NetChai Chinese

What Does 回心转意 (huí xīn zhuǎn yì) Mean?

回心转意
huí xīn zhuǎn yì
Changing one's mind · trad. 回心轉意
A person changes their mind about a plan during a casual conversation, illustrating “changing one's mind” in Chinese: 回心转意 (huí xīn zhuǎn yì)

People use this idiom to describe someone who changes their previous decision, opinion, or stubborn stance. It signifies a shift in attitude or perspective, often after resistance or disagreement.

What does 回心转意 (huí xīn zhuǎn yì) mean?

回心转意 (huí xīn zhuǎn yì) means "changing one's mind" in English. Word for word, it breaks down as "return heart turn intention."

Character by character

  • huí return
  • xīn heart, mind
  • zhuǎn turn, revolve
  • intention, idea

When to use it

Applies when someone has been unwilling to agree or cooperate and then finally reconsiders their position. It suggests a positive change from a negative or unyielding stance to one of acceptance or willingness.

Example

我认为他最终会回心转意的。
Wǒ rènwéi tā zuìzhōng huì huí xīn zhuǎn yì de.
I believe he will eventually change his mind.
Pro tip: The idiom implies that the person previously held a different, often unyielding, opinion or decision and has now softened or reversed their stance.

Related idioms

胡思乱想 · Aimless thinking焕然一新 · Complete transformation获益匪浅 · Reaping great benefits
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