zhuānxīnzhìzhì: 专心致志 - To Be Wholly Absorbed, With Undivided Attention

• Keywords: zhuanxinzhihi, 专心致志, how to say concentrate in Chinese, focus in Chinese, undivided attention, Chinese idiom for focus, Chengyu, Chinese learning, study Chinese, be in the zone.
• Summary: 专心致志 (zhuānxīnzhìzhì) is a powerful Chinese idiom (Chengyu) that means to focus with undivided attention, pouring all your mental energy and will into a task. It describes a deep state of concentration, essential for learning, working, or mastering a skill. This page breaks down how to use 专心致志 to describe being 'in the zone' in Chinese, its cultural importance, and provides practical examples for learners.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): zhuānxīnzhìzhì
• Part of Speech: Idiom (Chengyu); can function as an adjective or adverb.
• HSK Level: HSK 6
• Concise Definition: To focus one's mind and will on a task with complete concentration.
• In a Nutshell: Think of '专心致志' as the ultimate form of being “in the zone” or “laser-focused”. It's not just paying attention; it's a profound level of absorption where you pour your entire being—both your mind (`心`) and your will (`志`)—into a single activity. It carries a strong positive connotation and is often used to praise someone's admirable dedication to their studies, work, or art.

• 专 (zhuān): To specialize; to concentrate; single-minded.
• 心 (xīn): Heart; mind; core. This character represents one's thoughts and attention.
• 致 (zhì): To devote; to apply; to deliver. Here, it means to direct or apply fully.
• 志 (zhì): Will; aspiration; determination. This represents one's purpose and drive.

When combined, `专心 (zhuānxīn)` means “to concentrate the mind,” and `致志 (zhìzhì)` means “to devote the will.” Together, they form a parallel structure that powerfully conveys the idea of total mental and intentional commitment to a single purpose.

The concept of `专心致志` is deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy, particularly in the teachings of Mencius (孟子). In one famous passage, Mencius explains that even a simple game like Go (围棋) cannot be mastered unless one applies their whole mind to it. This gives the idiom a scholarly and virtuous flavor. This reflects a core value in Chinese culture: the belief that mastery and success are born from diligence, perseverance, and deep, unwavering focus. It's not just about performance; it's about character. Comparison to Western Culture: In English, we might say someone is “in the zone,” “hyper-focused,” or “completely absorbed.” These terms accurately describe the mental state. However, `专心致志` carries an additional layer of moral and philosophical weight. Praising a child for being `专心致志` while studying isn't just a comment on their concentration; it's praise for their good character, their discipline, and their potential for future success. It's seen as a virtue to be actively cultivated.

`专心致志` is a formal idiom (Chengyu). While universally understood, it's most appropriate in written language, formal speeches, or when you want to give sincere, high praise.

• In Education: This is prime territory for `专心致志`. Teachers and parents constantly use it to encourage students to focus on their studies and avoid distractions.
• In the Workplace: It is used to describe a model employee who is deeply engaged in their work, producing high-quality results. It's a significant compliment for a colleague's work ethic.
• In Arts and Hobbies: It perfectly describes an artist, musician, or craftsperson lost in their creative process, completely absorbed in their work.

In casual conversation, you're more likely to hear the simpler, less formal term `专心 (zhuānxīn)` (to focus) or `认真 (rènzhēn)` (serious, conscientious).

