Meaning
专心 means to concentrate one's attention or mental energy on a single task or subject. It describes the state of being focused and undistracted, giving your full attention to what you're doing. The word combines 专 (exclusive, specialized) and 心 (heart/mind) to convey the idea of dedicating your entire mind to something.
Usage
专心 is commonly used in educational and work contexts to encourage focus or describe someone's concentrated effort. It often appears in imperative constructions like '专心听讲' (listen attentively) or '要专心' (you must concentrate). It can function as a verb with objects or as an adjective describing someone's state. Native speakers frequently use it when telling children to pay attention to homework or studies.
Examples
- 01上课的时候一定要专心听讲。.You must listen attentively during class.
- 02他做作业很专心，一点儿都不分心。, .He's very focused when doing homework and doesn't get distracted at all.
Characters
Common collocations
- 专心学习to study attentively
- 专心听讲to listen attentively to a lecture
- 专心致志with single-minded devotion
- 不够专心not focused enough
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 专 (specialized, exclusive) with 心 (heart/mind), literally meaning 'specialized heart/mind,' conveying the idea of devoting one's mental focus exclusively to one thing.