Definition
忍心 (rěn xīn) means 'to have the heart to do something', almost always used in negative or rhetorical questions ('can't bear to'). It contrasts with 忍, 忍受, and 忍耐, which all mean 'to endure/tolerate' hardship or discomfort — 忍心 is about emotional reluctance, not physical or mental endurance.
verb
to have the heart to do sthto steel oneself to do sth (often used in negative or rhetorical questions)
Examples
- 。Wǒ bù rěn xīn gàosu háizi zhēnxiāng.I can't bear to tell the child the truth.
- 忍心？Nǐ zěnme rěn xīn líkāi nǐ de jiārén?How can you bear to leave your family?
- 忍心。Tā rěn xīn zuòchū le nàge juédìng.He steeled himself to make that decision.
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