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B1 adjective #6,000 most common 10 min read

诚恳

chéngkěn Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 诚恳 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 诚恳 in your Level:

At the A1 level, think of '诚恳' (chéngkěn) as a very 'good' and 'honest' way of talking or acting. Even though it's a bit advanced for beginners, you can understand it as 'really meaning what you say.' Imagine you say 'I'm sorry' and you really feel it in your heart—that is being '诚恳'. It is usually used with '很' (hěn - very). For example, '他很诚恳' (He is very sincere). It's a positive word used to describe nice people who are serious about their feelings. You don't need to worry about the complex characters yet, just remember the sound 'chéng kěn' and that it means someone is being genuine and not joking or lying.

For A2 learners, '诚恳' (chéngkěn) is an adjective used to describe someone's attitude (态度 tàidù). When you learn words like 'honest' (诚实 chéngshí), you can add '诚恳' to your vocabulary to talk about *how* people speak. While '诚实' is about telling the truth, '诚恳' is about the feeling behind the words. You will often see it in the pattern '诚恳地 + Verb' (sincerely doing something). For example, '诚恳地道歉' (to apologize sincerely). It's a great word to use when you want to show that you are serious and respectful in a conversation. It makes your Chinese sound much more polite and mature.

At the B1 level, '诚恳' (chéngkěn) is a key vocabulary item for describing interpersonal relationships and professional attitudes. You should distinguish it from '真诚' (zhēnchéng). While '真诚' describes a person's general character, '诚恳' often describes a specific action or manner, such as a '诚恳的建议' (sincere suggestion) or '诚恳的谈话' (an earnest conversation). It implies a level of gravity and respect. In workplace scenarios, being '诚恳' is a valued trait that builds trust. You should be able to use it as an attributive (诚恳的态度) and an adverbial (诚恳地解释). It conveys that the speaker is being deeply genuine and is not being superficial or perfunctory.

At the B2 level, you should master the nuanced differences between '诚恳' and its synonyms like '恳切' (kěnqiè) and '诚挚' (chéngzhì). '诚恳' is the most versatile, suitable for both spoken and written contexts. It often appears in discussions about social ethics and communication styles. For instance, in an essay about conflict resolution, you might argue that '诚恳的沟通是解决矛盾的关键' (Sincere communication is the key to resolving conflicts). You should also recognize its use in formal letters and news reports. At this level, you should understand that '诚恳' implies a lack of '虚伪' (hypocrisy) and is a reflection of one's '修养' (self-cultivation/manners).

For C1 learners, '诚恳' (chéngkěn) should be understood within its cultural and philosophical context. It relates to the Confucian concept of '诚' (sincerity/integrity), which is considered the 'Way of Heaven.' In literary analysis, you might examine a character's '诚恳' as a narrative device that establishes their reliability or moral weight. You should be able to use the word in complex sentence structures, such as '他那番诚恳动人的话语，不仅化解了积压已久的误会，更赢得了众人的由衷敬佩' (His sincere and moving words not only dissolved long-standing misunderstandings but also won the heartfelt admiration of everyone). You should also be familiar with idioms and classical phrases that incorporate these characters.

At the C2 level, '诚恳' (chéngkěn) is a tool for precise expression in high-level discourse. You can use it to discuss the nuances of diplomatic rhetoric, where the 'sincerity' of a statement is analyzed for its underlying political implications. You might explore the paradox of 'performing' sincerity in modern media. In academic writing, you could use '诚恳' to describe an author's methodological transparency or their genuine engagement with a subject. At this level, you possess a deep intuitive grasp of when '诚恳' is the exact right word to use to convey a specific blend of earnestness, gravity, and emotional honesty, distinguishing it effortlessly from more formal or more casual alternatives.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

诚恳 in 30 Seconds

Means 'sincere' or 'earnest,' focusing on the depth and honesty of one's attitude.
Commonly used in apologies, requests, and professional feedback to build trust.
Differs from 'honest' (诚实) by emphasizing emotional depth rather than just factual truth.
A highly positive trait in Chinese culture, associated with integrity and reliability.

