noun / verb HSK 5
xìn yǎng
faith · belief · to believe in · conviction

Meaning

信仰 refers to religious faith, spiritual belief, or deeply held convictions about life and meaning. As a noun, it means 'faith' or 'belief system.' As a verb, it means 'to believe in' or 'to have faith in' something, typically religious or philosophical in nature.

Usage

信仰 is commonly used in formal or serious contexts when discussing religion, spirituality, or core values. It carries more weight than casual 'believing' and implies commitment to a system of thought or religion. Often used with religions like Buddhism (佛教), Christianity (基督教), or Islam (伊斯兰教).

Examples

  1. 01
    每个人都有选择自己信仰的权利。
    Měi rén dōu yǒu xuǎn xìn yǎng de quán .
    Everyone has the right to choose their own faith.
  2. 02
    他的信仰支撑着他度过了最困难的时期。
    de xìn yǎng zhī chēng zhe guò le zuì kùn nán de shí .
    His faith sustained him through the most difficult period.

Characters

Measure words

  • zhǒng一种信仰

Common collocations

  • 宗教信仰
    zōng jiào xìn yǎng
    religious faith
  • 信仰自由
    xìn yǎng yóu
    freedom of religion
  • 坚定的信仰
    jiān dìng de xìn yǎng
    firm faith
  • 失去信仰
    shī xìn yǎng
    to lose one's faith

Antonyms

Origin

The combination of 信 (trust/belief) and 仰 (to look up/admire) creates the meaning of 'looking up to and believing in' something higher, which naturally evolved to mean religious faith or spiritual belief.

Related