懷 (huái) - To cherish & to harbor (feelings)

懷Tone 2

huái ｜ 19 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

懷 · huái

To cherish;

to harbor (feelings);

to embrace;

to think of;

to yearn for;

bosom;

heart;

mind;

to conceive (a child).

To cherishto harbor (feelings)to embrace

Usage highlights

Cherish the memory ofEmbracePregnantBosom/HeartNostalgiaCherish a grudge

Synonyms

  • 念— to think of; to miss
  • 思— to think; to consider
  • 想— to think; to miss
  • 抱— to embrace; to hold

Antonyms

  • 忘— to forget
  • 弃— to abandon; to discard

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • She cherished the memory of her hometown (怀念故乡).
  • He embraced his child with great affection (怀抱孩子).
  • I am filled with nostalgia (我满怀怀旧之情).
  • She is pregnant (她怀孕了).

Collocations

  • Cherish the memory of(怀念)
  • Embrace(怀抱)
  • Pregnant(怀孕)
  • Bosom/Heart(胸怀)
  • Nostalgia(怀旧)
  • Cherish a grudge(怀恨)

Idioms

  • Cherishing the past, embracing the new(怀旧纳新)
  • Harboring a heart like a snake and a scorpion(怀蛇蝎之心)
  • Embrace the world within one's bosom(胸怀天下)
  • Cherishing talent yet unmet(怀才不遇)
  • Holding jade, embracing silk(怀瑾握瑜)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character's semantic component 忄(heart) indicates its deep connection to emotions, thoughts, and the inner self.
  • It is often used in contexts of nostalgia, affection, and deep, personal reflection.
  • The concept of '怀' is central to Confucian ideals of introspection and moral self-cultivation.

FAQ