善解人意
*The explanations on this page are generated by AI. Please note that they may contain inaccurate information.
1. Basic Information
- Pinyin: shàn jiě rén yì
- English Translation: Understanding and considerate (empathetic)
- Idiom Composition: 「善」(To be good at; adept at)
+ 「解」(To understand; to comprehend) + 「人」(Others; people) + 「意」(Thoughts; feelings; intentions) - Meaning: To be sensitive to the thoughts and feelings of others and capable of seeing things from their perspective. It is a compliment for someone who not only understands others' needs but also acts with kindness and consideration.
2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances
「善解人意」 contains the following nuances:
- High Empathy: Refers to the ability to perceive others' intentions and emotions even when they are not explicitly stated.
- Kindness and Consideration: The 'understanding' (善解 - shàn jiě) in this idiom is not just an intellectual exercise; it implies a warm, supportive understanding that stems from genuine kindness.
3. Usage
「善解人意」 is mainly used in the following contexts:
- Praising Personality: Used to compliment friends, partners, or children when they demonstrate an ability to sense and respond to others' needs.
- Example:「她总是那么温柔体贴,善解人意,大家都喜欢和她相处。」
(She is always so gentle, caring, and understanding of others, so everyone enjoys her company.)
- Example:「她总是那么温柔体贴,善解人意,大家都喜欢和她相处。」
- Ideal Partner: Frequently used to describe the qualities one seeks in a romantic partner or spouse.
- Example:「我想找一个善解人意的男朋友,在我难过的时候能懂我。」
(I want to find a boyfriend who is empathetic and thoughtful, someone who can understand me when I am feeling down.)
- Example:「我想找一个善解人意的男朋友,在我难过的时候能懂我。」
- Describing Animals: Used to describe intelligent pets that seem to sense their owner's emotional state.
- Example:「这只金毛犬非常善解人意,主人哭的时候它会静静地陪在身边。」
(This Golden Retriever is very perceptive of human emotions; when its owner cries, it stays quietly by their side.)
- Example:「这只金毛犬非常善解人意,主人哭的时候它会静静地陪在身边。」
Additional Examples:
- 虽然他平时话不多,但他其实是个善解人意的人。
(Although he doesn't talk much, he is actually a very considerate and understanding person.) - 在这个复杂的社会里,遇到一个善解人意的朋友很难得。
(In this complex society, it is rare to meet a friend who is truly empathetic and thoughtful.) - 女儿虽然年纪小,但很善解人意,知道妈妈累了会主动帮忙。
(Although my daughter is young, she is very considerate; she proactively helps out when she sees her mother is tired.) - 作为心理咨询师,善解人意是最基本的素质。
(As a psychological counselor, being empathetic and understanding is the most fundamental quality.) - 与其找个有钱的,不如找个善解人意的伴侣。
(Rather than finding someone wealthy, it is better to find a partner who is understanding and thoughtful.)
4. Cultural Background and Notes
- While examples of this phrase appear in Qing Dynasty literature such as the Romance of the Sui and Tang Dynasties (隋唐演义), it is an extremely common expression in modern daily Chinese.
- Historically, 善解人意 (shàn jiě rén yì) was often used to describe the 'ideal' woman (such as a virtuous wife or daughter). However, in modern usage, it is gender-neutral and is used to praise anyone with high Emotional Intelligence (EQ).
- It is distinct from the phrase 会来事儿 (huì lái shì r). While both describe someone who is 'thoughtful' or 'perceptive,' 会来事儿 (huì lái shì r) can sometimes carry a negative nuance of being 'calculating' or 'slick' in social climbing, whereas 善解人意 (shàn jiě rén yì) is purely positive and reflects a person's good character.
5. Similar and Opposite Idioms
- Similar Idioms:
- 通情达理 (tōng qíng dá lǐ): Understanding and reasonable; showing common sense and empathy.
- 体贴入微 (tǐ tiē rù wēi): Extremely considerate and thoughtful, paying attention to the smallest details of someone's needs.
- 合情合理 (hé qíng hé lǐ): Conforming to both reason and common sense.link
- Opposite Idioms:
- 不近人情 (bù jìn rén qíng): Lacking human touch; unreasonable or cold-hearted.
- 不可理喻 (bù kě lǐ yù): Impossible to reason with; impervious to logic or common sense.
- 冷酷无情 (lěng kù wú qíng): To be cold-hearted and ruthless.link
- 无理取闹 (wú lǐ qǔ nào): To make trouble without reason or to create a disturbance out of nothing.link
6. Summary
The idiom 善解人意 (shàn jiě rén yì) is used to praise individuals who possess high emotional intelligence and a caring nature. It describes someone who can intuitively grasp what others are feeling without being told. It is a common way to describe an ideal partner, a thoughtful child, or even a perceptive pet.