The Chinese word 诚恳 (chéngkěn) is a powerful adjective that translates primarily to 'sincere,' 'earnest,' or 'genuine.' In the tapestry of Chinese social interaction, it represents a deep level of authenticity that goes beyond mere politeness. While 'politeness' (礼貌 lǐmào) can sometimes be a performative social lubricant, chéngkěn describes a state where one's external expression perfectly matches their internal intent. It is the bridge between the heart and the spoken word.

Core Meaning: The quality of being serious, honest, and truly meaning what one says or does, especially in interpersonal communication.
Etymological Nuance: The character 诚 (chéng) combines 'speech' (言) with 'completion' (成), suggesting that one's words are fulfilled by their reality. The character 恳 (kěn) combines 'earnestness' with 'heart' (心), implying a deep-seated, pressing desire to be understood or to help.

You will typically encounter this word in contexts where the stakes of human connection are high. For instance, when someone is apologizing for a significant mistake, their apology is only effective if it is perceived as 诚恳. If a salesperson is trying to convince you of a product's value, they might strive to appear 诚恳 to build trust. It is a word that evaluates the 'weight' of a person's character in a specific moment.

他的道歉非常诚恳，大家都原谅了他。(His apology was very sincere, so everyone forgave him.)

In Chinese culture, being described as chéngkěn is a high compliment. It suggests that you are not 'slippery' (油滑 yóuhuá) or superficial. It implies a sense of reliability. For example, in a job interview, an employer isn't just looking for skills; they are looking for a chéngkěn attitude—someone who is serious about the role and honest about their capabilities.

Furthermore, chéngkěn is frequently used to describe a person's general demeanor or a specific request. If you ask someone for a favor and your request is chéngkěn, it means you aren't just being demanding; you are showing that you truly need the help and appreciate the other person's effort. It is the antidote to arrogance and the opposite of hypocrisy.

她用最诚恳的语气向老师请教问题。(She asked the teacher for advice in the most earnest tone.)

To use chéngkěn correctly, remember that it is almost always positive. You wouldn't use it to describe a 'sincere' villain in a sarcastic way unless you were being very literary. It is a word of virtue. It is about the 'heart' (心) being in the right place, making it a cornerstone of Confucian values regarding social harmony and personal integrity.

Interpersonal Dynamics: When a relationship is strained, showing a chéngkěn attitude is the first step toward reconciliation. It signals a willingness to be vulnerable and honest.

我们应该诚恳地面对自己的缺点。(We should sincerely face our own shortcomings.)

Using 诚恳 (chéngkěn) effectively requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as an adjective. It can function as an attributive (modifying a noun), a predicative (following a subject), or an adverbial (modifying a verb, usually with 地 'de').

1. As an Attributive (Modifying Nouns)

When modifying a noun, chéngkěn usually takes the particle '的' (de). It often modifies words related to communication, attitudes, or expressions.

Common Pairings: 诚恳的态度 (sincere attitude), 诚恳的言辞 (earnest words), 诚恳的邀请 (genuine invitation), 诚恳的建议 (sincere suggestion).

他那种诚恳的态度打动了在场的所有人。(His sincere attitude moved everyone present.)

2. As a Predicative (Describing the Subject)

When used after the subject, it often follows intensifiers like 很 (hěn), 非常 (fēicháng), or 十分 (shífēn). This structure describes a person's character or their state of being in a particular moment.

这位年轻人的表现非常诚恳。(This young man's performance was very sincere.)

3. As an Adverbial (Modifying Actions)

To describe how an action is performed, add 地 (de) after chéngkěn. This is common when someone is speaking, apologizing, or inviting.

他诚恳地向朋友道了歉。(He sincerely apologized to his friend.)

In formal writing, you might see chéngkěn paired with 恳切 (kěnqiè), which means 'earnest and pressing.' While similar, chéngkěn is broader, while 恳切 is often used when there is an urgent request involved. For example, a 'sincere request' is often 恳切的请求.

Syntactic Patterns: [Subject] + [Adverb of Degree] + 诚恳
[诚恳 + 的] + [Noun]
[诚恳 + 地] + [Verb]

Consider the difference between 'speaking sincerely' and 'speaking honestly.' In Chinese, chéngkěn de shuō (speaking sincerely) implies a warmth and a desire for connection, whereas laǒshí de shuō (speaking honestly) might imply just revealing a hidden fact. Choosing chéngkěn shows you value the relationship.

