Meaning
相思 describes the deep longing and yearning one feels for a loved one, especially when separated. It carries a poetic, romantic connotation and is often associated with classical Chinese poetry and literature, expressing the melancholy of missing someone you love.
Usage
相思 is primarily used in literary, poetic, or romantic contexts. It's more emotionally charged than the general word 想念 (to miss). Common in song lyrics, classical poetry, and romantic expressions. Modern speakers recognize it but may use it less in everyday conversation, preferring 想念 for casual contexts.
Examples
- 01离别多日，她患上了相思病。, .After many days of separation, she became lovesick.
- 02这首诗表达了诗人深深的相思之情。.This poem expresses the poet's deep longing and yearning.
Characters
Common collocations
- 相思病lovesickness
- 相思之苦the pain of longing
- 害相思to be lovesick
- 相思成疾to become ill from lovesickness
Antonyms
Origin
The term combines 相 (mutual/reciprocal) and 思 (to think/long for), literally meaning 'mutual longing.' It has been used in Chinese literature for over a thousand years, appearing frequently in Tang and Song dynasty poetry to express romantic yearning.