xīnyì: 心意 - Regard, Kindness, Affection, Thoughtfulness, Token of Appreciation

• Keywords: xinyi, 心意, xinyi Chinese meaning, what does xinyi mean, Chinese gift giving, token of appreciation, kindness in Chinese, regard, affection, Chinese culture, thoughtfulness
• Summary: In Chinese, `心意 (xīnyì)` refers to the heartfelt kindness, affection, or gratitude behind a gesture, gift, or action. More than the object or deed itself, it's the sincere, positive intention from the heart—encapsulating the popular English phrase, “it's the thought that counts,” but elevating it to a core cultural value in expressing and maintaining relationships.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): xīnyì
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: A kind intention, regard, affection, or a token of appreciation that represents these feelings.
• In a Nutshell: `心意` is the intangible feeling of care and thoughtfulness made tangible. It's not the gift, but the reason for the gift. It's not the favor, but the warmth behind the favor. Whether it's a small souvenir, a home-cooked meal, or a simple word of encouragement, if it comes from the heart with good intentions, it is `心意`.

• 心 (xīn): This character means “heart,” “mind,” or “feeling.” It is a pictograph of a human heart and is a fundamental component in many characters related to emotions and thoughts.
• 意 (yì): This character means “idea,” “meaning,” or “intention.” It's a compound character with “sound” (音) over “heart” (心), suggesting a thought or intention that originates from one's heart and can be expressed.
• Combined Meaning: Together, `心意 (xīnyì)` literally translates to the “heart's intention” or the “heart's meaning.” This beautiful combination perfectly captures the concept of a sincere, heartfelt sentiment being put into action.

`心意` is a cornerstone of Chinese social etiquette, especially in the context of gift-giving and interpersonal relationships. It places the emphasis squarely on the sentiment rather than the material value of a gift.

• Comparison to Western Culture: In American/Western culture, the phrase “it's the thought that counts” is common, but it can sometimes be used to excuse a less-than-ideal gift. In Chinese culture, `心意` is the primary purpose of the gift itself. The physical item is merely a vessel for conveying one's `心意`. When giving a gift, a Chinese person might say, “这只是我的一点心意 (zhè zhǐshì wǒ de yīdiǎn xīnyì),” meaning “This is just a small token of my appreciation.” This isn't false modesty; it's a cultural script that redirects focus from the object's price tag to the giver's genuine feelings.
• Related Values: The expression of `心意` is crucial for building and maintaining `关系 (guānxi)` (social connections) and fulfilling `人情 (rénqíng)` (obligations of favor). Regularly exchanging small tokens of `心意` (like bringing fruit when visiting a friend's house) strengthens bonds and fosters a sense of mutual care and community. It is a quiet, consistent way of showing respect, gratitude, and affection.

`心意` is a versatile and frequently used term in daily life.

• Giving and Receiving Gifts: This is the most common context. It's used to downplay the value of a gift you are giving or to graciously acknowledge the sentiment of a gift you are receiving.
  • Giver: “这个小礼物不成敬意，只是我的一点心意。” (This small gift is nothing, just a token of my regard.)
  • Receiver: “谢谢你的心意，你太客气了！” (Thank you for your thoughtfulness, you're too kind!)
• Acknowledging Kind Actions: It can also refer to non-material gestures, like someone cooking a meal for you, offering help, or providing comfort.
  • “你专程来看我，你的心意我领了。” (You came all this way just to see me, I've received your kind sentiment.)
• Expressing Romantic Feelings: In a romantic context, `心意` refers to one's love or affection for another person.
  • “你到底明不明白我的心意？” (Do you, or do you not, understand my feelings for you?)