我们需要诚恳的交流，而不是互相指责。(We need sincere communication, not mutual finger-pointing.)

While 诚恳 (chéngkěn) is a B1 level word, its presence spans from daily conversations to formal diplomatic speeches. Understanding its situational context helps you grasp the specific 'flavor' of sincerity it conveys.

1. Workplace and Professional Settings

In a professional environment, chéngkěn is the gold standard for feedback and interviews. If a manager gives you chéngkěn feedback, it means they aren't just following protocol; they truly want you to improve. Similarly, a chéngkěn job applicant is one who seems grounded and trustworthy.

老板诚恳地感谢了员工们的辛勤付出。(The boss sincerely thanked the employees for their hard work.)

2. Public Apologies and Crisis Management

When celebrities or companies make mistakes in China, the public scrutinizes their 'attitude' (态度 tàidù). A common criticism is that an apology is 'not sincere enough' (不够诚恳). In this context, chéngkěn is the metric for social redemption. If the apology is deemed chéngkěn, the public is much more likely to move on.

3. Personal Relationships and Conflict Resolution

In friendships or romantic relationships, chéngkěn is used to describe a heart-to-heart talk. If you tell a friend, '我跟你说句诚恳话' (I'm telling you a sincere word), you are signaling that you are about to share something from the bottom of your heart, perhaps a piece of advice that might be hard to hear but is intended for their benefit.

他那双诚恳的眼睛让人无法拒绝他的请求。(His sincere eyes made it impossible to refuse his request.)

4. Literature and Formal Writing

In novels or essays, chéngkěn is used to build character depth. An author might describe a protagonist's chéngkěn nature to contrast them with a more cunning or deceitful antagonist. It serves as a marker of moral uprightness.

Formal Correspondence: Letters of recommendation or invitation often use phrases like '诚恳地邀请您' (sincerely invite you) to show respect and genuine desire for the person's presence.

Finally, you'll hear it in educational settings. Teachers often encourage students to be chéngkěn in their self-reflections. It’s about being real with oneself. If you aren't chéngkěn with your own progress, you cannot truly learn.

只有诚恳地对待学习，才能取得真正的进步。(Only by treating your studies with sincerity can you make real progress.)

Even for intermediate learners, 诚恳 (chéngkěn) can be tricky because it overlaps with several other 'honesty' and 'sincerity' related words in Chinese. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

1. Confusing 诚恳 (chéngkěn) with 诚实 (chéngshí)

This is the most frequent error. While both involve 'truth,' they apply to different domains. 诚实 (honest) means not telling lies; it is about facts and data. 诚恳 (sincere) is about attitude and feelings.

Incorrect: 他是一个诚恳的人，从不撒谎。(He is a sincere person, he never lies.) -> While possible, chéngshí is better here because 'not lying' is a factual trait.
Correct: 他是一个诚恳的人，待人非常真心。(He is a sincere person, he treats people with a genuine heart.)

2. Confusing 诚恳 (chéngkěn) with 真诚 (zhēnchéng)

These are very close synonyms, but zhēnchéng is more abstract and describes a personality trait or a long-term state of being. Chéngkěn is more often used for a specific instance or a specific expression (like an apology or a request).

3. Overusing it in Casual Contexts

Chéngkěn carries a certain weight. Using it for trivial things can sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic. For example, if a friend offers you a piece of gum, saying '你的邀请很诚恳' (Your invitation is very sincere) would be weirdly formal.

Avoid: 谢谢你诚恳的苹果。(Thank you for the sincere apple.) -> Simply say '谢谢你的苹果'.

4. Misplacing the Particle 地 (de)

When using chéngkěn as an adverb, learners often forget '地'. While in casual speech it's sometimes dropped, in standard B1/B2 level Chinese, '诚恳地 + Verb' is the required structure.

Word Order Reminder: Always place the adverbial before the verb.
Correct: 他诚恳地道歉。
Incorrect: 他道歉诚恳地。

Finally, remember that chéngkěn is an 'active' sincerity. It implies that the person is making an effort to show their heart. If someone is just being 'nice,' yǒushàn (friendly) or kèqi (polite) is more appropriate. Chéngkěn is for when the interaction actually matters.

