心里 xīn li
“chest; heart; mind”
place word2021 list level 2Traditional 心裡
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
心里 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entry. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 902: 心里 xīnlǐ — Level 3; official annotation 3 (名). PDF page 102
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 心里
心里 (xīnli) is a location noun meaning 'in one's heart/mind', used for feelings, thoughts, and private worries. It often follows a person: 我心里, 他心里, and appears in patterns like 心里想…, 心里很高兴/难过, and 放在心里. Do not confuse it with 心理 (xīnlǐ) 'psychology; mental'.
例句Example sentences
- 听到这个消息，我心里很难过。tīng dào zhè ge xiāo xi, wǒ xīn lǐ hěn nán guò.Hearing this news, I felt very sad.
- 他心里一直想着家人。tā xīn lǐ yì zhí xiǎng zhe jiā rén.He keeps thinking about his family.
- 这件事你放在心里就好，别告诉别人。zhè jiàn shì nǐ fàng zài xīn lǐ jiù hǎo, bié gào su bié rén.Just keep this matter to yourself; don't tell others.
常见错误Common mistakes
-
✗他对心里学很感兴趣。
✓他对心理学很感兴趣。
心理学 means 'psychology' and is written 心理, not 心里; 心里 means 'in one's heart/mind'.
易混词Easily confused
心里vs心理
心理 (xīnlǐ) means 'psychology; mental state' and appears in terms like 心理学 and 心理健康; 心里 means 'in one's heart/mind'.