juéxīn: 决心 - Determination, Resolution

• Keywords: 决心, juéxīn, Chinese for determination, what is juesin, Chinese resolution, determined in Chinese, how to say determination in Mandarin, 决心 meaning, make up one's mind in Chinese, 决定 vs 决心
• Summary: Learn the powerful Chinese word 决心 (juéxīn), which means determination or resolution. This page breaks down its meaning, cultural significance, and practical usage. Discover the difference between simply making a decision (决定) and having the firm, unwavering determination (决心) to see it through, a key concept in Chinese culture. With numerous example sentences and a guide to common mistakes, you'll master how to express your own resolution in Mandarin.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): juéxīn
• Part of Speech: Noun / Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: A firm decision or resolve to do something; determination.
• In a Nutshell: 决心 (juéxīn) is not just a decision; it's a decision that comes from the heart. It combines the idea of finality and decisiveness with a strong internal, emotional commitment. Think of it as the moment you draw a line in the sand and say, “This is what I'm going to do, no matter what.” It carries a sense of gravity, seriousness, and unwavering inner strength.

• 决 (jué): This character means “to decide” or “to be decisive.” Its left side is the “water” radical (氵), and the right side originally depicted a tool for breaking a blockage in a waterway. Together, they create a powerful image of water breaking through a dam—a decisive, final, and unstoppable action.
• 心 (xīn): This character is a pictograph of the human heart. In Chinese, it represents not only the physical organ but also the center of one's feelings, thoughts, and mind.

When combined, 决心 (juéxīn) literally translates to a “decided heart” or a “decisive mind.” This beautifully illustrates the concept: your heart and mind are fully committed and settled on a course of action, leaving no room for doubt or hesitation.

In Chinese culture, 决心 (juéxīn) is a highly valued trait, often celebrated in stories, proverbs, and historical accounts. It's closely linked to the virtues of perseverance (毅力, yìlì) and the ability to endure hardship (吃苦耐劳, chīkǔ nàiláo). A classic example is the proverb 愚公移山 (Yúgōng Yíshān), “The Foolish Old Man Moves the Mountains.” The story tells of a 90-year-old man who, with sheer 决心, decides to dig away two mountains blocking the path from his house. When mocked, he replies that his sons, grandsons, and future generations will continue the work until it's done. His incredible resolve ultimately moves the gods to help him. This story is a cornerstone of Chinese education, teaching that with enough 决心, anything is possible. Compared to the Western concept of a “New Year's resolution,” which is often treated lightly and easily broken, the Chinese act of 下决心 (xià juéxīn)—“to make a resolution”—is a much more solemn and serious commitment. It implies a significant personal pledge to achieve a challenging goal, often against great odds.

决心 (juéxīn) is a versatile word used in various contexts, from personal goals to national policies.

• As a Noun: It's often used to describe someone's level of determination. You can have a big or small `决心`.
• `他的决心很大。` (Tā de juéxīn hěn dà.) - His determination is great.
• As a Verb: It means “to be determined to” do something. This usage is less common than the noun form but is still correct.
• `我决心要成功。` (Wǒ juéxīn yào chénggōng.) - I am determined to succeed.
• Common Collocation: 下决心 (xià juéxīn): This is the most common way to express the act of “making a resolution” or “making up one's mind.” `下 (xià)` literally means “down,” so you can visualize it as “putting down” your determination, making it solid and official.
• `我下决心要戒烟。` (Wǒ xià juéxīn yào jièyān.) - I've resolved to quit smoking.
• Formality: The word carries a degree of seriousness. While you can use it for significant personal goals (like learning a language), it would be overkill for trivial daily decisions (like what to eat for dinner). It's frequently seen in formal contexts, such as business plans, government reports, and motivational speeches.

