一心一意 (yī xīn yī yì) — single-minded, wholehearted | TongTong Chinese Dictionary

Definition

An idiom for doing something with full focus and devotion, usually modifying a verb. Compared to 全心全意, slightly shorter and more colloquial; 聚精会神 emphasizes concentration in the moment, not long-term devotion.

phrase

single-mindedwholehearted

Examples

一心一意。
Tā yī xīn yī yì dì zhuī qiú zì jǐ de mèng xiǎng.
She pursues her dreams single-mindedly.
一心一意。
Zuò yán jiū xū yào yī xīn yī yì.
Doing research requires single-mindedness.
一心一意，。
Tā yī xīn yī yì dì liàn xí shū fǎ, zhōng yú yǒu le jìn bù.
He practiced calligraphy single-mindedly and finally improved.

Origin

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

一心one heart

一yīone心xīnheart

偏正Modifier + head

一意one mind

一yīone意yìmind

偏正Modifier + head

With 一 and 心, and 一 and 意, the heart and thoughts point one way.

Characters in this word

An abstract idea shown by a mark or a diagram rather than by a picture of an object.

一 is drawn as one horizontal stroke, marking the number one.

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The shape of 心 comes from a drawing of a heart, now highly stylized.

An abstract idea shown by a mark or a diagram rather than by a picture of an object.

一 is drawn as one horizontal stroke, marking the number one.

No reliable origin is recorded for this character.

Appears in

HSK 3.0 Level 7-9 Idioms & Set Phrases Personality & Traits

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