verb HSK 3
Traditional 擔心
dān xīn
to worry · to be anxious · to be concerned

Meaning

担心 means to feel worried or anxious about something that might happen or about someone's well-being. It's commonly used when expressing concern about future events, other people's safety, or potential problems.

Usage

This is a very common verb in everyday conversation. It can take a direct object (担心 + noun) or be followed by a clause. Often appears in phrases like '不用担心' (don't worry) or '我很担心' (I'm very worried). The tone is generally serious or caring rather than casual.

Examples

  1. 01
    担心,我会帮助你。
    Bié dān xīn, huì bāng zhù .
    Don't worry, I will help you.
  2. 02
    妈妈很担心孩子的学习。
    ma hěn dān xīn hái zi de xué .
    Mom is very worried about the child's studies.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 不用担心
    yòng dān xīn
    no need to worry
  • 担心...的安全
    dān xīn ... de ān quán
    to worry about ... 's safety
  • 让人担心
    ràng rén dān xīn
    to make people worried

Antonyms

Origin

The word literally means 'to carry heart,' combining 担 (to bear/carry a burden) with 心 (heart/mind). This vivid image captures the feeling of carrying a heavy emotional burden in one's heart when worried.

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