Definition
心眼 (xīn yǎn) literally means 'heart + eye', but it is an abstract noun covering several related concepts. It can refer to one's inner thoughts and intentions, often with a sense of consideration or thoughtfulness toward others (e.g., 没心眼 means 'naive, without ulterior motives'). It also means cleverness or cunning — someone with 有心眼 is shrewd, possibly scheming. Additionally, in phrases like 心眼小 it describes narrow-mindedness or lack of tolerance. Context is key to picking the right sense.
n
heartintentionconsideration (one's inner thoughts and motives)clevernesscunningshrewdness (often in 有心眼 or 没心眼)(in 心眼小/心眼大) tolerancebreadth of mind
Examples
- 心眼,。Tā zhège rén hěn xīn yǎn, zǒngshì tì biérén zhuóxiǎng.She is very considerate; she always thinks of others.
- 心眼,。Tā xīn yǎn tài duō, wǒ yǒudiǎn bù gǎn gēn tā hézuò.He has too many tricks up his sleeve; I'm hesitant to cooperate with him.
- 心眼,。Nǐ xīn yǎn dà yìdiǎn, bié wèi zhè zhǒng xiǎoshì shēngqì.Be a bit more broad-minded; don't get angry over small things like this.
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