Definition
心腹 literally means 'heart and belly', and it functions as a noun with two major senses. The first is a 'trusted subordinate' or 'confidant' — someone so close that you share your innermost secrets with, often with political or organizational overtones. The second sense refers anatomically to the chest and abdominal region (心腹 a medical term). In military or geopolitical contexts, it can mean a 'strategically vital area' or 'heartland'. Be careful not to use it as an adjective; it's a noun.
noun
trusted subordinateconfidantright-hand personchest and abdominal region (medical)strategic heartlandvital area (military/geopolitical)
Examples
- 心腹，。Tā shì jīnglǐ de xīn fù, zhīdào suǒyǒu gōngsī mìmì.He is the manager's trusted subordinate and knows all company secrets.
- 心腹，。Yīshēng jiǎnchá le tā de xīn fù, fāxiàn méiyǒu yìcháng.The doctor examined his chest and abdomen and found nothing abnormal.
- 心腹，。Zhè piàn qūyù shì guójiā de xīn fù, bìxū yán fáng sǐ shǒu.This region is the nation's heartland and must be strictly defended.
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