将心比心
将心比心 (jiāng xīn bǐ xīn) literally means “compare heart to heart” and expresses “empathy and understanding”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character.
Also searched as: jiang xin bi xin, jiang xin bi xin,将心比心 meaning, 将心比心 in english
Empathy and understanding
Pronunciation: jiāng xīn bǐ xīn Literal meaning: Compare heart to heart
Origin & Usage
To take (将) one's own heart (心) and measure (比) another's (心). Zhu Xi uses it, and the mechanism is worth noticing: the standard proposed is not imagination but comparison — you already know what it is like to be treated a certain way, so the information required is available without any special sympathy. That makes it a more practical instruction than most words for empathy. It is commonly said as a request, meaning put yourself where I am for a moment.
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。
Related Chinese Idioms
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Patient, sincere advice
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Heartfelt advice
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Public duty crowds out private interest
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Courageous moral action
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 将心比心 mean in English?
将心比心 (jiāng xīn bǐ xīn) literally translates to “Compare heart to heart” and is used to express “Empathy and understanding”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 将心比心 used?
Situation: In negotiations, it's essential to empathize with the other party's feelings.
What is the pinyin for 将心比心?
The pinyin pronunciation for 将心比心 is “jiāng xīn bǐ xīn”.