adjective / adverb HSK 5
cautious · careful · prudent · discreet
Meaning
慎重 describes an attitude of being careful and thoughtful when making decisions or taking actions. It emphasizes deliberate consideration of consequences before acting, showing a sense of responsibility and avoiding rash or hasty behavior.
Usage
慎重 is commonly used in formal or semi-formal contexts when discussing important decisions, business matters, or serious situations. It often appears with verbs like 考虑 (consider), 对待 (treat), or 处理 (handle). Native speakers use it to convey that someone is not taking things lightly.
Examples
- 01这个决定很重要，我们必须慎重考虑。, .This decision is very important; we must consider it carefully.
- 02他做事一向很慎重，从不轻易下结论。, .He has always been cautious in his work and never jumps to conclusions easily.
Characters
Common collocations
- 慎重考虑to consider carefully
- 慎重对待to treat cautiously
- 慎重处理to handle carefully
- 态度慎重cautious attitude
Antonyms
Origin
The character 慎 originally meant 'to be cautious' and contains the heart radical 心, suggesting careful thinking. Combined with 重 (heavy/serious), the word emphasizes the weight and seriousness of being careful.