诚心实意

chéng xīn shí yì
Literal: "sincere, heart, genuine, intention"

📖 Meaning

Describes a person whose feelings and intentions are completely sincere and heartfelt, with no trace of pretense or deceit. It emphasizes genuine emotional investment and honest goodwill toward others.

📜 Origin Story

This idiom comes from the novel 'Long Night' (《长夜》) by modern Chinese writer Yao Xueyin (姚雪垠, 1910–1999). In chapter 21, the character Liu Laoyi is described as a headstrong man who, in a moment of genuine feeling, sincerely wants the protagonist to settle down and live with him. The phrase captures the unadorned, heartfelt sincerity of a rough but honest person.

💡 Example Usage

他诚心实意地向你道歉,你就别生气了。

He apologized to you with complete sincerity, so don't stay angry anymore.

🏷️ Category

➕ Similar Idioms

➖ Opposite Idioms

🔤 Quick Facts

  • Chinese: 诚心实意
  • Pinyin: chéng xīn shí yì
  • Literal Translation: sincere, heart, genuine, intention
  • Category: Attitude
  • Characters: 4