To truly master 诚恳 (chéngkěn), you must see how it sits alongside its linguistic cousins. Each of these words shares a common root but branches off into different social applications.

真诚 (zhēnchéng) vs. 诚恳 (chéngkěn): 真诚 focuses on 'truth' (真) + 'sincerity' (诚). It describes a person's fundamental character. 诚恳 focuses on 'sincerity' (诚) + 'earnestness' (恳). It is more about the manner of expression.
诚挚 (chéngzhì) vs. 诚恳 (chéngkěn): 诚挚 is more formal and poetic. It is often used in written greetings, like '诚挚的祝愿' (sincere wishes). You would rarely say a person is chéngzhì in casual conversation; it sounds like a textbook.
恳切 (kěnqiè) vs. 诚恳 (chéngkěn): 恳切 emphasizes the 'earnestness' and the 'pressing' nature of a request. It's used when someone is pleading or urging someone else. 诚恳 is broader and doesn't necessarily involve a request.

When should you choose which? Look at the following comparison table to see the nuances in action:

Word	Best For...	Example
诚恳	Apologies/Attitude	诚恳的歉意
真诚	Friendship/Nature	真诚的朋友
诚挚	Formal Wishes	诚挚的祝福
恳切	Urgent Requests	恳切的谈话

虽然他说话不多，但每一句都很诚恳。(Although he doesn't speak much, every sentence is very sincere.)

If you want to express the opposite of chéngkěn, you might use 虚伪 (xūwěi - hypocritical) or 敷衍 (fūyǎn - perfunctory/going through the motions). A perfunctory apology is the direct enemy of a chéngkěn one. In the business world, fūyǎn will lose you clients, while chéngkěn will win them back.

In summary, choose your 'sincerity' word based on the intensity and the medium. Writing a card? Go for chéng挚. Apologizing to a spouse? Go for chéng恳. Describing a lifelong mentor? Go for zhēn诚.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 恳 (kěn) contains the 'heart' (心) radical at the bottom, which is a common feature in Chinese words related to deep emotions or attitudes.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tʃʌŋ kən/

US /tʃʌŋ kən/

Equal stress on both syllables, though the tones provide the rhythmic structure.

Rhymes With

层 (céng) 灯 (dēng) 能 (néng) 等 (děng) 本 (běn) 狠 (hěn) 稳 (wěn) 准 (zhǔn)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'chéng' as 'shéng' (missing the 'ch' sound).
Pronouncing 'kěn' as 'kàn' (mixing up the vowels).
Ignoring the second tone on 'chéng', making it sound flat.
Making 'kěn' too short; it needs the dip of the third tone.
Confusing the 'eng' in 'chéng' with 'en' (making it sound like 'chén').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are moderately complex but the meaning is clear from context.

Writing 4/5

The character '恳' (kěn) is often forgotten or written incorrectly by learners.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once tones are mastered.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive sound, usually easy to pick out in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

诚实 (chéngshí) 真 (zhēn) 心 (xīn) 说话 (shuōhuà) 朋友 (péngyǒu)

Learn Next

诚挚 (chéngzhì) 恳切 (kěnqiè) 虚伪 (xūwěi) 坦诚 (tǎnchéng) 交流 (jiāoliú)

Advanced

修养 (xiūyǎng) 境界 (jìngjiè) 赤子之心 (chìzǐzhīxīn) 推心置腹 (tuīxīnzhìfù) 开诚布公 (kāichéngbùgōng)

Grammar to Know

Using '地' for Adverbial phrases

他诚恳地(Adverb) 说道(Verb)。

Adjective + '的' to modify Nouns

诚恳的(Adjective) 态度(Noun)。

Degree Adverbs + Adjective

非常(Degree) 诚恳(Adjective)。

Subject + 表现得 + Adjective

他(Subject) 表现得(Verb Complement) 很诚恳(Adjective)。

Negative '不' with Adjectives

他一点也不诚恳。

Examples by Level

他很诚恳。

He is very sincere.

Simple Subject + Adverb + Adjective structure.

你的话很诚恳。

Your words are very sincere.

Describing words or speech.

我们要诚恳。

We should be sincere.

