Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== zhuānxīnzhìzhì: 专心致志 - To Be Wholly Absorbed, With Undivided Attention ====== ===== Quick Summary ===== * **Keywords:** zhuanxinzhihi, 专心致志, how to say concentrate in Chinese, focus in Chinese, undivided attention, Chinese idiom for focus, Chengyu, Chinese learning, study Chinese, be in the zone. * **Summary:** 专心致志 (zhuānxīnzhìzhì) is a powerful Chinese idiom (Chengyu) that means to focus with undivided attention, pouring all your mental energy and will into a task. It describes a deep state of concentration, essential for learning, working, or mastering a skill. This page breaks down how to use 专心致志 to describe being 'in the zone' in Chinese, its cultural importance, and provides practical examples for learners. ===== Core Meaning ===== * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** zhuānxīnzhìzhì * **Part of Speech:** Idiom (Chengyu); can function as an adjective or adverb. * **HSK Level:** HSK 6 * **Concise Definition:** To focus one's mind and will on a task with complete concentration. * **In a Nutshell:** Think of '专心致志' as the ultimate form of being "in the zone" or "laser-focused". It's not just paying attention; it's a profound level of absorption where you pour your entire being—both your mind (`心`) and your will (`志`)—into a single activity. It carries a strong positive connotation and is often used to praise someone's admirable dedication to their studies, work, or art. ===== Character Breakdown ===== * **专 (zhuān):** To specialize; to concentrate; single-minded. * **心 (xīn):** Heart; mind; core. This character represents one's thoughts and attention. * **致 (zhì):** To devote; to apply; to deliver. Here, it means to direct or apply fully. * **志 (zhì):** Will; aspiration; determination. This represents one's purpose and drive. When combined, `专心 (zhuānxīn)` means "to concentrate the mind," and `致志 (zhìzhì)` means "to devote the will." Together, they form a parallel structure that powerfully conveys the idea of total mental and intentional commitment to a single purpose. ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== The concept of `专心致志` is deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy, particularly in the teachings of Mencius (孟子). In one famous passage, Mencius explains that even a simple game like Go (围棋) cannot be mastered unless one applies their whole mind to it. This gives the idiom a scholarly and virtuous flavor. This reflects a core value in Chinese culture: the belief that mastery and success are born from diligence, perseverance, and deep, unwavering focus. It's not just about performance; it's about character. **Comparison to Western Culture:** In English, we might say someone is "in the zone," "hyper-focused," or "completely absorbed." These terms accurately describe the mental state. However, `专心致志` carries an additional layer of moral and philosophical weight. Praising a child for being `专心致志` while studying isn't just a comment on their concentration; it's praise for their good character, their discipline, and their potential for future success. It's seen as a virtue to be actively cultivated. ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== `专心致志` is a formal idiom (Chengyu). While universally understood, it's most appropriate in written language, formal speeches, or when you want to give sincere, high praise. * **In Education:** This is prime territory for `专心致志`. Teachers and parents constantly use it to encourage students to focus on their studies and avoid distractions. * **In the Workplace:** It is used to describe a model employee who is deeply engaged in their work, producing high-quality results. It's a significant compliment for a colleague's work ethic. * **In Arts and Hobbies:** It perfectly describes an artist, musician, or craftsperson lost in their creative process, completely absorbed in their work. In casual conversation, you're more likely to hear the simpler, less formal term `专心 (zhuānxīn)` (to focus) or `认真 (rènzhēn)` (serious, conscientious). ===== Example Sentences ===== * **Example 1:** * 他在工作时总是**专心致志**，从不分心。 * Pinyin: Tā zài gōngzuò shí zǒngshì **zhuānxīnzhìzhì**, cóng bù fēnxīn. * English: He is always completely focused when he works and is never distracted. * Analysis: A classic and direct way to praise someone's excellent work ethic. * **Example 2:** * 只有**专心致志**地学习，你才能取得好成绩。 * Pinyin: Zhǐyǒu **zhuānxīnzhìzhì** de xuéxí, nǐ cáinéng qǔdé hǎo chéngjì. * English: Only by studying with undivided attention can you achieve good grades. * Analysis: The structure "只有...才..." (only if...then...) strongly emphasizes that focused study is a necessary condition for success. The particle `地 (de)` transforms the idiom into an adverb modifying the verb `学习 (xuéxí)`. * **Example 3:** * 这位科学家**专心致志**地研究了十年，终于有了重大突破。 * Pinyin: Zhè wèi kēxuéjiā **zhuānxīnzhìzhì** de yánjiūle shí nián, zhōngyú yǒule zhòngdà túpò. * English: This scientist researched with intense focus for ten years and finally made a major breakthrough. * Analysis: This example connects long-term, deep concentration with significant achievement, a core cultural idea behind the term. * **Example 4:** * 看到孩子们**专心致志**地看书，老师露出了欣慰的笑容。 * Pinyin: Kàn dào háizimen **zhuānxīnzhìzhì** de kànshū, lǎoshī lùchūle xīnwèi de xiàoróng. * English: Seeing the children reading with such absorption, the teacher revealed a gratified smile. * Analysis: This shows the idiom being used to describe the admirable behavior of children, highlighting its use in an educational context. * **Example 5:** * 她**专心致志**地弹钢琴，完全没有注意到我进来了。 * Pinyin: Tā **zhuānxīnzhìzhì** de tán gāngqín, wánquán méiyǒu zhùyì dào wǒ jìnláile. * English: She was playing the piano with such concentration that she didn't notice me come in at all. * Analysis: This vividly illustrates the state of being completely oblivious to one's surroundings due to deep focus. * **Example 6:** * 想要学好书法，就必须**专心致志**。 * Pinyin: Xiǎng yào xuéhǎo shūfǎ, jiù bìxū **zhuānxīnzhìzhì**. * English: If you want to master calligraphy, you must be completely focused. * Analysis: In this sentence, the idiom functions as a predicate adjective, describing a necessary quality or state for achieving a goal. * **Example 7:** * 比赛时，运动员们个个**专心致志**，力争第一。 * Pinyin: Bǐsài shí, yùndòngyuánmen gègè **zhuānxīnzhìzhì**, lìzhēng dì yī. * English: During the competition, every athlete was intensely focused, striving for first place. * Analysis: Demonstrates the idiom's use in a competitive context, linking focus directly to high performance. * **Example 8:** * 他**专心致志**于自己的事业，很少有时间娱乐。 * Pinyin: Tā **zhuānxīnzhìzhì** yú zìjǐ de shìyè, hěn shǎo yǒu shíjiān yúlè. * English: He is wholeheartedly devoted to his career and rarely has time for entertainment. * Analysis: The structure `专心致志于... (zhuānxīnzhìzhì yú...)` is a formal way to say "to be focused on..." or "to be devoted to...". * **Example 9:** * 这种**专心致志**的精神值得我们每个人学习。 * Pinyin: Zhè zhǒng **zhuānxīnzhìzhì** de jīngshén zhídé wǒmen měi gèrén xuéxí. * English: This spirit of intense concentration is worthy of being learned by every one of us. * Analysis: Here, the idiom is used as an adjective modifying `精神 (jīngshén - spirit, mindset)`, framing deep focus as a laudable quality to emulate. * **Example 10:** * 奶奶**专心致志**地织毛衣，仿佛整个世界都安静了。 * Pinyin: Nǎinai **zhuānxīnzhìzhì** de zhī máoyī, fǎngfú zhěnggè shìjiè dōu ānjìngle. * English: Grandma was knitting the sweater with such absorption, it seemed as if the whole world had gone quiet. * Analysis: A very descriptive and evocative use, painting a picture of peaceful, deep concentration on a simple, meaningful task. ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== * **Formality is Key:** Do not use `专心致志` to describe casual focus. For instance, saying "I'm focusing on the movie" is better expressed as `我在专心看电影 (Wǒ zài zhuānxīn kàn diànyǐng)`. Using the full four-character idiom would be overkill. Reserve `专心致志` for activities that require significant mental effort and are considered worthwhile (studying, research, creating art, etc.). * **False Friend: "Serious" (认真 - rènzhēn):** Learners often confuse `专心致志` with `认真 (rènzhēn)`. They are related but different. * `认真 (rènzhēn)` means "serious," "conscientious," or "diligent." It's about your **attitude** toward a task. You can be `认真` about proofreading an email. * `专心致志` is about your **mental state**. It's the deep absorption that often results from a `认真` attitude. You are `专心致志` while writing a complex report. * **Incorrect Usage Example:** * `我专心致志地听八卦。 (Wǒ zhuānxīnzhìzhì de tīng bāguà.)` -> **Incorrect.** * **Why it's wrong:** Listening to gossip (`八卦`) is a trivial and distracting activity. Applying a powerful, virtuous idiom like `专心致志` sounds comical and inappropriate. It’s like saying, "I was virtuously dedicated to eavesdropping." A more neutral term like `聚精会神 (jùjīnghuìshén)` might work, but even that is a stretch. ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * **[[聚精会神]] (jùjīnghuìshén)** - A very close synonym, meaning "to gather one's essence and spirit". It also describes deep concentration and is often used interchangeably with `专心致志`. * **[[全神贯注]] (quánshénguànzhù)** - Another synonym meaning "to pour one's entire spirit into something". It strongly emphasizes total absorption, often to the point of being oblivious to one's surroundings. * **[[心无旁骛]] (xīnwúpángwù)** - "The mind has no side-distractions". This idiom describes the *result* of being `专心致志`—a pure state of focus with no other thoughts to interfere. * **[[专心]] (zhuānxīn)** - The first two characters of the idiom, used as a standalone word. It simply means "to focus" or "to be concentrated" and is much more common and less formal for everyday situations. * **[[一心一意]] (yīxīnyīyì)** - "One heart, one mind". This emphasizes loyalty and single-minded devotion, often in the context of a long-term goal, a promise, or a relationship. It's more about unwavering commitment than the immediate state of concentration. * **[[认真]] (rènzhēn)** - A related concept. This means "serious" or "conscientious" and describes the attitude necessary to achieve the state of `专心致志`. * **[[分心]] (fēnxīn)** - A direct antonym. It means "to be distracted" or "to divide one's attention". * **[[三心二意]] (sānxīn'èryì)** - An antonymic idiom meaning "three hearts, two minds". It describes someone who is indecisive, half-hearted, or not fully committed to a task.