安慰
ānwèi
The English word comfort is translated into Chinese as 安慰 (ānwèi).
安慰 is used in formal contexts for psychological or emotional comfort or consolation.
Meaning: cause of relief or satisfaction (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 安慰 is composed of 安 (peace/calm) and 慰 (comfort/solace).
Which one should you use?
While 安慰 is used for both the act of comforting someone else and the feeling of being comforted, the related form 宽慰 / 宽慰 is more specifically used to describe the feeling of being relieved or heartened.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 安慰 can function as both a verb (to comfort someone) and a noun (the comfort/consolation provided).
How do you pronounce it?
ānwèi
Did you know?
- The term 安慰剂 (ānwèijì) is the Chinese word for a 'placebo', literally translating to a 'comfort medicine'.
- The first character 安 (ān) originally depicted a 'woman' (女) under a 'roof' (宀), representing the primal concept of safety and stability as a source of comfort.
- While 安慰 describes emotional support, the concept of physical comfort, such as a soft chair, uses the word 舒服, which literally means 'comfortable body'.
Examples in context
- 瑪麗嘗試安慰湯姆。Mary tried to comfort Tom.This sentence shows the use of 安慰 as a verb for comforting someone.Tatoeba #6475461 by xjjAstrus, translation #1398217 by Spamster
- 我可以安慰她。I can comfort her.This sentence demonstrates the verb usage of 安慰.Tatoeba #779035 by Martha, translation #261349 by CK
- 雖然我行過死蔭的幽谷，也不怕遭害， 因為你與我同在；你的杖，你的竿，都安慰我。Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.This sentence shows the verb usage of 安慰 in a poetic or religious context.Tatoeba #844518 by Martha, translation #532008 by admor82
- 这张床很舒适。This bed is very comfortable.
- 她的朋友给了她很多安慰。Her friend gave a lot of comfort.
- 这个沙发真舒服，我坐着很舒服。This sofa is really comfortable, I feel comfortable sitting on it.
- 在这个环境下，我感到很舒心。In this environment, I feel very comfortable.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a difficult day at work.
- 浩然 Haoran今天工作太累了，我需要一點安慰。Jīntiān gōngzuò tài lèi le, wǒ xūyào yīdiǎn ānwèi.Work was too tiring today, I need some comfort.
- 佳怡 Jiayi那我買你最喜歡的甜點作為安慰吧。Nà wǒ mǎi nǐ zuì xǐhuān de tiándiǎn zuòwéi ānwèi ba.Then I'll buy your favorite dessert as a comfort.
- 浩然 Haoran這樣我就感到安慰了。Zhèyàng wǒ jiù gǎndào ānwèi le.That would bring me comfort.
- 佳怡 Jiayi沒問題，浩然，我們現在就去。Méi wèntí, Hàorán, wǒmen xiànzài jiù qù.No problem, Haoran, let's go right now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
