diànji: 惦记 - To think of with concern, To keep in one's thoughts
Quick Summary
Keywords: dianji, 惦记, dianji meaning, what does dianji mean, Chinese word for missing someone, Chinese concern, 惦记 vs 想念, 惦记 vs 牵挂, remember fondly, think of with concern, learn Chinese
Summary: Discover the meaning of 惦记 (diànji), a heartfelt Chinese verb that goes beyond simply “missing someone.” Learn how 惦记 encapsulates a unique blend of longing, persistent thought, and genuine concern for a person's well-being. This page breaks down its cultural significance, practical usage, and key differences from similar words like `想念 (xiǎngniàn)` and `牵挂 (qiānguà)`, helping you express deeper, more authentic emotions in Chinese.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): diànjì
Part of Speech: Verb
HSK Level: HSK 5
Concise Definition: To constantly think about or remember someone or something with a sense of fondness and concern.
In a Nutshell:惦记 (diànji) is the feeling you have when someone you care about is on your mind, not just because you miss them, but because you're actively wondering how they are doing. It’s the warm, persistent thought a mother has for her child away at college, or the way you might fondly remember a close friend you haven't seen in years. It's less about a painful absence and more about a continuous, caring connection.
Character Breakdown
惦 (diàn): This character is all about the feeling. The left side is the “heart radical” (忄), a variant of 心 (xīn), which is found in most characters related to emotions and thoughts. The right side, 店 (diàn), meaning “shop,” primarily provides the phonetic sound. So, you can think of 惦 as a “feeling or thought” in your heart.
记 (jì): This character means “to remember,” “to record,” or “to mark.” It's the same `jì` as in `日记 (rìjì)` (diary) or `记得 (jìde)` (to remember).
How they combine: Together, 惦记 (diànjì) literally translates to something like “a remembered feeling in the heart” or “to remember with feeling.” It signifies a thought that isn't fleeting; it's a concern that you hold onto and remember over time.
Cultural Context and Significance
In Chinese culture, where relationships (`关系 guānxi`) and interpersonal bonds are paramount, 惦记 (diànji) is a powerful expression of connection. It's an active emotional state that maintains and strengthens relationships, even across great distances. Voicing that you `惦记` someone is a profound way of saying “You are important to me, and your well-being is on my mind.”
Comparison to Western Concepts: An English speaker might say “I've been thinking about you” or “I miss you.” While similar, 惦记 (diànji) is subtly different.
“Thinking about you” can be a passing thought. 惦记 implies a more continuous, lingering state of mind.
“I miss you” often focuses on the speaker's feeling of loneliness or sadness due to absence. 惦记 shifts the focus to the other person, conveying care and concern for their situation. It's less “I feel bad because you're not here” and more “I hope you are doing well wherever you are.”
This term reflects a collectivist value system where individuals are deeply interconnected. To `惦记` someone is to fulfill a small, emotional part of one's responsibility to a family member, friend, or loved one.
Practical Usage in Modern China
Family and Close Friends: This is the most common context. Parents constantly 惦记 their children who live far away. Friends who haven't seen each other in a while will say they 惦记 each other. It's a warm, informal expression of a deep bond.
`妈妈总是惦记着在国外留学的我。` (Māma zǒngshì diànjìzhe zài guówài liúxué de wǒ.) - “Mom is always thinking of/concerned about me studying abroad.”
Romance: In a relationship, saying you 惦记 your partner is a tender and intimate expression of love and care.
Objects or Experiences: While less common, you can also 惦记 a thing, usually something tied to a strong emotional memory. Most often, this refers to food from one's hometown.
`我一直惦记着家乡的牛肉面。` (Wǒ yīzhí diànjìzhe jiāxiāng de niúròu miàn.) - “I'm always thinking about/craving the beef noodles from my hometown.”
Unfinished Business: In some contexts, it can mean “to have something on one's mind” in the sense of an unresolved task, but this usage is less frequent than the interpersonal one.
English: We've been apart for so long, have you been thinking of me?
Analysis: A slightly playful, affectionate question between friends or lovers. The `呀 (ya)` at the end softens the tone.
Example 3:
我一直惦记着上次你答应我的那件事。
Pinyin: Wǒ yīzhí diànjìzhe shàng cì nǐ dāyìng wǒ de nà jiàn shì.
English: I've had that thing you promised me last time on my mind.
Analysis: Here, `惦记` is used for a “thing” or task. It implies “I haven't forgotten, and I'm waiting for it.” It's less emotional and more about remembering something important.
