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. ====== zǐxì: 仔细 - Careful, Meticulous, Attentive ====== ===== Quick Summary ===== * **Keywords:** zixi pinyin, zixi Chinese meaning, what does zixi mean, careful in Chinese, meticulous in Chinese, attentive in Chinese, thorough in Chinese, 仔细 meaning, 仔细 vs 小心, Chinese for detail-oriented, HSK 3 vocabulary * **Summary:** Learn the essential Chinese word **仔细 (zǐxì)**, which translates to "careful," "meticulous," or "attentive." This page explores its core meaning, cultural significance, and practical usage. Discover how `仔细` emphasizes thoroughness and attention to detail, and understand the crucial difference between using it and the similar word `小心 (xiǎoxīn)` to sound like a native speaker. ===== Core Meaning ===== * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** zǐxì * **Part of Speech:** Adjective, Adverb * **HSK Level:** HSK 3 * **Concise Definition:** To be careful, meticulous, attentive to detail, or thorough. * **In a Nutshell:** `仔细` is all about the *quality of attention* you give to a task. It’s not about avoiding danger, but about doing something with precision and a focus on the smallest details. Think of the difference between a quick glance and a detailed inspection. `仔细` describes that detailed inspection. It implies a deliberate, focused effort to be thorough and accurate, whether you're proofreading a document, examining a product, or listening to an explanation. ===== Character Breakdown ===== * **仔 (zǐ):** While this character can mean "young" (like in `牛仔` - niúzǎi, cowboy), one of its core meanings is "minute," "detailed," or "fine." Think of focusing on the smallest, most minute parts of something. * **细 (xì):** This character directly means "thin," "fine," "slender," or "detailed." It's the character used in words like `细节` (xìjié - details). * Together, **仔细 (zǐxì)** creates a powerful compound word. It's like saying "detailed details" or "fine and minute." This repetition of the concept of "fineness" creates an intensified meaning: to be exceptionally thorough, precise, and meticulous. ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== * In Chinese culture, there is a high value placed on diligence, craftsmanship, and academic rigor. Doing a task **`仔细`** is more than just a practical instruction; it's a reflection of one's character. A person who works `仔细` is seen as responsible, respectable, and serious about their duties. This applies to a student checking their exam paper, an artist perfecting their work, or a chef preparing a dish. * **Comparison with Western "Careful":** In English, the word "careful" is a broad term. "Be careful!" can mean "Watch out for cars!" or "Be careful when you paint the wall." Chinese is more precise here. * **`小心 (xiǎoxīn)`** (literally "small heart") is used for **warnings and safety**. It means to be cautious and aware of potential danger. (e.g., `小心地滑` - xiǎoxīn dì huá, "Caution, wet floor"). * **`仔细 (zǐxì)`** is used for **tasks and details**. It means to be meticulous and thorough to ensure quality and accuracy. * Mistaking these two is a very common beginner error. Using `仔细` to warn someone of danger sounds unnatural, as if you're asking them to meticulously analyze the danger rather than just avoid it. ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== * **At School and Work:** This is one of the most common words you'll hear in an academic or professional setting. Teachers constantly tell students, `考试的时候要仔细一点` (Kǎoshì de shíhòu yào zǐxì yīdiǎn) - "Be more careful during the exam." A boss will tell an employee, `请仔细阅读这份合同` (Qǐng zǐxì yuèdú zhè fèn hétóng) - "Please read this contract carefully." * **In Daily Life:** It's often used to describe a person's personality. `她是一个很仔细的人` (Tā shì yīgè hěn zǐxì de rén) means "She is a very meticulous person." It's a high compliment, implying they are organized, thoughtful, and don't miss details. * **As a Command:** You can simply say `仔细看!` (Zǐxì kàn!) - "Look carefully!" or `你再仔细想想` (Nǐ zài zǐxì xiǎngxiang) - "Think it over again carefully." * **Connotation:** Overwhelmingly positive. It signals competence, responsibility, and a good work ethic. ===== Example Sentences ===== * **Example 1:** * 他做事非常**仔细**，几乎从不出错。 * Pinyin: Tā zuòshì fēicháng **zǐxì**, jīhū cóng bù chūcuò. * English: He is extremely meticulous in his work and almost never makes mistakes. * Analysis: Here, `仔细` is used as an adjective to describe the way he does things. It's a strong compliment about his work habits. * **Example 2:** * 请**仔细**检查你的答案，不要马虎。 * Pinyin: Qǐng **zǐxì** jiǎnchá nǐ de dá'àn, bùyào mǎhu. * English: Please check your answers carefully, don't be sloppy. * Analysis: This is a classic instruction. `仔细` is used as an adverb modifying the verb `检查` (jiǎnchá - to check). It's contrasted directly with its antonym, `马虎` (mǎhu - sloppy). * **Example 3:** * 我**仔细**听了，但还是没听懂。 * Pinyin: Wǒ **zǐxì** tīng le, dànshì háishì méi tīng dǒng. * English: I listened carefully, but I still didn't understand. * Analysis: This shows that `仔细` describes the *effort*, not necessarily the result. The speaker made a thorough effort to listen, even if it was unsuccessful. * **Example 4:** * 这位医生非常**仔细**，给病人看病看得很全面。 * Pinyin: Zhè wèi yīshēng fēicháng **zǐxì**, gěi bìngrén kànbìng kàn de hěn quánmiàn. * English: This doctor is very thorough; he gives his patients very comprehensive examinations. * Analysis: `仔细` is used here to describe the doctor's personality and professional style. It inspires confidence and trust. * **Example 5:** * 你再**仔细**看看，照片里有五个人，不是四个。 * Pinyin: Nǐ zài **zǐxì** kànkan, zhàopiàn lǐ yǒu wǔ gè rén, bùshì sì gè. * English: Take another careful look, there are five people in the photo, not four. * Analysis: A direct command. It implies the first look was too quick or careless, and a more detailed inspection is needed. * **Example 6:** * 做这个实验需要非常**仔细**的操作。 * Pinyin: Zuò zhège shíyàn xūyào fēicháng **zǐxì** de cāozuò. * English: Performing this experiment requires very meticulous operation. * Analysis: Here, `仔细的` (zǐxì de) acts as an adjective modifying the noun `操作` (cāozuò - operation/procedure). * **Example 7:** * 出门前，他**仔细**地把门窗都锁好了。 * Pinyin: Chūmén qián, tā **zǐxì** de bǎ ménchuāng dōu suǒ hǎo le. * English: Before going out, he carefully locked all the doors and windows. * Analysis: The particle `地` (de) is used to formally mark `仔细` as an adverb modifying the verb phrase that follows. This is grammatically very common. * **Example 8:** * 买手机的时候要**仔细**比较一下不同型号的功能。 * Pinyin: Mǎi shǒujī de shíhòu yào **zǐxì** bǐjiào yīxià bùtóng xínghào de gōngnéng. * English: When buying a phone, you should carefully compare the features of different models. * Analysis: A practical piece of advice. `仔细` implies a thorough, not superficial, comparison. * **Example 9:** * 经过**仔细**的考虑，我决定接受这份工作。 * Pinyin: Jīngguò **zǐxì** de kǎolǜ, wǒ juédìng jiēshòu zhè fèn gōngzuò. * English: After careful consideration, I have decided to accept this job. * Analysis: `仔细的考虑` (zǐxì de kǎolǜ) is a common phrase for "careful consideration." It shows the decision was not made hastily. * **Example 10:** * 你能不能帮我**仔细**看看这份文件有没有语法错误？ * Pinyin: Nǐ néng bùnéng bāng wǒ **zǐxì** kànkan zhè fèn wénjiàn yǒu méiyǒu yǔfǎ cuòwù? * English: Can you help me take a careful look at this document to see if there are any grammar mistakes? * Analysis: A request for help that specifically asks for a meticulous, detail-oriented review. ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== * **The #1 Mistake: Confusing `仔细` with `小心`** * As mentioned in the cultural section, this is the most frequent error for learners. Remember the rule: * `仔细 (zǐxì)` = For tasks, details, quality, and thoroughness. (Focus on ACCURACY) * `小心 (xiǎoxīn)` = For warnings, danger, and safety. (Focus on AWARENESS) * **Incorrect Usage Example:** * //WRONG:// `路上车很多，开车要**仔细**。` * Pinyin: Lùshàng chē hěnduō, kāichē yào **zǐxì**. * Why it's wrong: This sounds like you're telling the driver to meticulously analyze every single car on the road. The goal isn't a detailed analysis; it's to be cautious and avoid an accident. * **Correct Usage Example:** * //CORRECT:// `路上车很多，开车要**小心**。` * Pinyin: Lùshàng chē hěnduō, kāichē yào **xiǎoxīn**. * English: There are a lot of cars on the road, be careful when you drive. * Analysis: This correctly uses `小心` to convey a warning about potential danger. ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * [[小心]] (xiǎoxīn) - The most important related term. Means "to be careful" in the sense of being cautious and avoiding danger. Often an antonym in context. * [[认真]] (rènzhēn) - Means "serious," "conscientious," or "earnest." It describes a serious attitude towards a task, while `仔细` describes the meticulous execution of it. They are often used together (e.g., `认真仔细`). * [[细心]] (xìxīn) - A very close synonym for `仔细`. It literally means "fine/detailed heart" and also means careful or attentive. They are often interchangeable, though `细心` can sometimes feel slightly more focused on a person's inherent nature, while `仔细` can describe the action itself. * [[周到]] (zhōudào) - Means "thoughtful" or "considerate." It relates to `仔细` in that it implies meticulous planning, but specifically for the needs and comfort of other people. * [[马虎]] (mǎhu) - A key antonym. It means "careless, sloppy, casual." The direct opposite of being `仔细`. * [[粗心]] (cūxīn) - Another important antonym, literally "coarse/thick heart." It means "careless" or "thoughtless" and is the opposite of `细心`.