一心一意

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: yì xīn yí yì
• English Translation: To concentrate on one thing, to be devoted, without looking aside
• Idiom Composition: 「一」（One）＋「心」（Heart, mind）＋「一」（One）＋「意」（Thought, idea）
• Meaning: One heart, one mind. It describes focusing on a single thing without distraction. It means eliminating distracting thoughts and dedicating oneself earnestly and sincerely.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「一心一意」 contains the following nuances:

• Concentration: Describes a state of focusing attention on one object without being distracted by other things.
• Devotion: Indicates pouring all one's energy into a particular matter without thinking about anything else.
• Seriousness: Means working on something seriously and earnestly, not as a joke or for fun.
• Single-mindedness: Describes moving straight toward a goal without distraction or hesitation.

3. Usage

「一心一意」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Learning or work: Describes focusing intently on studying or working.
  • Example:「他一心一意地学习，终于考上了理想的大学。」
    （He studied with all his heart and finally got into his ideal university.）
• Goal achievement: Describes working hard single-mindedly toward a goal.
  • Example:「为了实现自己的梦想，他一心一意地努力着。」
    （He is working single-mindedly to realize his dream.）
• Expression of love: Describes being devoted to one person without distraction by others.
  • Example:「他对她是一心一意的，从来没有变过心。」
    （He is devoted to her and has never had a change of heart.）

Additional Examples:

1. 运动员们在比赛中一心一意，争取最好的成绩。
   （The athletes gave their all in the competition, striving for the best results.）
2. 她一心一意地照顾生病的母亲，从不抱怨。
   （She devotedly took care of her sick mother and never complained.）
3. 只要你一心一意地去做，就一定能够成功。
   （If you do it with all your heart, you will surely succeed.）
4. 他一心一意地钻研技术，最终成为了这个领域的专家。
   （He single-mindedly researched the technology and eventually became an expert in the field.）
5. 这对夫妇一心一意地经营着他们的小店，生意越来越好。
   （This couple wholeheartedly runs their small shop, and business is getting better and better.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• In Chinese culture, concentrating on a task has long been regarded as a virtue. The idiom '一心一意' reflects this cultural value.
• The character '一' in '一心一意' changes to the second tone and is pronounced 'yí' because it is followed by the fourth tone character '意'.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 专心致志 (zhuān xīn zhì zhì): To be very focused, to be absorbed in.
  • 聚精会神 (jù jīng huì shén): To concentrate one's mind, to be absorbed in.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 三心二意 (sān xīn èr yì): To be of two minds, to be indecisive.
  • 心猿意马 (xīn yuán yì mǎ): To be restless, for one's mind to wander.

6. Summary

'一心一意' is a positive idiom that describes the attitude of working hard towards a goal and concentrating on one thing. It reflects the importance of concentration in Chinese culture and can be used in various situations such as learning, work, goal achievement, and expressing love. By using this idiom appropriately, you can enrich your Chinese expressions.