In Depth on the Usages and Meaning of 心 in Japanese
心 means mind, heart, or spirit. Basically, the meaning of 心 refers broadly to any part of a person that is non-physical. This comes down to a number of things such as their feelings, intentions, emotions, or what goes on in their head. Let’s take a closer look.
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The Meaning of 心 in Japanese
The word, 心 has a vast array of meanings connected to it. But, at the same time, it is surprisingly close to the concepts of mind or heart in English.
https://japaneseuniverse.com/2024/02/18/pac-man-in-japaneseconcepts-behind-development-to-global-icon/心 means Heart
When we say heart of course we are talking about the emotional heart, not the physical heart. So, when we say heart that can include emotions, feelings, intentions, desires, or other subjective personal truths or beliefs.
心 means Mind
Next 心 also means mind. When we talk about the mind in general this means the dichotomy between the mind and the body. So, if we think about the contents of the mind that would be one’s thoughts, or what someone maybe be imagining inside of their head.
The Meaning of 心 in Various Situations
If you remember 心 means mind or heart then in most situations you won’t have any trouble understanding what the word is trying to portray in a sentence.
気 – What Does Ki mean, and How it is used in Japanese
Mostly the word is not that complicated. But, as a common word that encompasses a large area of meaning, 心 has expressive even metaphorical usages. For the most part, though, 心 shows up in a limited but large number of phrases. If you remember some of these phrases then you can understand how to say and when to say 心 with no trouble.
Pure or Honest Feelings
When you do something from your heart that means you are sincere about it. In Japanese 心 also holds this same meaning.
心から感謝する
to truly appreciate (appreciate from the heart)
Decision Making
Decision-making is a concept that can be represented with 心. Just like in English where you make up your mind you do the same in Japanese
心を決める
make up one’s mind
Dedication for Something
Putting your whole heart into something means that you have full dedication to something.
心を込めて
wholeheartedly
Interest in Something
心 also can tell you that you have an interest in something.
心を奪われる
to be captivated by (have one’s heart stolen)
Open or Closed-Minded
Here is another unique concept represented by 心. You can think of a large mind as something that has room to take in a lot of broad ideas. On the other hand, a mind that is not as large does not have the space to be open to such variety.
心が広い
to be open-minded (have a wide/open mind)
心が狭い
to be close-minded (have a narrow mind)
Remembering something
心 also has several expressions about memory. Hear, you can think of 心 as space where these memories remain or show up.
心に刻む
to etch into one’s mind
心に残る
to remain in one’s mind
心に浮かぶ
to come to one’s mind
Being Careful or giving Attention
Finally, we can talk about being careful with 心 or giving attention.
心を配る
to give attention to something (to distribute one’s mind)
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