• Example 1:
  • 他决心要改变自己的生活。
  • Pinyin: Tā juéxīn yào gǎibiàn zìjǐ de shēnghuó.
  • English: He is determined to change his own life.
  • Analysis: Here, `决心` is used as a verb, showing a strong, personal commitment to a major life change.
• Example 2:
  • 只要有决心，就没有办不到的事。
  • Pinyin: Zhǐyào yǒu juéxīn, jiù méiyǒu bàn bu dào de shì.
  • English: As long as you have determination, there is nothing that cannot be done.
  • Analysis: A very common and motivational phrase. `决心` is the key noun, the essential ingredient for success.
• Example 3:
  • 我终于下决心辞掉这份工作了。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zhōngyú xià juéxīn cídiào zhè fèn gōngzuò le.
  • English: I finally made up my mind to quit this job.
  • Analysis: Uses the common structure `下决心 (xià juéxīn)`. The word `终于 (zhōngyú)`, “finally,” emphasizes that this was a difficult decision that required a lot of thought and resolve.
• Example 4:
  • 她向我们表明了完成这个项目的决心。
  • Pinyin: Tā xiàng wǒmen biǎomíngle wánchéng zhège xiàngmù de juéxīn.
  • English: She showed us her determination to complete this project.
  • Analysis: `表明决心 (biǎomíng juéxīn)` means “to demonstrate/show one's determination.” This is common in professional or formal settings.
• Example 5:
  • 政府有决心解决环境污染问题。
  • Pinyin: Zhèngfǔ yǒu juéxīn jiějué huánjìng wūrǎn wèntí.
  • English: The government has the resolution to solve the environmental pollution problem.
  • Analysis: This shows `决心` used in a formal, official context. It conveys a strong public commitment from an authority.
• Example 6:
  • 没有决心的人，很容易半途而废。
  • Pinyin: Méiyǒu juéxīn de rén, hěn róngyì bàntú'érfèi.
  • English: A person without determination will easily give up halfway.
  • Analysis: This sentence highlights the opposite. `半途而废 (bàntú'érfèi)` is an idiom for “giving up halfway,” the direct consequence of lacking `决心`.
• Example 7:
  • 他的决心动摇了。
  • Pinyin: Tā de juéxīn dòngyáo le.
  • English: His resolve has been shaken.
  • Analysis: `动摇 (dòngyáo)` means “to waver” or “to shake.” This is a great example of how `决心` is treated as a solid, stable thing that can be disturbed.
• Example 8:
  • 为了学好中文，他下了很大的决心。
  • Pinyin: Wèile xuéhǎo Zhōngwén, tā xiàle hěn dà de juéxīn.
  • English: In order to master Chinese, he made a great resolution.
  • Analysis: `下了很大的决心 (xiàle hěn dà de juéxīn)` emphasizes the scale of the commitment. Learning Chinese is a big task that requires significant determination.
• Example 9:
  • 你的决心还不够坚定。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ de juéxīn hái búgòu jiāndìng.
  • English: Your determination is not yet firm enough.
  • Analysis: `坚定 (jiāndìng)` means “firm” or “steadfast.” It's a common adjective used to describe `决心`, highlighting the need for unwavering resolve.
• Example 10:
  • 是什么给了你如此大的决心？
  • Pinyin: Shì shénme gěile nǐ rúcǐ dà de juéxīn?
  • English: What gave you such great determination?
  • Analysis: A good question to ask someone who is showing incredible persistence. `如此 (rúcǐ)` means “so” or “such,” adding emphasis.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 决心 (juéxīn) and 决定 (juédìng).

• 决定 (juédìng): Means “to decide” or “a decision.” It is a neutral, often simple, act of making a choice. It focuses on the outcome of a thought process.
• 决心 (juéxīn): Means “determination” or “resolution.” It refers to the strong will and commitment after a serious decision has been made. It focuses on the emotional strength to carry out the decision.

Think of it this way: You `决定` to go on a diet. But you need `决心` to stick with it when you see a cake. Incorrect Usage Example:

• Incorrect: 我决心今天晚饭吃比萨。(Wǒ juéxīn jīntiān wǎnfàn chī bǐsà.)
• Why it's wrong: Deciding what to eat for dinner is a trivial, everyday choice. It doesn't require the deep, unwavering commitment that `决心` implies.
• Correct: 我决定今天晚饭吃比萨。(Wǒ juédìng jīntiān wǎnfàn chī bǐsà.) - I've decided to eat pizza for dinner tonight.

• 决定 (juédìng) - A decision; to decide. The act of choosing, which often comes before one summons their `决心`.
• 毅力 (yìlì) - Perseverance, willpower. The quality you need to maintain your `决心` over a long period.
• 坚持 (jiānchí) - To persist, to insist on. The action that puts your `决心` into practice.
• 奋斗 (fèndòu) - To strive, to struggle for a goal. What you do when you have strong `决心`.
• 志向 (zhìxiàng) - Ambition, aspiration. The long-term goal or ideal that often inspires one's `决心`.
• 果断 (guǒduàn) - Decisive, resolute (adjective). Describes the personality of someone who can easily form a `决心`.
• 犹豫 (yóuyù) - To hesitate. The opposite of having `决心`; a state of indecisiveness.
• 承诺 (chéngnuò) - A promise, a commitment. While `决心` is an internal state, a `承诺` is often an external promise made to others.