内心
What does "内心" mean in English?
inner feelings她虽然表面上很坚强，但内心其实很脆弱。
Although she seems strong on the outside, her inner feelings are actually very fragile.
How to use "内心" correctly: definitions and examples in English?
The thoughts, emotions, or motivations that a person experiences but does not express openly.
他的内心充满了矛盾，不知道该如何选择。
His inner feelings were full of contradictions, unsure how to choose.
我们需要理解他人的内心世界。
We need to understand others' inner worlds.
Often used in psychological or emotional contexts to describe one's true feelings.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish from '心里'
'内心' is more formal and often used in written contexts, while '心里' is more casual and commonly used in speech. For example, '他心里很难过' (He feels sad in his heart) is more natural in spoken Chinese.
Gold Rule
Usage Context
Use 内心 when referring to deep, often hidden emotions or thoughts. It is not typically used for physical sensations or superficial feelings.
Word Origin
内 (nèi) means 'inside' or 'within', while 心 (xīn) means 'heart' or 'mind'. The compound word combines these to describe one's internal emotional state.
Usage Notes
内心 is often used in written Chinese to describe a person's true feelings, which may contrast with their outward behavior. It is more formal than '心里' (xīn lǐ), which is more commonly used in spoken language.