About

The compound word **心胸** (xīnxiōng) is formed through semantic fusion, combining the character **心** (xīn), meaning "heart" (the seat of emotion and thought), with **胸** (xiōng), meaning "chest" or "bosom" (the physical cavity). Together, they create a metaphorical concept that extends beyond the literal body parts. The term signifies the "breadth of one's mind" or "heart and mind," where **心** contributes the notions of emotion, intention, and spirit, while **胸** adds the dimension of capacity and openness, as the chest houses the heart and lungs. Thus, **心胸** as a unit expresses abstract qualities like magnanimity, tolerance, ambition, and one's overall mental or emotional breadth, illustrating how Chinese often forms abstract nouns by combining tangible, physical referents.

Word Definition - 心胸

xīn xiōng heart; mind; ambition; aspiration

Individual Character Details