仔细

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zǐxì: 仔细 - Careful, Meticulous, Attentive

Quick Summary

  • Keywords: zixi pinyin, zixi Chinese meaning, what does zixi mean, careful in Chinese, meticulous in Chinese, attentive in Chinese, thorough in Chinese, 仔细 meaning, 仔细 vs 小心, Chinese for detail-oriented, HSK 3 vocabulary
  • Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 仔细 (zǐxì), which translates to “careful,” “meticulous,” or “attentive.” This page explores its core meaning, cultural significance, and practical usage. Discover how `仔细` emphasizes thoroughness and attention to detail, and understand the crucial difference between using it and the similar word `小心 (xiǎoxīn)` to sound like a native speaker.

Core Meaning

  • Pinyin (with tone marks): zǐxì
  • Part of Speech: Adjective, Adverb
  • HSK Level: HSK 3
  • Concise Definition: To be careful, meticulous, attentive to detail, or thorough.
  • In a Nutshell: `仔细` is all about the *quality of attention* you give to a task. It’s not about avoiding danger, but about doing something with precision and a focus on the smallest details. Think of the difference between a quick glance and a detailed inspection. `仔细` describes that detailed inspection. It implies a deliberate, focused effort to be thorough and accurate, whether you're proofreading a document, examining a product, or listening to an explanation.

Character Breakdown

  • 仔 (zǐ): While this character can mean “young” (like in `牛仔` - niúzǎi, cowboy), one of its core meanings is “minute,” “detailed,” or “fine.” Think of focusing on the smallest, most minute parts of something.
  • 细 (xì): This character directly means “thin,” “fine,” “slender,” or “detailed.” It's the character used in words like `细节` (xìjié - details).
  • Together, 仔细 (zǐxì) creates a powerful compound word. It's like saying “detailed details” or “fine and minute.” This repetition of the concept of “fineness” creates an intensified meaning: to be exceptionally thorough, precise, and meticulous.

Cultural Context and Significance

  • In Chinese culture, there is a high value placed on diligence, craftsmanship, and academic rigor. Doing a task `仔细` is more than just a practical instruction; it's a reflection of one's character. A person who works `仔细` is seen as responsible, respectable, and serious about their duties. This applies to a student checking their exam paper, an artist perfecting their work, or a chef preparing a dish.
  • Comparison with Western “Careful”: In English, the word “careful” is a broad term. “Be careful!” can mean “Watch out for cars!” or “Be careful when you paint the wall.” Chinese is more precise here.
    • `小心 (xiǎoxīn)` (literally “small heart”) is used for warnings and safety. It means to be cautious and aware of potential danger. (e.g., `小心地滑` - xiǎoxīn dì huá, “Caution, wet floor”).
    • `仔细 (zǐxì)` is used for tasks and details. It means to be meticulous and thorough to ensure quality and accuracy.
  • Mistaking these two is a very common beginner error. Using `仔细` to warn someone of danger sounds unnatural, as if you're asking them to meticulously analyze the danger rather than just avoid it.

Practical Usage in Modern China

  • At School and Work: This is one of the most common words you'll hear in an academic or professional setting. Teachers constantly tell students, `考试的时候要仔细一点` (Kǎoshì de shíhòu yào zǐxì yīdiǎn) - “Be more careful during the exam.” A boss will tell an employee, `请仔细阅读这份合同` (Qǐng zǐxì yuèdú zhè fèn hétóng) - “Please read this contract carefully.”
  • In Daily Life: It's often used to describe a person's personality. `她是一个很仔细的人` (Tā shì yīgè hěn zǐxì de rén) means “She is a very meticulous person.” It's a high compliment, implying they are organized, thoughtful, and don't miss details.
  • As a Command: You can simply say `仔细看!` (Zǐxì kàn!) - “Look carefully!” or `你再仔细想想` (Nǐ zài zǐxì xiǎngxiang) - “Think it over again carefully.”
  • Connotation: Overwhelmingly positive. It signals competence, responsibility, and a good work ethic.

