏实坦然自在宁静舒坦宽慰泰然

Antonyms

不安忐忑愧疚焦虑

Common Collocations

感到心安

求个心安

内心的心安

并不心安

格外心安

长久的心安

获得心安

让人心安

睡得心安

一份心安

Common Phrases

心安理得

— To feel at ease because one's conscience is clear. It describes someone who acts without guilt.

他心安理得地享受着假期。

此心安处是吾乡

— Where the heart is at ease, there is my home. A famous literary quote about belonging.

对他来说，此心安处是吾乡。

问心无愧，方能心安

— Only with a clear conscience can one be at ease. A common moral guideline.

做人要问心无愧，方能心安。

求个心安

— To do something just to satisfy one's conscience or to stop worrying.

我捐钱只是想求个心安。

心里不心安

— To feel uneasy or guilty in one's heart.

骗了朋友，我心里很不心安。

让父母心安

— To act in a way that prevents one's parents from worrying.

好好学习就是为了让父母心安。

求得片刻心安

— To seek a moment of peace in a busy or stressful life.

在书店里，我求得片刻心安。

一种莫名的心安

— An indescribable or mysterious sense of peace.

他的声音给我一种莫名的心安。

换取心安

— To exchange something (like money or effort) to gain peace of mind.

他想用道歉换取心安。

求一生心安

— To seek a lifetime of peace of mind through moral living.

不贪不占，求一生心安。

Often Confused With

心安 vs 安心

安心 is usually a verb meaning 'to stop worrying'. 心安 is the state of being at ease.

心安 vs 安静

安静 refers to environmental silence. 心安 refers to internal peace.

心安 vs 安全

安全 is physical safety. 心安 is psychological relief.

Idioms & Expressions

"心安理得"

— To feel at ease and justified; with a clear conscience.

既然是自己努力得来的，他拿这份奖金心安理得。

Neutral/Formal

"处之泰然"

— To handle a situation with calm and composure.

面对突发状况，他处之泰然。

Formal

"问心无愧"

— To have a clear conscience; to feel no shame when examining one's heart.

只要问心无愧，就不怕别人议论。

Neutral

"随遇而安"

— To feel at home wherever one is; to be comfortable in any situation.

他性格开朗，到哪儿都能随遇而安。

Neutral

"高枕无忧"

— To sleep soundly without any worries; to be totally at ease.

有了这笔保险金，他就可以高枕无忧了。

Informal/Neutral

"心平气和"

— Calm and reasonable; even-tempered.

我们应该心平气和地谈谈。

Neutral

"宁静致远"

— Tranquility yields transcendence; only through inner peace can one achieve great things.

淡泊明志，宁静致远。

Literary

"安贫乐道"

— Content with poverty and devoted to the truth/way.

古代许多隐士都过着安贫乐道的生活。

Literary

"坦荡荡"

— Magnanimous and open-hearted (from 'The superior man is always at ease').

君子坦荡荡，小人长戚戚。

Literary

"心如止水"

— A mind as calm as still water.

经过多年的修行，他的内心已是心如止水。

Literary

Easily Confused

心安 vs 踏实 (tāshi)

Both mean 'at ease'.

踏实 emphasizes stability and having no worries because things are handled. 心安 emphasizes a clear conscience.

活儿干完了，心里很踏实。没做亏心事，心里很心安。

心安 vs 放心 (fàngxīn)

Both relate to feeling better.

放心 means to 'rest assured' or 'stop worrying' about a specific event. 心安 is a more general state of peace.

你办事，我放心。

心安 vs 自在 (zìzài)

Both mean 'comfortable'.

自在 is about feeling free and not awkward. 心安 is about feeling morally or emotionally settled.

他在朋友家感到很自在。

心安 vs 宁静 (níngjìng)

Both mean 'peaceful'.

宁静 is often used for the atmosphere or a high-level serene mindset. 心安 is used for relief or conscience.

夜晚的森林很宁静。

心安 vs 坦然 (tǎnrán)

Both involve a clear conscience.

坦然 focuses on being calm and open when facing others or difficulties. 心安 is the internal feeling.

他坦然承认了自己的错误。

Sentence Patterns

我 + [Adverb] + 心安。

我很心安。

[Something/Someone] + 让 + 我 + 心安。

家让我心安。

感到 + [Adverb] + 心安。

感到十分心安。

Verb + 得 + 心安。

活得心安。

为了 + 求个 + 心安。

为了求个心安，他道歉了。

只要...就心安了。

只要你平安，我就心安了。

此...处是...心安。

此心安处是吾乡。

建立在...之上的心安。

建立在诚实之上的心安。

Word Family

Nouns

安心 (ānxīn - peace of mind/relief)

安全性 (ānquánxìng - security/safety)

Verbs

安抚 (ānfǔ - to appease/comfort)

安置 (ānzhì - to settle/place)

Adjectives

安静 (ānjìng - quiet)

安稳 (ānwěn - stable/secure)

良心 (liángxīn - conscience)

平静 (píngjìng - calm)

宽慰 (kuānwèi - relieved)

踏实 (tāshi - steady)

坦然 (tǎnrán - unperturbed)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in both written and spoken Mandarin.

