Understanding "担心" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 担心
• Pinyin: dān xīn
• Literal Meaning: "To carry worry in the heart"
• Primary Meaning: To worry, to be anxious, or to feel concerned about someone or something.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"担心" is a common verb used to express worry or concern about a person, situation, or outcome. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Unlike English, where "worry" can sometimes imply excessive anxiety, "担心" is neutral and simply indicates concern.

It is often followed by a noun, pronoun, or clause (e.g., "我担心你" – "I worry about you" or "我担心考试" – "I worry about the exam").

Character Breakdown

• 担 (dān): Means "to carry" or "to bear."
• 心 (xīn): Means "heart" or "mind."
  Together, they convey the idea of "carrying worry in one’s heart."

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 妈妈总是担心我的健康。
   Pinyin: Māma zǒng shì dānxīn wǒ de jiànkāng.
   English: Mom always worries about my health.

2. Chinese: 别担心，一切都会好起来的。
   Pinyin: Bié dānxīn, yīqiè dōu huì hǎo qǐlái de.
   English: Don’t worry, everything will be fine.

3. Chinese: 他担心明天会下雨。
   Pinyin: Tā dānxīn míngtiān huì xià yǔ.
   English: He is worried that it will rain tomorrow.

Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, expressing concern (担心) is often seen as a way to show care and affection, especially within families. Parents frequently say "别担心" (Don’t worry) to comfort their children, reflecting a protective and nurturing attitude.

Conclusion

"担心" (dānxīn) is a versatile and commonly used word to express worry or concern. Remember, it combines "担" (to carry) and "心" (heart), literally meaning "to carry worry in the heart." Use it to show care or express anxiety in daily conversations.