将心比心

Pronunciation: jiāng xīn bǐ xīn Literal meaning: Compare heart to heart

Origin & Usage

The idiom 将心比心 (jiāng xīn bǐ xīn) is commonly used in classical Chinese literature to express the concept of empathy and understanding others by putting oneself in their shoes. The phrase literally means 'compare heart to heart,' encouraging individuals to consider others' feelings and perspectives. The earliest recorded use of this idiom is attributed to the Southern Song dynasty scholar Zhu Xi in his work 《朱子语类·大学三》, where he emphasized the importance of empathy in human interactions. The idiom is often associated with stories of historical figures who demonstrated compassion and understanding, such as the tale of Chu Zhuang Wang, who forgave a soldier's misconduct, leading to the soldier's loyalty in battle. In modern usage, 将心比心 is a reminder to treat others with fairness and tolerance, fostering harmonious relationships.

Examples

English: "In negotiations, it's essential to empathize with the other party's feelings."

Chinese: 在谈判中，理解对方的感受是至关重要的。