心情
xīnqíng
In Chinese, 'mood' is expressed as 心情 (xīnqíng). Wiktionary also lists 情緒 / 情绪 (qíngxù) and 心境 (xīnjìng).
Meaning: mental state (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 心情 | xīnqíng |
| 情緒 / 情绪 | qíngxù |
| 心境 | xīnjìng |
The term refers to a person's mental state. To express being in a good mood, you use the structure [Subject] + 心情 + 很好 (very good). To express being in a bad mood, use the structure [Subject] + 心情 + 不好 (not good).
What does it mean word for word?
The word 心情 is composed of 心, meaning heart or mind and 情, meaning feeling or emotion.
Which one should you use?
心情 is the most common way to describe a temporary emotional state or mood. 情緒 often refers to more intense or volatile emotions, or a person's tendency to be temperamental. 心境 refers to a more profound, stable or philosophical state of mind rather than a fleeting mood.
Is it said differently in some regions?
心境 is more prevalent in Northern China, particularly in Beijing.
How do you pronounce it?
xīnqíng
Did you know?
- In traditional Chinese medicine, an unstable 情緒 (qíngxù) is believed to directly affect the function of specific organs, such as anger damaging the liver.
- The term 心境 (xīnjìng) is not just about how you feel, but also the 'environment' or 'scenery' of your mind. The character 境 refers to a physical landscape or a border.
- While 心情 refers to the heart, the Chinese word for 'mood' treats the heart as the center of cognitive thought and emotion, rather than just a pump for blood.
Examples in context
- 我們心情很差。We're in a bad mood.This sentence is useful for expressing that a group is in a bad mood using 心情.Tatoeba #13561205 by LeviHighway, translation #11920892 by Fenrir
- 她總是心情很好。She's always in a good mood.This sentence is useful for describing someone who is always in a good mood using 心情.Tatoeba #13561199 by LeviHighway, translation #10608648 by CH
- 我總是心情不好。I'm always in a bad mood.This sentence is useful for saying that you are always in a bad mood using 心情.Tatoeba #13561206 by LeviHighway, translation #10183170 by DJ_Saidez
- 今天的天气真好，我心情很愉快。The weather today is really nice, and I'm in a good mood.
- 她的情绪波动很大，需要一些支持和关心。Her mood swings are significant, she needs some support and care.
- 今天心情好，你想去哪里玩？I'm in a good mood today. Where do you want to go to have fun?
- 她今天心情不佳，最好别打扰她。She's not in a good mood today, so it's better not to disturb her.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Wei and Yuting are chatting about their day.
- 伟 Wei雨婷，你今天的心情怎麼樣？Yǔtíng, nǐ jīntiān de xīnqíng zěnmeyàng?Yuting, how is your mood today?
- 雨婷 Yuting我的心情非常好！Wǒ de xīnqíng fēicháng hǎo!My mood is great!
- 伟 Wei為什麼你心情這麼好？Wèishéme nǐ xīnqíng zhème hǎo?Why is your mood so good?
- 雨婷 Yuting因為我剛才收到好消息。Yīnwèi wǒ gāngcái shōudào hǎo xiāoxī.Because I just received some good news.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mood” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