Example Sentences

  • Example 1:
    • 他做事非常仔细，几乎从不出错。
    • Pinyin: Tā zuòshì fēicháng zǐxì, jīhū cóng bù chūcuò.
    • English: He is extremely meticulous in his work and almost never makes mistakes.
    • Analysis: Here, `仔细` is used as an adjective to describe the way he does things. It's a strong compliment about his work habits.
  • Example 2:
    • 请仔细检查你的答案，不要马虎。
    • Pinyin: Qǐng zǐxì jiǎnchá nǐ de dá'àn, bùyào mǎhu.
    • English: Please check your answers carefully, don't be sloppy.
    • Analysis: This is a classic instruction. `仔细` is used as an adverb modifying the verb `检查` (jiǎnchá - to check). It's contrasted directly with its antonym, `马虎` (mǎhu - sloppy).
  • Example 3:
    • 我仔细听了，但还是没听懂。
    • Pinyin: Wǒ zǐxì tīng le, dànshì háishì méi tīng dǒng.
    • English: I listened carefully, but I still didn't understand.
    • Analysis: This shows that `仔细` describes the *effort*, not necessarily the result. The speaker made a thorough effort to listen, even if it was unsuccessful.
  • Example 4:
    • 这位医生非常仔细，给病人看病看得很全面。
    • Pinyin: Zhè wèi yīshēng fēicháng zǐxì, gěi bìngrén kànbìng kàn de hěn quánmiàn.
    • English: This doctor is very thorough; he gives his patients very comprehensive examinations.
    • Analysis: `仔细` is used here to describe the doctor's personality and professional style. It inspires confidence and trust.
  • Example 5:
    • 你再仔细看看，照片里有五个人，不是四个。
    • Pinyin: Nǐ zài zǐxì kànkan, zhàopiàn lǐ yǒu wǔ gè rén, bùshì sì gè.
    • English: Take another careful look, there are five people in the photo, not four.
    • Analysis: A direct command. It implies the first look was too quick or careless, and a more detailed inspection is needed.
  • Example 6:
    • 做这个实验需要非常仔细的操作。
    • Pinyin: Zuò zhège shíyàn xūyào fēicháng zǐxì de cāozuò.
    • English: Performing this experiment requires very meticulous operation.
    • Analysis: Here, `仔细的` (zǐxì de) acts as an adjective modifying the noun `操作` (cāozuò - operation/procedure).
  • Example 7:
    • 出门前，他仔细地把门窗都锁好了。
    • Pinyin: Chūmén qián, tā zǐxì de bǎ ménchuāng dōu suǒ hǎo le.
    • English: Before going out, he carefully locked all the doors and windows.
    • Analysis: The particle `地` (de) is used to formally mark `仔细` as an adverb modifying the verb phrase that follows. This is grammatically very common.
  • Example 8:
    • 买手机的时候要仔细比较一下不同型号的功能。
    • Pinyin: Mǎi shǒujī de shíhòu yào zǐxì bǐjiào yīxià bùtóng xínghào de gōngnéng.
    • English: When buying a phone, you should carefully compare the features of different models.
    • Analysis: A practical piece of advice. `仔细` implies a thorough, not superficial, comparison.
  • Example 9:
    • 经过仔细的考虑，我决定接受这份工作。
    • Pinyin: Jīngguò zǐxì de kǎolǜ, wǒ juédìng jiēshòu zhè fèn gōngzuò.
    • English: After careful consideration, I have decided to accept this job.
    • Analysis: `仔细的考虑` (zǐxì de kǎolǜ) is a common phrase for “careful consideration.” It shows the decision was not made hastily.
  • Example 10:
    • 你能不能帮我仔细看看这份文件有没有语法错误？
    • Pinyin: Nǐ néng bùnéng bāng wǒ zǐxì kànkan zhè fèn wénjiàn yǒu méiyǒu yǔfǎ cuòwù?
    • English: Can you help me take a careful look at this document to see if there are any grammar mistakes?
    • Analysis: A request for help that specifically asks for a meticulous, detail-oriented review.

Nuances and Common Mistakes

  • The #1 Mistake: Confusing `仔细` with `小心`
  • As mentioned in the cultural section, this is the most frequent error for learners. Remember the rule:
    • `仔细 (zǐxì)` = For tasks, details, quality, and thoroughness. (Focus on ACCURACY)
    • `小心 (xiǎoxīn)` = For warnings, danger, and safety. (Focus on AWARENESS)
  • Incorrect Usage Example:
    • WRONG: `路上车很多，开车要仔细。`
    • Pinyin: Lùshàng chē hěnduō, kāichē yào zǐxì.
    • Why it's wrong: This sounds like you're telling the driver to meticulously analyze every single car on the road. The goal isn't a detailed analysis; it's to be cautious and avoid an accident.
  • Correct Usage Example:
    • CORRECT: `路上车很多，开车要小心。`
    • Pinyin: Lùshàng chē hěnduō, kāichē yào xiǎoxīn.
    • English: There are a lot of cars on the road, be careful when you drive.
    • Analysis: This correctly uses `小心` to convey a warning about potential danger.

Related Terms and Concepts

  • 小心 (xiǎoxīn) - The most important related term. Means “to be careful” in the sense of being cautious and avoiding danger. Often an antonym in context.
  • 认真 (rènzhēn) - Means “serious,” “conscientious,” or “earnest.” It describes a serious attitude towards a task, while `仔细` describes the meticulous execution of it. They are often used together (e.g., `认真仔细`).
  • 细心 (xìxīn) - A very close synonym for `仔细`. It literally means “fine/detailed heart” and also means careful or attentive. They are often interchangeable, though `细心` can sometimes feel slightly more focused on a person's inherent nature, while `仔细` can describe the action itself.
  • 周到 (zhōudào) - Means “thoughtful” or “considerate.” It relates to `仔细` in that it implies meticulous planning, but specifically for the needs and comfort of other people.
  • 马虎 (mǎhu) - A key antonym. It means “careless, sloppy, casual.” The direct opposite of being `仔细`.
  • 粗心 (cūxīn) - Another important antonym, literally “coarse/thick heart.” It means “careless” or “thoughtless” and is the opposite of `细心`.