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死心塌地 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
死心塌地sǐxīntādìto be hell-bent onHSK 7, unknown, 29 strokes, Very Hard
死心塌地sǐxīntādìdead set on sthHSK 7, unknown, 29 strokes, Very Hard
死心塌地sǐxīntādìunswervingHSK 7, unknown, 29 strokes, Very Hard
sǐxīntādì(si3xin1ta1di4)si xin ta di T3
  1. 1to be hell-bent on
  2. 2dead set on sth
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March 24, 2026

死心塌地sǐxīntādì(si3xin1ta1di4)

死心塌地 is an idiom that means to be completely committed to something or someone, showing unwavering determination. It conveys a sense of being 'hell-bent' on a course of action or belief, often despite obstacles or challenges.

Strokes29DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, unwavering commitment is highly valued, whether in personal relationships or professional endeavors. This idiom reflects the cultural appreciation for loyalty and perseverance, traits revered in Chinese literature and philosophy.

Memory Tip

Imagine a heart (心) that has died (死) and is now firmly planted on the ground (塌地). This image represents a person who has given up all doubts and is firmly committed to their path, embodying the essence of being resolute and steadfast.

Meanings of 死心塌地

sǐxīntādì(si3xin1ta1di4)
1to be hell-bent on
2dead set on sth
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About 死心塌地

死心塌地Simplified
29Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 死心塌地

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AI Study Notes for 死心塌地

Quick Contrast

坚定不移 (jiāndìng bù yí) - use 死心塌地 when emphasizing emotional attachment or devotion, while 坚定不移 focuses more on steadfastness without the emotional nuance.

Usage Notes

This idiom is often used in both informal and formal contexts to emphasize strong commitment. Be cautious of using it in overly casual situations, as it can convey intense emotion. Common collocations include '对某事死心塌地' (dead set on something).

HSK Study Tips

While not directly listed in HSK levels, this idiom exemplifies advanced understanding of Chinese expressions. Students should focus on its components and usage in various contexts, connecting it with other idioms that express determination or commitment.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly say '死心踏地' instead of '死心塌地,' confusing the character for '踏' (to step) with '塌' (to collapse). Always remember the correct form to convey the idiom accurately.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 死心塌地

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Idiom Spotlight: 死心塌地

Chengyu Origin Story
Literal meaning:die heart settle ground

Component Characters

死sǐto die
HSK 46 strokes歹
View full entry
心xīnheart
HSK 44 strokes心
View full entry
塌tāto collapse
HSK 713 strokes土
View full entry
地dìearth
HSK 26 strokes土
View full entry

How to say to be hell-bent on in Chinese

“to be hell-bent on” in Chinese is死心塌地sǐxīntādì

死心塌地 is an idiom that means to be completely committed to something or someone, showing unwavering determination. It conveys a sense of being 'hell-bent' on a course of action or belief, often despite obstacles or challenges.

When to use 死心塌地

This idiom is often used in both informal and formal contexts to emphasize strong commitment. Be cautious of using it in overly casual situations, as it can convey intense emotion. Common collocations include '对某事死心塌地' (dead set on something).

死心塌地 or something close to it

坚定不移 (jiāndìng bù yí) - use 死心塌地 when emphasizing emotional attachment or devotion, while 坚定不移 focuses more on steadfastness without the emotional nuance.

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistakenly say '死心踏地' instead of '死心塌地,' confusing the character for '踏' (to step) with '塌' (to collapse). Always remember the correct form to convey the idiom accurately.

Write 死心塌地

死
心
塌
地

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Cultural Notes for 死心塌地

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, the concept of being 'dead set' on something is similar but may not always carry the same intensity or emotional weight as it does in Chinese culture.

Frequently Asked Questions about 死心塌地

Yes, but be mindful of the context, as it can imply a strong emotional commitment.

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