心地善良
心地善良 (xīn dì shàn liáng) literally means “heart ground kind good” and expresses “fundamentally kind and virtuous character”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: xin di shan liang, xin di shan liang,心地善良 meaning, 心地善良 in english
Fundamentally kind and virtuous character
Pronunciation: xīn dì shàn liáng Literal meaning: Heart ground kind good
Origin & Usage
This phrase originated from Buddhist terminology during the Eastern Han Dynasty introduction of Buddhism to China. It appeared in early sutras translated into Chinese describing ideal character cultivation. During the Tang Dynasty, it transitioned from purely religious contexts to general ethical description. The metaphor of a heart and inner ground (心地) that is kind and virtuous (善良) was particularly effective—fertile ground nurtures wholesome growth just as good character foundation produces virtuous actions. Unlike terms simply meaning 'nice,' it specifically addresses innate moral character quality rather than merely pleasant behavior. Modern usage spans personal recommendation to relationship assessment, describing fundamental character disposition rather than situational behavior, particularly valuing genuine kindness arising from authentic internal orientation rather than superficial courtesy for social advantage.
When to Use
Situation: Despite her wealth and status, she treated everyone with genuine compassion
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Related Chinese Idioms
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 心地善良 mean in English?
心地善良 (xīn dì shàn liáng) literally translates to “Heart ground kind good” and is used to express “Fundamentally kind and virtuous character”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 心地善良 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving fundamentally kind and virtuous character.
What is the pinyin for 心地善良?
The pinyin pronunciation for 心地善良 is “xīn dì shàn liáng”.