良心

No base JSON record found for this token.

Character Breakdown

Understanding 良心 (liáng xīn)

The word 良心 literally combines 'good' () and 'heart' (), referring to the inner moral sense or conscience. It is used to describe the feeling that guides a person to distinguish right from wrong.

Usage in Daily Life

良心 often appears when discussing moral feelings, guilt, or ethical behavior. For example, when someone feels bad about wrongdoing, they might say their 良心不安 (conscience is uneasy). It can also describe a person's integrity, especially in contexts like business or personal conduct.

Common Collocations

  • 良心不安: feeling guilty or uneasy about one's conscience.
  • 良心发现: a phrase meaning 'conscience awakening,' used when someone decides to do the right thing after hesitation.
  • 良心: to have a conscience, implying honesty and moral integrity.

Nuances and Tips

Using 良心 emphasizes internal moral judgment rather than external rules. It often implies a personal ethical standard. Avoid confusing 良心 with 法律 (law); 良心 is about personal morality, not legal obligation.

When speaking about others, saying someone '良心' praises their honesty and kindness. Saying '良心不安' expresses personal guilt or remorse.

Summary

良心 is a key term for discussing conscience and moral feelings in Chinese. It appears in everyday conversation about ethics, guilt, and integrity, making it essential for expressing nuanced moral attitudes.

Example Sentences

He felt guilty after doing something bad.

His conscience awakened, and he decided to return the money to the owner.

You must have a conscience in business and not deceive customers.