verb HSK 5
Traditional 懷念
to miss · to cherish the memory of · to think of fondly
Meaning
怀念 expresses a longing or nostalgia for someone or something from the past. It conveys a warm, sentimental feeling when remembering people, places, or times that are no longer present. The emotion is typically gentle and reflective rather than painful.
Usage
Native speakers use 怀念 when talking about missing deceased loved ones, old friends who've moved away, childhood memories, or past experiences. It's more formal and literary than 想 (to miss) and carries a deeper emotional weight. Common in written Chinese and heartfelt conversations.
Examples
- 01我很怀念在北京读书的日子。.I really miss the days when I studied in Beijing.
- 02他常常怀念已经去世的奶奶。.He often cherishes the memory of his grandmother who has passed away.
Characters
Common collocations
- 怀念过去to cherish memories of the past
- 深深怀念to deeply miss
- 怀念故乡to miss one's hometown
Antonyms
Origin
怀 originally meant 'bosom' or 'to hold in one's heart,' while 念 means 'to think of' or 'to remember.' Together they create the sense of holding memories or people close to one's heart.