将心比心
jiāng xīn bǐ xīn
Practicing empathy · trad. 將心比心
Cultivating understanding for others involves imagining yourself in their situation. This encourages empathy and consideration for how your actions might affect others, fostering better relationships.
What does 将心比心 (jiāng xīn bǐ xīn) mean?
将心比心 (jiāng xīn bǐ xīn) means "practicing empathy" in English. Word for word, it breaks down as "put one's heart to another's heart."
Character by character
- 将 jiāng take; put
- 心 xīn heart; mind; feelings
- 比 bǐ compare; liken
- 心 xīn heart; mind; feelings
When to use it
Use this idiom to advocate for empathy, mutual understanding, and thoughtful consideration in interpersonal interactions, negotiations, or when making decisions that impact others. It's a positive and universally applicable expression.
Example
无论我们做什么事情都要做到将心比心的去考虑问题。
Wúlùn wǒmen zuò shénme shìqing dōu yào zuòdào jiāng xīn bǐ xīn de qù kǎolǜ wèntí.
No matter what we do, we should always try to consider things from others' perspectives.
Pro tip: The idiom emphasizes the active process of considering another's viewpoint, not just passively feeling sympathy. It suggests making a conscious effort to understand their feelings and circumstances.
Related idioms
见好就收 · Knowing when to stop见机行事 · Acting on opportunity绞尽脑汁 · Intense mental effort
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