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March 24, 2026
当心(當心)dāngxīn(dang1xin1)
当心 (dāng xīn) means 'to take care' or 'to look out.' It is commonly used to advise someone to be cautious about potential dangers or risks in various contexts, such as while driving or handling delicate situations. The phrase emphasizes the importance of vigilance and awareness.
Strokes10Frequency#3226DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of caution is deeply ingrained, often emphasized in teachings about safety and responsibility. Phrases like 当心 are commonly used in daily life, reflecting a cultural value placed on being mindful and considerate of oneself and others.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person on a tightrope (the character 当) holding a heart (心) in their hands. They must be very careful (当心) to balance safely and protect the heart from falling. The image of balancing and caring connects both to the meaning of caution and the pronunciation.
Meanings of 当心
dāngxīn(dang1xin1)
1to take care
2to look out
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 当心
当心Simplified
當心Traditional
10Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3226Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 当心
Podcast: 当心
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AI Study Notes for 当心
Quick Contrast
小心 (xiǎoxīn) — use 当心 for more urgent warnings, while 小心 is often used for general caution.
Usage Notes
当心 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, typically as a warning or advice. A common mistake is to confuse it with other similar phrases like 注意 (zhùyì), which means 'to pay attention,' but 当心 specifically implies a warning to be cautious. Pay attention to the tone; mispronouncing it may lead to misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 当心 connects with other vocabulary related to safety and caution, such as 注意 (zhùyì) and 小心 (xiǎoxīn). Students should focus on understanding its application in different scenarios and practice using it in sentences to build context.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 当心 by saying it in contexts that require a softer warning, such as saying '当心' when simply advising someone to be careful. Instead, they should use 小心 in those situations. For example, instead of saying '当心' when advising someone to handle a fragile object, say '小心这个' (Be careful with this).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 当心
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当心 (dāng xīn) means 'to take care' or 'to look out.' It is commonly used to advise someone to be cautious about potential dangers or risks in various contexts, such as while driving or handling delicate situations. The phrase emphasizes the importance of vigilance and awareness.
When to use 当心
当心 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, typically as a warning or advice. A common mistake is to confuse it with other similar phrases like 注意 (zhùyì), which means 'to pay attention,' but 当心 specifically implies a warning to be cautious. Pay attention to the tone; mispronouncing it may lead to misunderstandings.
当心 or something close to it
小心 (xiǎoxīn) — use 当心 for more urgent warnings, while 小心 is often used for general caution.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 当心 by saying it in contexts that require a softer warning, such as saying '当心' when simply advising someone to be careful. Instead, they should use 小心 in those situations. For example, instead of saying '当心' when advising someone to handle a fragile object, say '小心这个' (Be careful with this).
Write 当心
当
心
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Grammar Patterns of 当心
当心 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
你还是____点好, 不然你会上当受骗.
You'd better watch out, or you'll be getting done in.
