The Chinese word 留心 (liúxīn), meaning "to pay attention" or "to be careful", is a verb-object compound formed through metaphorical extension. It literally combines the verb 留 (liú, "to retain" or "to keep") with the noun 心 (xīn, "heart" or "mind"). The phrase thus originates from the idea of "keeping one's heart/mind [on something]", figuratively implying to fix one's attention and mental focus on a matter, thereby creating the meaning of being attentive, cautious, or mindful.