灰心
To lose heart
Littéralement: Ash Heart
Use it to describe losing motivation after a failure or to tell a friend 'don't give up.'
En 15 secondes
- Means losing heart or feeling discouraged after a setback.
- Literally translates to 'ash heart,' like a fire going out.
- Commonly used to encourage others not to give up.
Signification
It describes that feeling when your spark goes out after a failure. It is like feeling discouraged or losing the motivation to keep trying.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Encouraging a friend who failed a test
别灰心，下次你一定能考好。
Don't lose heart, you will definitely do better next time.
Talking about a job rejection
面试没通过，我有点灰心。
I didn't pass the interview, I'm feeling a bit discouraged.
A boss encouraging a team after a lost deal
虽然我们失去了这个客户，但大家不要灰心。
Although we lost this client, everyone, please don't lose heart.
Contexte culturel
The concept of the 'heart' (心) in Chinese culture is the center of both emotion and intellect. The imagery of 'ash' (灰) dates back centuries, suggesting that hope is a fire that needs tending. It reflects a traditional emphasis on resilience and the constant battle against losing one's inner drive.
The Power of 'Don't'
You will hear `别灰心` (bié huī xīn) way more often than people saying they are actually `灰心`. It is the ultimate Chinese 'cheer up' phrase.
Don't confuse with 'Grey'
While `灰` means grey, calling someone a 'grey person' doesn't mean they are discouraged. Stick to the full phrase `灰心`.
En 15 secondes
- Means losing heart or feeling discouraged after a setback.
- Literally translates to 'ash heart,' like a fire going out.
- Commonly used to encourage others not to give up.
What It Means
灰心 (huī xīn) is a beautiful, visual way to say you are discouraged. Think of your passion or hope as a bright, burning fire. When that fire dies out, all that is left is cold, grey ash. That is exactly what this word describes. It is that heavy feeling in your chest when things do not go your way. You might feel like giving up on a goal or a dream.
How To Use It
Using this word is very simple. You usually pair it with the verb 不要 (bú yào) to tell someone "don't lose heart." You can also say 感到灰心 (gǎndào huīxīn) to mean "feeling discouraged." It works as an adjective to describe your state of mind. It is not about being angry. It is about that quiet, sad moment of losing hope. It is very common in daily conversations.
When To Use It
Use this when a friend fails an exam they studied hard for. Use it when your DIY project looks nothing like the Pinterest photo. It is perfect for professional setbacks, like not getting a promotion. You can use it when texting a buddy who is struggling with a new hobby. It shows you understand their emotional exhaustion. It is a very empathetic word to use with others.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use 灰心 for minor inconveniences. If the coffee shop is out of oat milk, you are not 灰心. That is just a bummer. Also, avoid using it for deep, clinical depression. This word is more about a reaction to a specific event or failure. It is also not a word for being "bored." If you use it for small things, you might sound a bit too dramatic!
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, perseverance is a massive deal. There are endless idioms about working hard. Because of this, 灰心 is often seen as a temporary hurdle to overcome. You will often hear people say "Failure is the mother of success." So, when someone says they are 灰心, the standard response is immediate encouragement. It is a signal for friends to step in and help you relight that fire.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more intense, you can use 心灰意冷 (xīn huī yì lěng). This means your heart is ash and your will is cold. It is like 灰心 but on steroids. For a more casual vibe, you might just say 受打击了 (shòu dǎ jī le), meaning "I took a hit." But 灰心 remains the most versatile and common way to express this feeling.
Notes d'usage
It is a neutral-register word suitable for almost any situation. Just remember it is an internal feeling—you are describing your spirit, not just a bad mood.
The Power of 'Don't'
You will hear `别灰心` (bié huī xīn) way more often than people saying they are actually `灰心`. It is the ultimate Chinese 'cheer up' phrase.
Don't confuse with 'Grey'
While `灰` means grey, calling someone a 'grey person' doesn't mean they are discouraged. Stick to the full phrase `灰心`.
The Fire Metaphor
In Chinese medicine and philosophy, the heart is associated with the element of fire. This is why 'ash heart' is such a deep metaphor for losing your spirit.
Exemples
6别灰心，下次你一定能考好。
Don't lose heart, you will definitely do better next time.
A very standard way to offer support.
面试没通过，我有点灰心。
I didn't pass the interview, I'm feeling a bit discouraged.
Expressing personal feelings after a setback.
虽然我们失去了这个客户，但大家不要灰心。
Although we lost this client, everyone, please don't lose heart.
Professional yet supportive tone.
又被拒绝了，真让人灰心。
Rejected again, it's really discouraging.
Casual use for social life frustrations.
看到蛋糕我就灰心了，减肥太难了！
I lose heart the moment I see cake; losing weight is too hard!
Using the term slightly dramatically for humor.
在多次失败后，他变得很灰心。
After many failures, he became very discouraged.
Describing someone else's state of mind.
Teste-toi
Choose the best word to encourage your friend who is struggling with Chinese grammar.
学中文很难，但是请你不要 ___。
`灰心` means to lose heart, so `不要灰心` means 'don't give up/don't lose heart.'
How would you say 'I feel a bit discouraged'?
我感到有一点 ___。
`灰心` is the emotion, while `灰尘` is dust and `灰色` is the color grey.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 灰心
Texting friends about small failures.
真灰心！
Standard daily conversation and encouragement.
别灰心。
Speeches or professional feedback.
请不要感到灰心。
When to use 灰心
Failed Exam
考试没过
Job Rejection
面试失败
Sports Loss
比赛输了
Broken Heart
失恋了
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! It is a very normal way to describe a common human emotion. It is not rude or offensive.
It might sound a bit dramatic. Use it for things that actually affect your motivation, like 考试没及格 (failing an exam).
失望 (shīwàng) means 'disappointed' (usually in someone or a result), while 灰心 is specifically about losing your own drive to continue.
Yes, you can. However, it is more common to say 我很感到灰心 or 我有点灰心.
Yes, it is neutral enough for professional settings, especially when a leader is encouraging a team after a setback.
The most common reply is 别灰心，加油！ (Don't lose heart, keep going!).
No, 伤心 (shāngxīn) is sad. 灰心 is specifically about losing hope or motivation.
Young people might say 我太南了 (wǒ tài nán le), which is a pun meaning 'Life is too hard,' but 灰心 is still used by everyone.
No, it describes a temporary state of mind, not a personality trait like 'pessimistic'.
The opposite would be 有信心 (yǒu xìnxīn), which means to have confidence or heart.
Expressions liées
失望 (shīwàng) - Disappointed
放弃 (fàngqì) - To give up
加油 (jiāyóu) - Keep going / Go for it
信心 (xìnxīn) - Confidence / Faith
心灰意冷 (xīn huī yì lěng) - To be utterly disheartened
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