全心全意

You usually place it before a verb to describe how you do something. Think of it as a powerful adverb. You can say 全心全意地 followed by an action like 'serving' or 'loving.' It works perfectly when you want to show deep sincerity. It is like the difference between 'liking' a post and writing a three-page letter.

Use it when the stakes are high or the emotion is deep. It is great for wedding vows or serious work commitments. Use it when thanking someone who went above and beyond for you. It fits perfectly in a graduation speech or a heartfelt apology. Even in a job interview, it shows you are truly passionate about the role.

Do not use it for trivial, everyday chores. Saying you are 全心全意 eating a sandwich sounds a bit dramatic. Unless that sandwich is life-changing, keep it for bigger things. Avoid using it if you are being sarcastic, as it can come off as mocking. It is a 'heavy' phrase, so don't waste it on low-energy moments.

This phrase has deep roots in Chinese socialist history and traditional ethics. It was famously used by Mao Zedong to describe 'serving the people.' Because of this, it carries a sense of noble self-sacrifice. In modern times, it has shifted from politics to personal relationships and career. It still retains that flavor of 'putting others before yourself.'

You might hear 一心一意, which is very similar but slightly more casual. While 一心一意 focuses on being undistracted, 全心全意 feels more profound and total. Another one is 竭尽全力, which means 'using all your strength.' Use 全心全意 when the effort comes from your spirit, not just your muscles.