Using '要' to express a requirement or suggestion.

她的笑容很诚恳。

Her smile is very sincere.

Describing a facial expression.

老师很诚恳。

The teacher is very sincere.

Describing a person's demeanor.

他诚恳地说：'谢谢'。

He said sincerely: 'Thank you'.

Using '诚恳地' as an adverb.

这是一个诚恳的朋友。

This is a sincere friend.

Using '诚恳' as an attributive modifying '朋友'.

诚恳很重要。

Sincerity is very important.

Using the adjective as a noun/subject.

他诚恳地向我道歉了。

He sincerely apologized to me.

Adverbial '诚恳地' modifying the verb '道歉'.

他的态度非常诚恳。

His attitude is very sincere.

Describing '态度' (attitude).

我诚恳地邀请你来我家。

I sincerely invite you to my home.

Using '诚恳地' with '邀请' (invite).

请给我一个诚恳的建议。

Please give me a sincere suggestion.

Modifying '建议' (suggestion).

他的眼神看起来很诚恳。

His eyes look very sincere.

Describing '眼神' (expression in one's eyes).

我们要诚恳地对待工作。

We should treat our work sincerely.

Using '对待' (to treat/handle).

他写了一封诚恳的信。

He wrote a sincere letter.

Modifying '信' (letter).

大家都觉得他很诚恳。

Everyone feels that he is very sincere.

Using '觉得' to express an opinion.

他诚恳地接受了大家的批评。

He sincerely accepted everyone's criticism.

Combining '诚恳' with '接受批评' (accept criticism).

这封感谢信写得十分诚恳。

This thank-you letter is written very sincerely.

Using the '得' complement of degree.

他用诚恳的言辞打动了面试官。

He moved the interviewer with his earnest words.

Using '言辞' (words/speech).

我们需要一次诚恳的谈话来解决问题。

We need a sincere conversation to solve the problem.

Modifying '谈话' (conversation).

他诚恳地表达了对未来的期待。

He sincerely expressed his expectations for the future.

Using '表达' (to express).

这种诚恳的态度是很难得的。

This kind of sincere attitude is very rare.

Using '难得' (rare/precious).

他诚恳地希望能够得到这个机会。

He sincerely hopes to get this opportunity.

Modifying the verb '希望' (hope).

他的话语中透着一种诚恳。

There is a sense of sincerity in his words.

Using '透着' (to reveal/show).

他在道歉时表现得既大方又诚恳。

He acted both generously and sincerely when apologizing.

Using '既...又...' to link two adjectives.

诚恳的沟通是建立信任的基础。

Sincere communication is the foundation of building trust.

Using '基础' (foundation).

他诚恳地向老师请教了学习方法。

He sincerely asked the teacher for advice on study methods.

Using '请教' (to seek advice).

这篇文章诚恳地反映了社会现状。

This article sincerely reflects the current state of society.

Using '反映' (to reflect).

尽管他的要求很诚恳，但我还是拒绝了。

Although his request was sincere, I still refused.

Using '尽管...还是...' (although... still...).

他那副诚恳的面孔让人无法怀疑他。

His sincere face makes it impossible to doubt him.

Using '面孔' (face/countenance).

只有诚恳地面对错误，才能真正进步。

Only by sincerely facing your mistakes can you truly progress.

Using '只有...才...' (only if... then...).

他诚恳地为自己的失礼行为感到抱歉。

He sincerely felt sorry for his rude behavior.

Using '失礼' (rude/impolite).

他在自传中诚恳地剖析了自己的内心世界。

In his autobiography, he sincerely analyzed his inner world.

Using '剖析' (to analyze deeply).

这种诚恳而非做作的姿态赢得了选民的支持。

This sincere and non-affected posture won the support of voters.

Using '而非' (and not) to contrast.

他诚恳地指出，目前的方案还存在不少漏洞。

He sincerely pointed out that the current plan still has many loopholes.

Using '指出' (to point out).

这份报告诚恳地总结了项目失败的教训。

This report sincerely summarized the lessons from the project's failure.

Using '总结' (to summarize).

他待人接物一向诚恳，在圈内口碑极好。

He has always been sincere in his dealings with others and has an excellent reputation in the industry.