Example 4:
谢谢你的礼物，让你惦记了。
Pinyin: Xièxiè nǐ de lǐwù, ràng nǐ diànjì le.
English: Thank you for the gift; it was so thoughtful of you to keep me in mind.
Analysis: This is a polite and common way to thank someone for a gift or a favor. It acknowledges that the other person spent time thinking about you, which is part of the gift itself.
English: I know you're worried about me. Please don't worry, I'm doing fine.
Analysis: A typical response from a younger person to an elder (like a parent or grandparent), reassuring them. It directly acknowledges the “concern” aspect of `惦记`.
Example 6:
他心里惦记着家乡的味道，所以决定开一家餐厅。
Pinyin: Tā xīnli diànjìzhe jiāxiāng de wèidào, suǒyǐ juédìng kāi yījiā cāntīng.
English: He was always thinking about the flavors of his hometown, so he decided to open a restaurant.
Analysis: This shows how `惦记` can apply to something abstract like “flavor” (`味道 wèidào`), which represents a deeper longing for home.
Example 7:
老王退休了，但还惦记着单位里的事。
Pinyin: Lǎo Wáng tuìxiū le, dàn hái diànjìzhe dānwèi lǐ de shì.
English: Old Wang has retired, but he's still concerned about the affairs at his old workplace.
Analysis: This implies a sense of responsibility and care that lingers even after one's official duties have ended.
Example 8:
你别总惦记那点儿小事了，向前看吧。
Pinyin: Nǐ bié zǒng diànjì nà diǎnr xiǎoshì le, xiàng qián kàn ba.
English: Stop dwelling on that trivial matter, look forward.
Analysis: In a negative context, `惦记` can mean “to be hung up on” or “to dwell on.” It implies an inability to let something go.
Example 9:
奶奶最惦记她的宝贝孙子。
Pinyin: Nǎinai zuì diànjì tā de bǎobèi sūnzi.
English: Grandma is always thinking most about her precious grandson.
Analysis: A simple, heartwarming sentence that perfectly captures the tender concern of a grandparent. `最 (zuì)` means “most.”
English: Although we don't see each other often, I'm always thinking of you, my old friend.
Analysis: This is a very sincere statement that reaffirms a friendship. It emphasizes that physical distance doesn't weaken the emotional bond.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
`惦记 (diànji)` vs. `想念 (xiǎngniàn)` vs. `牵挂 (qiānguà)`
`想念 (xiǎngniàn)` - To Miss: This is the most direct translation of “to miss.” It focuses on the feeling of longing and the sadness of separation. If you are sad because your boyfriend is away, you `想念` him.
`惦记 (diànji)` - To Think of with Concern: This focuses on the caring aspect. You are thinking of your boyfriend and hoping he's eating well and staying safe. It's a warmer, more proactive thought.
`牵挂 (qiānguà)` - To Worry About: This is the strongest in terms of worry. It implies you are actively anxious about someone's safety or well-being. It has a heavier feeling than `惦记`. A mother whose child is sick in another city feels `牵挂`.
Common Mistake: Do not use `惦记` for simple intellectual thoughts or for inanimate objects without emotional attachment.
Incorrect: 我在惦记这个数学问题。(Wǒ zài diànjì zhège shùxué wèntí.) - I am thinking about this math problem with concern.
Correct: 我在想这个数学问题。(Wǒ zài xiǎng zhège shùxué wèntí.) - I am thinking about this math problem.
Why it's wrong: `惦记` requires an emotional connection and a sense of care. You don't “care for the well-being” of a math problem.
Related Terms and Concepts
想念 (xiǎngniàn) - A close synonym meaning “to miss,” but with less emphasis on concern for the other's well-being.
牵挂 (qiānguà) - A stronger term meaning “to worry about” or “to be anxious about,” implying more stress than `惦记`.
思念 (sīniàn) - A more formal and literary term for “to miss” or “to long for,” often used in poetry and songs.
关心 (guānxīn) - “To care about” or “to be concerned with.” `关心` can be an action (e.g., asking “how are you?”) while `惦记` is a persistent state of mind.
操心 (cāoxīn) - “To worry about” or “to trouble oneself over.” This implies taking on the mental burden of managing a problem or caring for someone, often with a sense of fatigue.
想 (xiǎng) - The most general verb for “to think,” “to want,” or “to miss” (in a simple sense). `惦记` is a very specific type of `想`.
记得 (jìde) - “To remember.” This is a neutral cognitive function, whereas `惦记` is to remember with emotion and care.