Understanding "粗心" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 粗心
• Pinyin: cū xīn
• Literal Meaning: "rough" (粗) + "heart/mind" (心) → "rough heart/mind"
• Primary Meaning: Careless, inattentive, or not paying enough attention to details.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"粗心" is used to describe someone who is negligent or fails to pay attention, often leading to mistakes. It can refer to minor oversights (e.g., forgetting keys) or more serious errors (e.g., mistakes in work or exams). It carries a slightly negative tone, implying that the person should have been more careful.

Character Breakdown

• 粗 (cū): Means "rough," "coarse," or "careless."
• 心 (xīn): Means "heart" or "mind." Together, they suggest a "rough mindset" or lack of attention to detail.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 他因为粗心把钥匙忘在家里了。
   Pinyin: Tā yīnwèi cūxīn bǎ yàoshi wàng zài jiā lǐ le.
   English: He forgot his keys at home because he was careless.

2. Chinese: 考试时不要粗心，仔细检查你的答案。
   Pinyin: Kǎoshì shí bùyào cūxīn, zǐxì jiǎnchá nǐ de dá’àn.
   English: Don’t be careless during the exam; check your answers carefully.

3. Chinese: 她是个聪明但有点粗心的学生。
   Pinyin: Tā shì gè cōngmíng dàn yǒudiǎn cūxīn de xuéshēng.
   English: She is a smart but somewhat careless student.

Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, being "粗心" is generally seen as a flaw, especially in academic or professional settings where precision is valued. Parents and teachers often remind children to avoid being "粗心" to cultivate good habits. The word is commonly used in everyday life to point out mistakes gently or critically, depending on the context.

Conclusion

"粗心" (cū xīn) means "careless" and describes someone who overlooks details or makes mistakes due to inattention. Remember it as "rough mind" to capture its essence. Use it to point out avoidable errors or remind others (or yourself!) to be more careful.