心急如焚 (xīn jí rú fén) is an idiom that describes a state of extreme anxiety or impatience, as if one's heart is burning with urgency. This expression is often used to convey the feeling of being unable to wait for something, particularly concerning important matters or emergencies.
HSK 7, rank #36448, Very Hard
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March 24, 2026
心急如焚()xīnjírúfén(xin1ji2ru2fen2)
心急如焚 (xīn jí rú fén) is an idiom that describes a state of extreme anxiety or impatience, as if one's heart is burning with urgency. This expression is often used to convey the feeling of being unable to wait for something, particularly concerning important matters or emergencies.
Frequency#36448DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of patience is often emphasized, and this idiom reflects the intensity of emotions tied to anticipation. It can often be used in contexts like waiting for exam results or medical news, where anxiety is high.
Memory Tip
Imagine your heart (心) is on fire (焚), creating a sense of urgency (急). Visualize yourself pacing back and forth, feeling the heat of anxiety as you await important news. This vivid imagery connects the components of the idiom to its meaning.
About 心急如焚
心急如焚Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 心急如焚
Podcast: 心急如焚
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AI Study Notes for 心急如焚
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine your heart (心) is on fire (焚), creating a sense of urgency (急). Visualize yourself pacing back and forth, feeling the heat of anxiety as you await important news. This vivid imagery connects the components of the idiom to its meaning.
Usage Notes
This idiom is typically used in both spoken and written contexts, especially when discussing emotional states. A common mistake is to use it too casually; it is best reserved for serious situations. Pay attention to the tone and context to avoid sounding overly dramatic.
HSK Study Tips
While this idiom may not be included in the HSK, understanding it can enhance your vocabulary, particularly for HSK Level 4 and above. Focus on the components of the phrase, as they can help you grasp similar idiomatic expressions in Chinese.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of patience is often emphasized, and this idiom reflects the intensity of emotions tied to anticipation. It can often be used in contexts like waiting for exam results or medical news, where anxiety is high.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misinterpret the idiom as simply meaning 'worried' without recognizing the intensity of urgency. For example, saying '我心急如焚因为我担心考试' (I am anxious because I worry about the exam) misses the urgency; it's better to say '我心急如焚在等待考试结果.'
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 心急如焚
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Cultural Notes for 心急如焚
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of patience is often emphasized, and this idiom reflects the intensity of emotions tied to anticipation. It can often be used in contexts like waiting for exam results or medical news, where anxiety is high.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, while anxiety and urgency are recognized, the metaphor of 'burning' may not be as commonly used; expressions often focus more on 'nervousness' or 'stress' without the vivid imagery.
Frequently Asked Questions about 心急如焚
It's best used in more serious contexts, as it conveys a strong emotional state.
Use it when expressing urgency about important matters, like waiting for news or decisions.
A close English equivalent might be 'on pins and needles,' which also conveys a sense of anxious anticipation.
