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初衷 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
初衷chūzhōngoriginal intention or aspirationHSK 7, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #13338, Very Hard
chūzhōng(chu1zhong1)chu zhong T1
  1. 1original intention or aspiration
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March 24, 2026

初衷chūzhōng(chu1zhong1)

初衷 refers to one's original intention or aspiration, often used in a context where someone reflects on their initial motivations or goals. It implies a sense of purity and sincerity in the intentions behind actions or decisions, contrasting with later changes in perspective or goals.

Strokes17Frequency#13338DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

The concept of 初衷 is significant in Chinese culture, especially in discussions about personal integrity and authenticity, often emphasized in literature and philosophy. It resonates with the Confucian value of being true to one’s original self and intentions.

Memory tip

Imagine a young artist with a pure heart, starting with a 'first intention' (初衷) to create beautiful art. The character 初 (chu) looks like a starting point, while 志 (zhong) resembles a heart with a goal, emphasizing the core idea of following one's heartfelt aspirations.

Meanings of 初衷

chūzhōng(chu1zhong1)
1original intention or aspiration
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About 初衷

初衷Simplified
17Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

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Podcast: 初衷

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AI study notes for 初衷

Quick Contrast

初心 (chūxīn) - use 初衷 when emphasizing the original intention behind actions; use 初心 when referring to the initial mindset or feeling that motivates someone.

Usage Notes

初衷 is often used in reflective or philosophical contexts, so it's more common in spoken or written Chinese rather than casual conversation. Be cautious with using it in a negative context, as it primarily conveys positive or sincere motivations. Common collocations include '坚持初衷' (to stick to one's original intention).

HSK Study Tips

While 初衷 is not an HSK word, it can be linked to concepts of intention and motivation found in HSK vocabulary. Students should focus on understanding the emotional weight of the term and how it relates to personal values.

Common Mistakes

Learners may confuse 初衷 with 意图 (intention), but 初衷 specifically refers to the original and sincere intent. For example, saying '我的意图是帮助' (my intention is to help) may lack the depth of '我的初衷是帮助' (my original intention was to help).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 初衷

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Component characters

初chūat first
HSK 57 strokes刀
View full entry
衷zhōnginner feelings
10 strokes衣
View full entry

How to say original intention or aspiration in Chinese

“original intention or aspiration” in Chinese is初衷chūzhōng

初衷 refers to one's original intention or aspiration, often used in a context where someone reflects on their initial motivations or goals. It implies a sense of purity and sincerity in the intentions behind actions or decisions, contrasting with later changes in perspective or goals.

When to use 初衷

初衷 is often used in reflective or philosophical contexts, so it's more common in spoken or written Chinese rather than casual conversation. Be cautious with using it in a negative context, as it primarily conveys positive or sincere motivations. Common collocations include '坚持初衷' (to stick to one's original intention).

初衷 or something close to it

初心 (chūxīn) - use 初衷 when emphasizing the original intention behind actions; use 初心 when referring to the initial mindset or feeling that motivates someone.

What learners get wrong

Learners may confuse 初衷 with 意图 (intention), but 初衷 specifically refers to the original and sincere intent. For example, saying '我的意图是帮助' (my intention is to help) may lack the depth of '我的初衷是帮助' (my original intention was to help).

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初
衷

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Frequently asked questions about 初衷

You can say '我始终坚持我的初衷' (I always stick to my original intention).

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