粗心大意
粗心大意 (cū xīn dà yì) literally means “rough heart and careless mind” and expresses “careless; negligent”. 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: cu xin da yi, cu xin da yi,粗心大意 meaning, 粗心大意 in english
Careless; negligent
Pronunciation: cū xīn dà yì Literal meaning: Rough heart and careless mind
Origin & Usage
This idiom combines 'rough/coarse' (粗) heart (心) with 'big/careless' (大) intention (意) to describe a lack of attention to detail. While both components independently suggest carelessness, together they emphasize habitual inattention rather than momentary lapses. The phrase gained currency in Ming Dynasty moral instruction texts warning against neglecting details. It remains commonly used in educational and professional settings to describe someone who makes avoidable mistakes due to insufficient care and attention.
When to Use
Situation: His carelessness caused the crucial error in the report.
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
不远千里
bù yuǎn qiān lǐ
Willingly travel far; make great efforts
Learn more →
朝思暮想
zhāo sī mù xiǎng
Think about constantly; yearn for
Learn more →
魂牵梦萦
hún qiān mèng yíng
Yearn day and night
Learn more →
恋恋不舍
liàn liàn bù shě
Be deeply reluctant to leave
Learn more →
依依不舍
yī yī bù shě
Be reluctant to part
Learn more →
难分难舍
nán fēn nán shě
Be inseparable; hate to part
Learn more →
海枯石烂
hǎi kū shí làn
Until the end of time; eternal love
Learn more →
一见钟情
yī jiàn zhōng qíng
Love at first sight
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 粗心大意 mean in English?
粗心大意 (cū xīn dà yì) literally translates to “Rough heart and careless mind” and is used to express “Careless; negligent”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 粗心大意 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving careless; negligent.
What is the pinyin for 粗心大意?
The pinyin pronunciation for 粗心大意 is “cū xīn dà yì”.