心
心 represents the heart, mind, and inner feelings. In Japanese, it can refer not only to emotion, but also to thoughts, intention, sincerity, and a person’s inner state.
Reading
On’yomi: シン (shin)
Kun’yomi: こころ (kokoro)
Basic Information
| Kanji | 心 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | こころ, 精神, 気持ち |
| Stroke Count | 4 |
How to Understand This Kanji
心 is broader than the English word “heart.” It can mean emotional heart, mental state, intention, or spirit depending on the word. In compounds, the on’yomi シン often appears in words about feelings, safety, worry, and psychological states.
Common Words
- 心（こころ / kokoro） — heart, mind, inner feeling
- 安心（あんしん / anshin） — relief, peace of mind
- 心配（しんぱい / shinpai） — worry, concern
- 中心（ちゅうしん / chuushin） — center, middle, focus
- 熱心（ねっしん / nesshin） — enthusiastic, earnest
- 心臓（しんぞう / shinzou） — heart, cardiac organ
Example Sentences
-
彼女はやさしい心を持っています。
かのじょはやさしいこころをもっています。 / Kanojo wa yasashii kokoro o motte imasu.
She has a kind heart.
-
試験の結果が心配です。
しけんのけっかがしんぱいです。 / Shiken no kekka ga shinpai desu.
I am worried about the exam results.
-
無事だと聞いて安心しました。
ぶじだときいてあんしんしました。 / Buji da to kiite anshin shimashita.
I was relieved to hear that everything was okay.
When Learners Usually See This Kanji
For English speakers, 心 is usually translated as “heart,” but it often means “mind” or “inner feeling” as well. In 安心, it means peace of mind; in 心配, it means worry; in 熱心, it means enthusiasm or earnestness. Learning 心 through common words helps you avoid thinking of it only as the physical heart.
Summary
心 means heart, mind, or inner feeling. It is an essential kanji for understanding words about emotion, worry, peace of mind, and sincerity.
Want to compare kanji for power, energy, and inner feelings? See our guide to Japanese kanji for Power, Energy, and Feeling.