Common Mistakes

Using '心安' for a quiet environment. → 使用 '安静' (ānjìng).
心安 is for feelings; 安静 is for noise levels.
Saying '请你心安' to mean 'don't worry'. → 说 '请你安心' (ānxīn).
安心 is the verb used for requests; 心安 is an adjective for the state.
Confusing '心安' with '安全' (safety). → 意识到 '安全' 是外部的, '心安' 是内部的。
You can be in a safe (安全) place but still feel uneasy (不心安) if you are guilty.
Using '心安' to mean 'physically relaxed'. → 使用 '轻松' (qīngsōng) 或 '舒服' (shūfu).
心安 is about the mind and conscience, not the body.
Misplacing the idiom '心安理得'. → 把他当作副词或形容词使用。
It should describe the manner of an action or a person's state, e.g., '他心安理得地拿走了钱'。

Tips

Pair with '感到'

To sound most natural, use '感到心安' (feel at ease). This is the most common way to express the feeling in speech.

Resultative Complement

Try using it after '得', like '吃得心安' or '睡得心安'. It adds a layer of 'doing something with a clear conscience'.

Moral Weight

Remember that '心安' often implies you've done the right thing. It's not just about being relaxed; it's about being 'right' with yourself.

Don't confuse with '安全'

Safety (安全) is about protection from harm. Heart-peace (心安) is about your internal state. You can be '安全' but not '心安' if you feel guilty.

Learn '心安理得'

This is one of the most useful idioms. It means you feel you deserve what you have and have no reason to feel guilty.

Use for Relief

When a character in a story finally hears good news, describe their state as '心安' to show their worry has vanished.

Reassuring Others

Use '只要你没事，我就心安了' to tell someone you were worried about them but are now relieved.

Context Clues

If you hear '心安' in a drama, look for the moral dilemma that was just resolved. It's usually the key.

Root Characters

Remember: 心 (Heart) + 安 (Peace) = Heart-Peace. It's one of the most logical compounds in Chinese.

Inner Peace

In modern wellness contexts, '心安' is often the translation for 'inner peace'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '心' as your heart and '安' as the 'An' in 'Anchor'. Your heart is anchored and doesn't drift when you are '心安'.

Visual Association

Imagine a woman (女) sitting peacefully under a roof (宀) inside a large heart (心). The heart is her safe house.

Word Web

心 (Heart) 安 (Peace) 平安 (Safe) 安心 (Relieved) 不安 (Uneasy) 安稳 (Stable) 心理 (Psychology) 安宁 (Tranquil)

Challenge

Try to go through a whole day doing only things that make you feel '心安'. At the end of the day, write down one thing that made you feel this way.

Word Origin

The term combines two foundational Chinese characters. '心' (xīn) dates back to oracle bone script as a pictograph of a physical heart. '安' (ān) is a phono-semantic compound showing a woman (女) under a roof (宀), originally signifying safety or peace at home.

Original meaning: A heart that is safe and at rest.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

Generally a very positive and safe word. However, telling someone '你应该求个心安' (You should seek some peace of mind) can sometimes imply that they have done something wrong, so use it carefully as advice.

Similar to 'peace of mind' or 'clear conscience', but '心安' is used more frequently in daily conversation to describe basic emotional states.

Su Shi's poem: '此心安处是吾乡' (Where this heart is at ease, there is my home). Confucius in 'The Analects' discussing the 'Junzi' (Superior Man) being always at ease. Modern Mandopop song '心安' by various artists, focusing on romantic security.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family and Safety

孩子平安就好，我也心安了。
让家里人多一份心安。
听到你的声音我就心安了。
平安回家，全家心安。

Ethics and Work

这钱赚得心安理得。
这样做我不心安。
求个心安，把真相说了吧。
良心做事，一生心安。

Emotional Support

你的存在让我很心安。
有你在，我感到格外心安。
他的话给了我很大的心安。
找一个能让你心安的人。

Personal Growth

追求内心的心安。
此心安处是吾乡。
学会让自己心安。
寻找一份久违的心安。

Services and Marketing

全方位的保障，让您心安。
选择我们，就是选择心安。
一份保险，一份心安。
贴心服务，让您倍感心安。

Conversation Starters

"你觉得做什么事情最能让你感到心安？ (What do you think makes you feel most at ease?)"

"在陌生的城市里，什么会让你感到心安？ (In a strange city, what makes you feel at ease?)"

"你同意“此心安处是吾乡”这句话吗？ (Do you agree with the saying 'Where the heart is at ease, there is my home'?)"

"当你感到不心安的时候，你会做什么？ (What do you do when you don't feel at ease?)"

"你认为金钱能买到真正的心安吗？ (Do you think money can buy true peace of mind?)"

Journal Prompts

写一件让你感到心安的小事。 (Write about a small thing that made you feel at ease.)

描述一个让你感到心安的人，为什么他/她有这种力量？ (Describe a person who makes you feel at ease, why do they have this power?)

谈谈你对“心安理得”这个词的理解。 (Talk about your understanding of the term 'clear conscience'.)

如果你做了一件错事，你会如何找回心安？ (If you did something wrong, how would you find your peace of mind again?)

比较“心安”和“快乐”的区别。 (Compare the difference between 'at ease' and 'happy'.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, '心安' refers to internal peace of mind, not external silence. For a quiet room, use '安静' (ānjìng).

It is primarily an adjective, but it can function as a resultative complement after a verb (e.g., 睡得心安).

'安心' is often a verb meaning 'to rest one's mind' (e.g., 请安心). '心安' is the state of feeling at ease.

You can use the idiom '心安理得' (xīn'ān lǐ dé) or '问心无愧' (wèn xīn wú kuì).

Yes, it is very appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing ethics or personal feelings.

Yes, it describes a positive state of peace and relief.

Yes, it is grammatically correct, though '我感到心安' sounds slightly more natural in many contexts.

Not directly, but it can describe the relief felt when a health concern is cleared.

The most direct opposite is '不安' (bù'ān), which means uneasy or anxious.

Very common! It often appears in songs about love, home, or finding oneself.