Using the idiom '待人接物' (the way one treats people).

那种诚恳的语气，仿佛能穿透所有的隔阂。

That sincere tone seemed to be able to penetrate all barriers.

Using '仿佛' (as if) and '穿透' (to penetrate).

他诚恳地呼吁社会关注弱势群体的权益。

He sincerely called on society to pay attention to the rights of vulnerable groups.

Using '呼吁' (to appeal/call on).

他的文字朴实而诚恳，没有半点浮夸。

His writing is simple and sincere, without a hint of exaggeration.

Using '朴实' (simple/plain) and '浮夸' (exaggerated).

在外交辞令的博弈中，偶尔的诚恳往往能起到意想不到的效果。

In the game of diplomatic rhetoric, occasional sincerity can often produce unexpected results.

Using '博弈' (game/chess match) and '意想不到' (unexpected).

他诚恳地反思了传统文化在现代社会中的地位。

He sincerely reflected on the status of traditional culture in modern society.

Using '反思' (to reflect/rethink).

这种诚恳并非一种策略，而是他多年修行的自然流露。

This sincerity is not a strategy, but a natural expression of his years of self-cultivation.

Using '并非...而是...' (not... but...).

他诚恳地承认，自己在处理复杂问题时确实存在局限性。

He sincerely admitted that he indeed has limitations when dealing with complex issues.

Using '局限性' (limitations).

只有当双方都展现出足够的诚恳，谈判才能真正步入正轨。

Only when both parties show sufficient sincerity can the negotiations truly get on track.

Using '步入正轨' (to get on the right track).

他的诚恳如同一股清流，在物欲横流的社会中显得格外珍贵。

His sincerity is like a stream of clear water, appearing particularly precious in a materialistic society.

Using a metaphor with '如同一股清流'.

他在道歉信中字里行间透出的诚恳，足以消解任何怨恨。

The sincerity revealed between the lines of his apology letter is enough to dispel any resentment.

Using '字里行间' (between the lines) and '消解' (to dispel/dissolve).

他诚恳地探讨了人类文明面临的共同挑战。

He sincerely explored the common challenges facing human civilization.

Using '探讨' (to explore/discuss).

Synonyms

真诚诚挚恳切实在真心

Antonyms

虚伪狡诈敷衍

Common Collocations

态度诚恳

诚恳道歉

诚恳建议

诚恳邀请

言辞诚恳

表现诚恳

诚恳待人

语气诚恳

诚恳反思

眼神诚恳

Common Phrases

诚恳地请求

— To make a heartfelt and serious request.

我诚恳地请求您的原谅。

非常诚恳

— Extremely sincere.

他的表现非常诚恳。

诚恳的谢意

— Sincere gratitude.

请接受我诚恳的谢意。

诚恳地交流

— To have a sincere exchange of ideas.

双方进行了诚恳的交流。

诚恳的批评

— Sincere and constructive criticism.

我虚心接受您的诚恳批评。

诚恳地希望

— To sincerely hope for something.

我诚恳地希望你能成功。

诚恳的语气

— A sincere tone of voice.

他用诚恳的语气说话。

诚恳的为人

— A person's sincere character.

大家都佩服他诚恳的为人。

诚恳的目光

— A sincere gaze.

他用诚恳的目光看着我。

诚恳地合作

— To cooperate in a sincere manner.

我们愿意与贵公司诚恳合作。

Often Confused With

诚恳 vs 诚实

Honest (focuses on not lying about facts).

诚恳 vs 真诚

Genuine (focuses on deep personality traits).

诚恳 vs 恳切

Earnest (focuses on the urgency of a request).

Idioms & Expressions

"诚心诚意"

— With all one's heart and soul; very sincerely.

他是诚心诚意来帮忙的。

Common

"由衷之言"

— Words from the bottom of one's heart.

这番话确实是我的由衷之言。

Formal

"真心实意"

— Genuine and sincere; not fake.

待人要真心实意。

Common

"开诚布公"

— To be open and sincere; speak one's mind freely.

我们应该开诚布公地谈一谈。

Formal

"肺腑之言"

— Words from the bottom of one's heart (literally 'lungs and viscera').

这些话全是我的肺腑之言。

Literary

"赤诚相待"

— To treat each other with absolute sincerity.

