心想事成

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: xīn xiǎng shì chéng
• English Translation: Wishes come true; things go as one hopes
• Idiom Composition: 「心」（Heart, mind, feelings）＋「想」（To think, to consider, to wish）＋「事」（Matter, thing, affair）＋「成」（To become, to accomplish, to realize）
• Meaning: The realization of what one wishes for in their heart; when desires come true.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「心想事成」 contains the following nuances:

• Fulfillment of wishes: Expresses the fulfillment of heartfelt wishes or goals.
• Good fortune: Suggests that success comes not only from effort but also from being blessed with good luck.
• Positive outcomes: Means achieving good results or success.
• Blessing: Also used to express wishes for others' success and happiness.

3. Usage

「心想事成」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Words of blessing: Commonly used in celebrations such as New Year, birthdays, and weddings to wish others good luck and success.
  • Example:「祝你生日快乐，心想事成！」
    （Happy birthday! May all your wishes come true!）
• Words of encouragement: Used to encourage and support someone who is working hard towards their goals.
  • Example:「相信你一定可以的，祝你心想事成！」
    （I believe you can do it. Wishing you that your wishes come true!）
• Self-fulfillment: Used to describe situations where one's goals or dreams have been realized.
  • Example:「经过多年的努力，我终于心想事成，成为了一名医生。」
    （After years of hard work, I finally achieved my wish and became a doctor.）

Additional Examples:

1. 新年快乐，祝您心想事成，万事如意！
   （Happy New Year! Wishing you that your wishes come true and everything goes smoothly!）
2. 他一直梦想着环游世界，现在终于心想事成了。
   （He had always dreamed of traveling around the world, and now his wish has come true.）
3. 只要你努力，就一定能心想事成。
   （As long as you work hard, your wishes will come true.）
4. 听说你升职了，真是心想事成啊！
   （I heard you got promoted. Truly, your wish has come true!）
5. 希望你的计划能够心想事成。
   （I hope your plans will go as you wish.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• In Chinese culture, there has long been a belief that one's mindset and mental state can influence the real world. The idiom '心想事成' reflects this idea, expressing the belief that positive thinking attracts good fortune.
• '心想事成' embodies the ancient Chinese concept of 'unity of heaven and humanity,' which holds that when a person's inner wishes align with their external actions, they receive blessings from heaven and their wishes come true.
• This idiom is also commonly used in Taoist talismans and prayers, invoking divine protection to help achieve one's desires.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 美梦成真 (měi mèng chéng zhēn): Beautiful dreams becoming reality.
  • 梦想成真 (mèng xiǎng chéng zhēn): Dreams coming true.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 事与愿违 (shì yǔ yuàn wéi): Reality contradicts wishes; things end up disappointing.
  • 功败垂成 (gōng bài chuí chéng): To fail just before success is achieved.

6. Summary

'心想事成' not only means 'wishes come true' but also reflects traditional Chinese beliefs and cultural background, allowing for a deeper understanding of the idiom. When using this phrase, it is important to sincerely wish happiness for others. Learning related and opposite idioms can also broaden your expressive range.