关心 Guānxīn
A word formed by combining 关(Connected) + 心(Heart) = Concern
This is a facet of Chinese culture–Guānxīn–a concept that may seem strange to foreigners. I’ve compiled a top ten list Chinese “concern” phrases. These are culturally embedded statements that a Chinese person will say to family or friends to express concern. If you live in China you will hear them again and again. They are in no particular order.
1. 多吃一点 Duō chī yīdiǎn
Eat more.
Over the course of dinner it doesn’t really matter how much you’ve eaten, you’ll probably still hear this one. Eat until you’re sick.
2. 你吃饭了吗 Nǐ chīfànle ma
Have you eaten?
Did you know? Eating is pretty central to Chinese culture. In an earlier time this question was very serious, but now this has actually become a form of greeting, just like in English when you ask “how are you” with no real intention of understanding your friend’s situation and your friend avoids saying anything personal with a lightly voiced “fine” even if his dog just died. In Chinese it goes like this:
A. Have you eaten?
B. Yes, I have. Have you?
A. No, not yet.
B. Then go eat.
A. Ok.
3. 早点回家 Zǎodiǎn huí jiā
Go home earlier.
You’re at work. You’re at school. You’re out having fun. Out there somewhere, someone is waiting to tell you to go home soon. Just don’t tell anyone how late you intend to stay out.
4. 早点睡 Zǎodiǎn shuì
Go to sleep earlier.
Suddenly you’re seven years old again and have to be told when to sleep.
5. 早点休息 Zǎodiǎn xiūxí
Rest earlier.
This is in the same vein as “go to sleep earlier”, but it’s also used in the sense of taking a break from work. Hmm…do Chinese think that foreigners can’t take hard work?
6. 多休息 Duō xiūxí
Rest more.
Considering how hard the average Chinese person works, this one really makes sense. You’ll hear this frequently if you get sick.
7. 你冷吗/你热吗 Nǐ lěng ma/Nǐ rè ma
Are you cold? / Are you hot?
It’s cold outside. Make sure you appear to be wearing at least 10 layers or else every one of your friends will ask you this question. Honestly, nonstop. Or, if you need practice pronouncing lěng just wear a t-shirt on a cold day and answer everyone who asks. Or it’s really hot. You’re sitting with a group of friends over hot pot. The air conditioner is not working, and for some reason all the steam from the hot pot is blowing in your direction and you’re sweating profusely. Everyone is looking at the dripping foreigner. To add to your embarrassment, out comes the question which need not be asked.
8. 多穿衣服 Duō chuān yīfú
Wear more clothes.
I swear, as I am writing this post, one of my Chinese friends sent me this in a message (天冷了多穿点衣服). This one sounds the strangest when translated, nevertheless, on a cold day, any Chinese person looking to exercise his English will whip out this phrase. I think a better English equivalent is “don’t forget your coat”, but in China indoor heating is less common than in the West, so layering is their solution.
9. 小心感冒 Xiǎoxīn gǎnmào
Be careful. Don’t catch a cold.
Literally “careful cold”, but you get the idea.
10. 你吃药了吗 Nǐ chī yàole ma
Have you taken medicine?
If you exhibit any of the symptoms of a cold, take medicine. If you don’t you will be hounded for it. As if you needed to be reminded to take medicine when you have a cold.
(Lagniappe) 注意安全 Zhùyì ānquán
Be safe.
This one covers a lot of bases.
It’s important for foreigners to remember that these statements are intended to show concern. Though they might sound a bit “mothery” to a westerner, they are said with no such intention. If you want to better participate in Chinese culture you can try returning the sentiment every once in a while.