朋友之间应该赤诚相待。

Formal

"精诚所至，金石为开"

— Complete sincerity can affect even metal and stone (meaning total sincerity can overcome any obstacle).

只要我们努力，精诚所至，金石为开。

Literary

"推心置腹"

— To treat others with utmost sincerity; show one's heart to another.

他找我推心置腹地谈了一次。

Formal

"诚惶诚恐"

— With reverence and awe (often used to describe extreme humility or fear in a formal context).

他诚惶诚恐地接受了任务。

Formal/Archaic

"抱诚守真"

— To maintain sincerity and truthfulness.

做人应当抱诚守真。

Literary

Easily Confused

诚恳 vs 诚实

Both relate to truth.

诚实 is about facts (not lying); 诚恳 is about attitude (sincerity of feeling).

这个孩子很诚实，没偷糖果。/ 他诚恳地向我道歉。

诚恳 vs 真诚

Very close synonyms.

真诚 is a general character trait; 诚恳 is often a specific manner of expression.

他待人真诚。/ 他的语气很诚恳。

诚恳 vs 诚挚

Both mean sincere.

诚挚 is more formal and used in written well-wishes.

献上诚挚的祝福。

诚恳 vs 恳切

Both share the '恳' character.

恳切 implies a sense of urgency or pleading.

他恳切地请求我帮他。

诚恳 vs 忠诚

Both share the '诚' character.

忠诚 means loyalty to a person, country, or cause.

他是个忠诚的士兵。

Sentence Patterns

他很诚恳。

诚恳地 + [Verb]

诚恳地道歉。

诚恳的 + [Noun]

诚恳的建议。

[Noun] + 非常诚恳

态度非常诚恳。

表现得 + [Adverb] + 诚恳

表现得十分诚恳。

既...又诚恳

既礼貌又诚恳。

一种 + 诚恳的 + [Noun]

一种诚恳的语气。

字里行间 + 透着 + 诚恳

字里行间透着诚恳。

Word Family

Nouns

诚意 (chéngyì - sincerity/good faith)

诚心 (chéngxīn - wholeheartedness)

诚实 (chéngshí - honesty)

Verbs

恳求 (kěnqiú - to implore)

恳请 (kěnqǐng - to earnestly request)

Adjectives

诚挚 (chéngzhì - sincere)

真诚 (zhēnchéng - genuine)

恳切 (kěnqiè - earnest)

诚信 (chéngxìn - integrity/credit)

忠诚 (zhōngchéng - loyalty)

虔诚 (qiánchéng - pious/devout)

诚然 (chéngrán - indeed)

诚心诚意 (chéngxīn chéngyì - with all sincerity)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in both spoken and written Chinese, especially in social and professional contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 诚恳 for facts. → Using 诚实 for facts.
Don't say '诚恳的消息' for 'honest news.' Say '真实的消息'.
Using it to describe food. → Using 实在 or 好吃.
You can't say '诚恳的饭'. '实在' can mean a generous portion, but '诚恳' is for people.
Forgetting the 'de' particle. → 诚恳地道歉.
Adverbs in Chinese often need '地' to function correctly.
Confusing it with 'loyalty'. → 忠诚.
Don't say '诚恳的士兵' when you mean 'loyal soldier'.
Using it for objects. → Keep it for people and expressions.
A chair cannot be 诚恳, but the person who made it can be.

Tips

Character Breakdown

Focus on the 'heart' (心) radical in 恳. Sincerity comes from the heart!

Tone Accuracy

The second tone in 'chéng' must rise clearly to avoid confusion with other words.

Collocation Mastery

Memorize '态度诚恳' as a single unit; it's the most common use.

Social Value

Being 诚恳 is a way to build 'trust' (信任) in Chinese society.

Business Etiquette

When apologizing to a client, always use the word 诚恳 to show you take the matter seriously.

Synonym Choice

Use '真诚' for friends and '诚恳' for professional apologies.

Adverbial Clues

Listen for the 'de' particle after 'chéngkěn' to know a verb is coming.

Positioning

Always place '诚恳' before the noun it modifies (e.g., 诚恳的人).

News Reports

Look for this word in reports about diplomatic meetings; it's a key keyword.

