A 'xinshi' is a private burden or concern that occupies one's thoughts and affects one's mood.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to private worries or thoughts kept in the heart.
- Often implies something weighing on one's mind.
- Used to describe someone looking troubled or pensive.
常见语境：在日常生活中，当朋友察觉到你神情不对时，常会问“你是不是有心事？”。在文学作品中，心事常与孤独、离别、暗恋等情感联系在一起，表现人物内心复杂的活动。
- 1近义词辨析：与“烦恼”相比，“心事”更偏向于一种心理状态，带有一种需要被倾听或隐藏的特质；而“烦恼”则更直接地指向引起不快的问题本身。与“秘密”相比，“心事”不一定是不能说的，但往往因为顾虑而选择暂时藏在心里。
Examples
看你心事重重的样子，是不是遇到什么困难了？
everydayYou look like you have a lot on your mind; did you run into any trouble?
她把所有的心事都写进了日记里。
formalShe wrote all her worries into her diary.
别把心事藏着，说出来会好受些。
informalDon't keep your worries to yourself; you'll feel better if you talk about it.
心理咨询师引导患者倾诉自己的心事。
academicThe counselor guided the patient to talk about their concerns.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
有心事吗？
Is something bothering you?
心事重重
Preoccupied with worries
吐露心事
Unburden oneself
Often Confused With
Xinsi refers to 'intention' or 'thought/energy' put into something. Xinshi is about 'worries', while Xinsi is about 'effort or focus'.
Xinqing refers to 'mood' or 'state of mind'. It is the result of your feelings, whereas Xinshi is the specific cause of the worry.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'xinshi' to describe specific thoughts that create emotional weight. It is neutral to slightly formal in tone. It is frequently used in the context of interpersonal relationships and emotional support.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often confuse 'xinshi' with 'xinsi' (intention). Remember that 'xinshi' is about what is bothering you, while 'xinsi' is about what you are planning or focusing on. Also, avoid using 'xinshi' as an adjective.
Tips
Use with the verb 'you'
The most natural way to use this word is 'you xinshi' (to have something on one's mind). It is a great way to initiate a supportive conversation.
Avoid literal translations
Do not translate as 'heart matter'. It is a noun describing a mental state, not a physical object.
Cultural nuance of 'saving face'
In Chinese culture, people often hide their 'xinshi' to avoid bothering others. Asking someone about their 'xinshi' is a sign of deep friendship.
Word Origin
The word combines '心' (heart) and '事' (matter). Historically, it reflects the Chinese concept that the heart is the seat of emotions and thoughts, therefore matters of concern are literally 'heart-matters'.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, emotional restraint is often valued. Therefore, having a 'xinshi' is a common way to describe someone who is struggling internally but not showing it openly. Acknowledging someone's 'xinshi' is a culturally recognized way of showing empathy.
Memory Tip
Think of 'xin' (heart) + 'shi' (matter) = a matter that stays in your heart. It's like a heavy stone inside your heart that you want to share.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions通常如果一个人看起来心不在焉、沉默寡言或者表情凝重，就可能是有心事。你可以通过询问“你最近是不是有什么心事？”来表达关心。
大部分情况下，“心事”带有忧虑或压力，但有时也可以指一些重大的计划或心愿，虽然不一定是坏事，但因为重要而让人挂念。
这种说法不太地道。通常我们会说“我有件心事”或者“我心里有事”，用“心事重重”来形容心事很多。
不一样。秘密是刻意隐瞒不让人知道的事，而心事是困扰自己的思绪，往往是希望被理解但又不知如何开口的。
Test Yourself
他今天看起来闷闷不乐，好像有什么___一样。
形容心里有挂念的事，用“有心事”最贴切。
朋友问你：“你看起来不太高兴，怎么了？”
选项b自然地表达了原因，符合语境。
心事 / 藏在 / 他 / 把 / 心里 / 默默 (他把...)
这是标准的“把”字句结构，主语+把+宾语+动作。
Score: /3
Summary
A 'xinshi' is a private burden or concern that occupies one's thoughts and affects one's mood.
- Refers to private worries or thoughts kept in the heart.
- Often implies something weighing on one's mind.
- Used to describe someone looking troubled or pensive.
Use with the verb 'you'
The most natural way to use this word is 'you xinshi' (to have something on one's mind). It is a great way to initiate a supportive conversation.
Avoid literal translations
Do not translate as 'heart matter'. It is a noun describing a mental state, not a physical object.
Cultural nuance of 'saving face'
In Chinese culture, people often hide their 'xinshi' to avoid bothering others. Asking someone about their 'xinshi' is a sign of deep friendship.
Examples
4 of 4看你心事重重的样子，是不是遇到什么困难了？
You look like you have a lot on your mind; did you run into any trouble?
她把所有的心事都写进了日记里。
She wrote all her worries into her diary.
别把心事藏着，说出来会好受些。
Don't keep your worries to yourself; you'll feel better if you talk about it.
心理咨询师引导患者倾诉自己的心事。
The counselor guided the patient to talk about their concerns.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
佩服
B1To admire; to respect.
