Definition
心机 describes a person's tendency to calculate and scheme, often with a negative connotation of cunning or ulterior motives. You can use it in expressions like 有心机 ('to be calculating'), 耍心机 ('to play mind games'), or 玩心机 ('to scheme'), and it implies deliberate, self-serving thought in social interactions.
noun
schemingcunning calculationsulterior motivescraftiness
Examples
- ，。Tā zhège rén hěn yǒu xīn jī, gēn rén xiāngchǔ zǒng shì suànjì lái suànjì qù.She's a very calculating person; she's always scheming when dealing with others.
- 心机，。Búyào gēn tā wán xīn jī, nǐ gēnběn bú shì tā de duìshǒu.Don't play mind games with him; you're no match for him at all.
- 心机，。Tā zhège rén méi shénme xīn jī, shuōhuà zuòshì dōu hěn zhí.He's not someone with ulterior motives; he's straightforward in speech and action.
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