Story Method

Associate 诚恳 with a person you know who is very sincere.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a person who speaks (言) and completes (成) their promises (诚), while their heart (心) is pushing them to be earnest (恳).

Visual Association

Picture a person bowing with their hand over their heart, looking someone in the eye with a warm, serious expression.

Word Web

Heart (心) Speech (言) Truth (真) Honesty (诚实) Apology (道歉) Attitude (态度) Trust (信任) Earnest (恳)

Challenge

Try to use '诚恳' in a sentence that describes a difficult conversation you had recently. Focus on the 'attitude' aspect.

Word Origin

The word is a compound of two characters: 诚 (chéng) and 恳 (kěn). Both have roots in early Chinese philosophical texts emphasizing moral character.

Original meaning: 诚 originally meant 'sincerity' or 'truthfulness' in one's words. 恳 originally meant 'earnest' or 'diligent,' often related to farming (plowing the heart).

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound patronizing. Telling someone 'You are very 诚恳' can sometimes sound like a teacher praising a child if the social hierarchy isn't considered.

In English, 'sincere' is often a standard closing in letters ('Sincerely yours'). In Chinese, '诚恳' is much more emotional and descriptive of a person's actual state of mind.

The 'Doctrine of the Mean' (中庸) discusses '诚' as the beginning and end of all things. Modern Chinese political discourse often uses '诚恳' to describe diplomatic intentions. Famous writers like Lu Xun often explored the lack of '诚恳' in traditional social structures.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Apologizing

诚恳地道歉
表示诚恳的歉意
态度极其诚恳
接受我诚恳的道歉

Job Interview

诚恳的表现
诚恳地回答问题
展现诚恳的态度
诚恳的自我介绍

Giving Advice

诚恳的建议
我诚恳地对你说
非常诚恳的意见
诚恳地指出问题

Social Invitations

诚恳的邀请
诚恳地请你过来
发出诚恳的请柬
诚恳地希望你光临

Conflict Resolution

诚恳地谈话
诚恳地交流意见
诚恳地消除误会
建立诚恳的联系

Conversation Starters

"你觉得在工作中，诚恳的态度重要吗？ (Do you think a sincere attitude is important at work?)"

"如果有人诚恳地向你道歉，你会原谅他吗？ (If someone sincerely apologizes to you, will you forgive them?)"

"你认为怎样才算是一个诚恳的朋友？ (What do you think makes a sincere friend?)"

"在你的文化里，人们如何表达诚恳？ (How do people express sincerity in your culture?)"

"你能给我一个关于学习汉语的诚恳建议吗？ (Can you give me a sincere suggestion about learning Chinese?)"

Journal Prompts

描写一次你诚恳地向别人道歉的经历。 (Describe an experience where you sincerely apologized to someone.)

为什么诚恳在人际关系中如此重要？请谈谈你的看法。 (Why is sincerity so important in relationships? Please share your views.)

记录一次你收到的、让你感动的诚恳建议。 (Record a sincere suggestion you received that moved you.)

你觉得‘诚恳’和‘诚实’有什么区别？用例子说明。 (What do you think is the difference between 'sincere' and 'honest'? Use examples.)

描写一个你认识的非常诚恳的人。 (Describe a very sincere person you know.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually no. It describes human attitudes and complex social emotions. You might use it metaphorically for a dog's eyes, but it's rare.

Yes, it is almost exclusively used as a positive attribute. To be sincere is a virtue in Chinese culture.

实在 is more informal and describes someone who is down-to-earth and practical. 诚恳 is more about the emotional depth of communication.

In Chinese, we don't usually use 诚恳. We use '此致敬礼' or '顺颂商祺' in formal letters.

It's better to say '诚恳地对待学习' or '踏实地学习'. 诚恳 usually applies to interpersonal interaction.

It's neutral-formal. It's used in daily life but also in very formal speeches and documents.

Yes, it's a common way to describe a genuine, non-fake smile.

虚伪 (hypocritical) or 敷衍 (perfunctory) are the most common opposites.

Yes, if the author's writing style is very honest and heartfelt, you can call the book 诚恳.

Yes, it usually carries a sense of gravity and seriousness. You aren't being 诚恳 while joking around.