内
疚

About

The word 内疚 is formed by combining two characters to create a powerful conceptual metaphor. 内 (nèi) means "inside" or "internal", while 疚 (jiù) originally refers to a chronic illness or a long-lasting pain. Thus, the term visually and conceptually paints the feeling of guilt as a kind of persistent, internal sickness, a distress that one carries within oneself.

Example Sentences Hide

他为这件事感到内疚。

Tā wèi zhè jiàn shì gǎndào nèijiù.

He feels guilty about this matter.

没有及时回复消息，我有点内疚。

Méiyǒu jíshí huífù xiāoxi, wǒ yǒudiǎn nèijiù.

I feel a bit guilty for not replying to the message in time.

她的内疚感源于多年前的一个决定。

Tā de nèijiùgǎn yuán yú duōnián qián de yīgè juédìng.

Her guilt stems from a decision many years ago.

持续的内疚可能会影响一个人的日常生活。

Chíxù de nèijiù kěnéng huì yǐngxiǎng yīgè rén de rìcháng shēnghuó.

Persistent guilt may affect a person's daily life.

尽管他试图掩饰，但内疚的表情还是显露了出来。

Jǐnguǎn tā shìtú yǎnshì, dàn nèijiù de biǎoqíng háishì xiǎnlù le chūlái.

Although he tried to conceal it, his guilty expression still showed.

Word Definition - 内疚

nèi jiù guilty conscience; to feel a twinge of guilt

Individual Character Details

内 nèi
疚 jiù