📖 Meaning
This idiom describes being completely willing and content to do something, without the slightest reluctance or hesitation. It conveys genuine wholehearted willingness and voluntary agreement. The character 原 (yuán) is used as a classical variant of 愿 (yuàn, to wish or desire), making this an older form of the more commonly written 心甘情愿.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom is a variant classical writing of the well-known phrase 心甘情愿, where 原 (yuán) substitutes for 愿 (yuàn) as was common in older Chinese texts when the two characters were frequently interchanged. No single literary source is cited for this specific variant. The underlying expression expresses the idea that one's heart and feelings are both in full agreement, leaving no trace of compulsion. It has been used in vernacular and literary Chinese to describe voluntary, wholehearted acceptance of a situation or task.
💡 Example Usage
为了照顾生病的母亲，她心甘情原地辞去了城里的工作。
She willingly resigned from her job in the city in order to care for her sick mother.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 心甘情原
- Pinyin: xīn gān qíng yuán
- Literal Translation: heart, willing, feeling, willing
- Category: Attitude
- Characters: 4