忍心

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Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 忍心 (rěnxīn) expresses the emotional difficulty or unwillingness to do something that causes pain or discomfort, often involving compassion or empathy. It literally combines (to endure) and (heart), implying a heart that endures or tolerates something painful.

Common Contexts

It is frequently used when someone is reluctant to take an action that would hurt others or themselves emotionally, such as refusing a request, leaving someone alone, or witnessing suffering.

Collocations and Patterns

These phrases emphasize the emotional struggle behind the action.

Nuance and Register

忍心 carries a tone of emotional conflict and is often used in empathetic or compassionate contexts. It is more literary or formal than casual speech but common in everyday conversation when expressing sympathy or regret.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse 忍心 with simply , which means to endure or tolerate without the emotional nuance. 忍心 specifically highlights the emotional pain or reluctance involved in the action.

Example Sentences

I really can't bear to leave the puppy alone at home.

He reluctantly refused his friend's request.

How can you bear to watch him suffer?