胸 (xiōng) - chest, bosom, thorax & heart, mind

胸Tone 1

xiōng ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

信嫣

胸 · xiōng

chest, bosom, thorax;

heart, mind;

breastplate

chest, bosom, thoraxheart, mindbreastplate

Usage highlights

chestbosomchest painchest Xchest cavitybreastplate

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 背— back (anatomical opposite)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He felt chest pain (胸痛).
  • She has a broad mind (胸怀宽广).
  • The doctor examined his chest (胸部检查).
  • He wore body armor (胸甲).

Collocations

  • chest(胸部)
  • bosom(胸怀)
  • chest pain(胸痛)
  • chest X-ray(胸片)
  • chest cavity(胸腔)
  • breastplate(胸甲)

Idioms

  • Have the whole world in view(胸有成竹)
  • Broad-minded and magnanimous(胸怀坦荡)
  • Filled with righteous indignation(义愤填胸)
  • Have a plan already formulated(胸有丘壑)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese medicine, the chest is considered the residence of the heart and lungs, vital for qi and blood circulation.
  • The character often symbolizes the mind, emotions, and intentions, as in 胸怀 (bosom/mind) representing one's breadth of mind or ambition.
  • Historically, 胸甲 (breastplate) was an important piece of armor, reflecting the character's association with protection and strength.

FAQ