热心快肠

rè xīn kuài cháng
Literal: "warm, heart, quick, intestines"

📖 Meaning

Describes a person who is warm-hearted and straightforward in temperament. It conveys both genuine enthusiasm for helping others and an open, candid disposition that does not hide behind pretense.

📜 Origin Story

This idiom originates from the modern Chinese writer Ke Yan's essay collection 'Strange Letters — The Pearl of the East III' (《奇异的书简·东方的明珠三》). In the original passage, the author describes a woman whose warm and forthright nature makes her a natural confidante — whenever people in the community face problems, they instinctively seek her advice and assistance. Unlike many classical idioms rooted in ancient historical anecdotes, this phrase emerged from 20th-century literary writing and reflects everyday virtues of sincerity and helpfulness.

💡 Example Usage

她热心快肠,邻居遇到困难总爱找她帮忙。

She is warm-hearted and straightforward, so neighbors always turn to her for help when they run into difficulties.

🏷️ Category

➕ Similar Idioms

➖ Opposite Idioms

🔤 Quick Facts

  • Chinese: 热心快肠
  • Pinyin: rè xīn kuài cháng
  • Literal Translation: warm, heart, quick, intestines
  • Category: Attitude
  • Characters: 4