📖 Meaning
To have one's mind pulled in multiple directions at once, unable to settle on a single thought or decision. It describes a state of indecision, distraction, or half-heartedness where one lacks focus and commitment.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from Chapter 6 of the Ming dynasty novel '禅真逸史' (The True Story of the Escape of Zen) by Fang Ruhao. In the story, a character admonishes another that chanting the Buddha's name is a serious matter and should not be done with a divided mind. The phrase has since become synonymous with '三心二意', both describing a lack of concentration and wavering intent.
💡 Example Usage
学习一门手艺不能二心三意，要专注才能学精。
When learning a craft, you cannot be half-hearted about it; you must focus to master it.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 二心三意
- Pinyin: èr xīn sān yì
- Literal Translation: two hearts, three intentions
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4