• Example 1:
  • 这份礼物不贵，但是代表了我的心意。
  • Pinyin: Zhè fèn lǐwù bù guì, dànshì dàibiǎole wǒ de xīnyì.
  • English: This gift isn't expensive, but it represents my kind regards.
  • Analysis: This is a classic sentence used when giving a gift. It emphasizes that the emotional value is more important than the monetary value.
• Example 2:
  • 非常感谢您的心意，这份工作对我帮助很大。
  • Pinyin: Fēicháng gǎnxiè nín de xīnyì, zhè fèn gōngzuò duì wǒ bāngzhù hěn dà.
  • English: Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness (in helping me get this job); this job is a great help to me.
  • Analysis: Here, `心意` refers to the kind intention behind a significant act of help, like a job recommendation. It's more formal and expresses deep gratitude.
• Example 3:
  • 你不用送什么，人能来就是最好的心意了。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ bùyòng sòng shénme, rén néng lái jiùshì zuì hǎo de xīnyì le.
  • English: You don't need to bring anything; the best token of your regard is just showing up.
  • Analysis: This is often said by a host to a guest. It politely says that the guest's presence is more valued than any physical gift.
• Example 4:
  • 他终于鼓起勇气，向她表明了自己的心意。
  • Pinyin: Tā zhōngyú gǔ qǐ yǒngqì, xiàng tā biǎomíngle zìjǐ de xīnyì.
  • English: He finally mustered the courage to reveal his feelings (affection) to her.
  • Analysis: This example shows `心意` used in a romantic context to mean one's deep feelings or love for someone.
• Example 5:
  • 你的心意我领了，但是这个东西太贵重了，我不能收。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ de xīnyì wǒ lǐng le, dànshì zhège dōngxi tài guìzhòng le, wǒ bùnéng shōu.
  • English: I accept your kind sentiment, but this item is too valuable, I can't accept it.
  • Analysis: A very common and polite way to refuse a gift. It validates the giver's feelings (`我领了` - “I have received it”) while rejecting the physical object.
• Example 6:
  • 这是我们部门同事凑钱买的一点心意，祝您早日康复。
  • Pinyin: Zhè shì wǒmen bùmén tóngshì còuqián mǎi de yīdiǎn xīnyì, zhù nín zǎorì kāngfù.
  • English: This is a small token of appreciation from your colleagues in the department, we wish you a speedy recovery.
  • Analysis: Used in a group setting, like an office. `一点心意` (a little token of regard) is a very common and humble way to present a collective gift.
• Example 7:
  • 妈妈做的菜，充满了对家人的心意。
  • Pinyin: Māmā zuò de cài, chōngmǎnle duì jiārén de xīnyì.
  • English: The food mom makes is filled with her love and care for the family.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates that `心意` can be expressed through actions like cooking, not just gifts. The “thoughtfulness” is an ingredient.
• Example 8:
  • 不管孩子送什么，父母都能感受到他们的心意。
  • Pinyin: Bùguǎn háizi sòng shénme, fùmǔ dōu néng gǎnshòu dào tāmen de xīnyì.
  • English: No matter what their children give them, parents can always feel their love and thoughtfulness.
  • Analysis: This highlights the emotional perception of `心意`, especially within a family context.
• Example 9:
  • 为了表达心意，他亲手写了一张贺卡。
  • Pinyin: Wèile biǎodá xīnyì, tā qīnshǒu xiěle yī zhāng hèkǎ.
  • English: In order to express his good wishes, he wrote a greeting card by hand.
  • Analysis: Shows the verb `表达 (biǎodá)` (to express) is commonly paired with `心意`. A handmade item is a perfect example of prioritizing sentiment over cost.
• Example 10:
  • 我怎么才能让他明白我的心意呢？
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zěnme cái néng ràng tā míngbái wǒ de xīnyì ne?
  • English: How can I make him understand my feelings?
  • Analysis: A question expressing frustration or confusion, often in a romantic or relational context. The speaker feels their affection or kind intentions are not being understood.

• `心意` is the Intention, Not the Gift: A common mistake is to think `心意` is a synonym for `礼物 (lǐwù)` (gift). It's not. The gift is the vehicle; the `心意` is the feeling it carries.
  • Incorrect: 我给你买了一个心意。 (I bought you a `xīnyì`.)
  • Correct: 这是我的一点心意。 (This is a small token of my regard.)
• Exclusively Positive: `心意` almost always refers to a positive, kind, and warm sentiment (kindness, affection, gratitude). It is not a neutral word for “intention.” The English word “intention” can be neutral or negative (e.g., “His intention was to cause trouble”).
  • Incorrect: 他伤害你的心意很明显。 (His `xīnyì` to hurt you is obvious.)
  • Correct: 他伤害你的意图很明显。 (His intention (yìtú) to hurt you is obvious.)
• `心意` vs. `意思`: In the context of giving a small, token gift, `一点心意 (yīdiǎn xīnyì)` and `一点意思 (yīdiǎn yìsi)` can be used interchangeably. However, `意思 (yìsi)` has many other meanings (meaning, idea, fun), while `心意` is specifically about heartfelt sentiment. `心意` sounds a bit more sincere and formal than `意思`.

• 礼物 (lǐwù): Gift; the physical object often used to convey `心意`.
• 意思 (yìsi): Meaning, idea. In the phrase `一点意思`, it can be a casual synonym for a token gift, but `心意` is more heartfelt.
• 好意 (hǎoyì): Good intentions, kindness. A very close synonym, but `心意` often implies a more personal, emotional connection and a tangible expression.
• 情意 (qíngyì): Affection, deep feeling. Similar to `心意`, but usually implies a stronger, more established emotional bond between people.
• 感谢 (gǎnxiè): To thank, gratitude. Gratitude is a common type of `心意` that one might wish to express.
• 关心 (guānxīn): To care about, to be concerned for. The feeling of `关心` is often the motivation behind an act of `心意`.
• 表达 (biǎodá): To express. The verb most commonly used with `心意`, as in `表达心意` (to express one's kind regards/feelings).
• 人情 (rénqíng): Human feeling, favor, social obligation. Expressing `心意` is a key way to manage and build `人情`.
• 关系 (guānxi): Relationships, connections. `心意` is a lubricant for social `关系`, helping to create and maintain harmony.