• Example 1:
  • 他在工作时总是专心致志，从不分心。
  • Pinyin: Tā zài gōngzuò shí zǒngshì zhuānxīnzhìzhì, cóng bù fēnxīn.
  • English: He is always completely focused when he works and is never distracted.
  • Analysis: A classic and direct way to praise someone's excellent work ethic.
• Example 2:
  • 只有专心致志地学习，你才能取得好成绩。
  • Pinyin: Zhǐyǒu zhuānxīnzhìzhì de xuéxí, nǐ cáinéng qǔdé hǎo chéngjì.
  • English: Only by studying with undivided attention can you achieve good grades.
  • Analysis: The structure “只有…才…” (only if…then…) strongly emphasizes that focused study is a necessary condition for success. The particle `地 (de)` transforms the idiom into an adverb modifying the verb `学习 (xuéxí)`.
• Example 3:
  • 这位科学家专心致志地研究了十年，终于有了重大突破。
  • Pinyin: Zhè wèi kēxuéjiā zhuānxīnzhìzhì de yánjiūle shí nián, zhōngyú yǒule zhòngdà túpò.
  • English: This scientist researched with intense focus for ten years and finally made a major breakthrough.
  • Analysis: This example connects long-term, deep concentration with significant achievement, a core cultural idea behind the term.
• Example 4:
  • 看到孩子们专心致志地看书，老师露出了欣慰的笑容。
  • Pinyin: Kàn dào háizimen zhuānxīnzhìzhì de kànshū, lǎoshī lùchūle xīnwèi de xiàoróng.
  • English: Seeing the children reading with such absorption, the teacher revealed a gratified smile.
  • Analysis: This shows the idiom being used to describe the admirable behavior of children, highlighting its use in an educational context.
• Example 5:
  • 她专心致志地弹钢琴，完全没有注意到我进来了。
  • Pinyin: Tā zhuānxīnzhìzhì de tán gāngqín, wánquán méiyǒu zhùyì dào wǒ jìnláile.
  • English: She was playing the piano with such concentration that she didn't notice me come in at all.
  • Analysis: This vividly illustrates the state of being completely oblivious to one's surroundings due to deep focus.
• Example 6:
  • 想要学好书法，就必须专心致志。
  • Pinyin: Xiǎng yào xuéhǎo shūfǎ, jiù bìxū zhuānxīnzhìzhì.
  • English: If you want to master calligraphy, you must be completely focused.
  • Analysis: In this sentence, the idiom functions as a predicate adjective, describing a necessary quality or state for achieving a goal.
• Example 7:
  • 比赛时，运动员们个个专心致志，力争第一。
  • Pinyin: Bǐsài shí, yùndòngyuánmen gègè zhuānxīnzhìzhì, lìzhēng dì yī.
  • English: During the competition, every athlete was intensely focused, striving for first place.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates the idiom's use in a competitive context, linking focus directly to high performance.
• Example 8:
  • 他专心致志于自己的事业，很少有时间娱乐。
  • Pinyin: Tā zhuānxīnzhìzhì yú zìjǐ de shìyè, hěn shǎo yǒu shíjiān yúlè.
  • English: He is wholeheartedly devoted to his career and rarely has time for entertainment.
  • Analysis: The structure `专心致志于… (zhuānxīnzhìzhì yú…)` is a formal way to say “to be focused on…” or “to be devoted to…”.
• Example 9:
  • 这种专心致志的精神值得我们每个人学习。
  • Pinyin: Zhè zhǒng zhuānxīnzhìzhì de jīngshén zhídé wǒmen měi gèrén xuéxí.
  • English: This spirit of intense concentration is worthy of being learned by every one of us.
  • Analysis: Here, the idiom is used as an adjective modifying `精神 (jīngshén - spirit, mindset)`, framing deep focus as a laudable quality to emulate.
• Example 10:
  • 奶奶专心致志地织毛衣，仿佛整个世界都安静了。
  • Pinyin: Nǎinai zhuānxīnzhìzhì de zhī máoyī, fǎngfú zhěnggè shìjiè dōu ānjìngle.
  • English: Grandma was knitting the sweater with such absorption, it seemed as if the whole world had gone quiet.
  • Analysis: A very descriptive and evocative use, painting a picture of peaceful, deep concentration on a simple, meaningful task.

• Formality is Key: Do not use `专心致志` to describe casual focus. For instance, saying “I'm focusing on the movie” is better expressed as `我在专心看电影 (Wǒ zài zhuānxīn kàn diànyǐng)`. Using the full four-character idiom would be overkill. Reserve `专心致志` for activities that require significant mental effort and are considered worthwhile (studying, research, creating art, etc.).
• False Friend: “Serious” (认真 - rènzhēn): Learners often confuse `专心致志` with `认真 (rènzhēn)`. They are related but different.
  • `认真 (rènzhēn)` means “serious,” “conscientious,” or “diligent.” It's about your attitude toward a task. You can be `认真` about proofreading an email.
  • `专心致志` is about your mental state. It's the deep absorption that often results from a `认真` attitude. You are `专心致志` while writing a complex report.
• Incorrect Usage Example:
  • `我专心致志地听八卦。 (Wǒ zhuānxīnzhìzhì de tīng bāguà.)` → Incorrect.
  • Why it's wrong: Listening to gossip (`八卦`) is a trivial and distracting activity. Applying a powerful, virtuous idiom like `专心致志` sounds comical and inappropriate. It’s like saying, “I was virtuously dedicated to eavesdropping.” A more neutral term like `聚精会神 (jùjīnghuìshén)` might work, but even that is a stretch.

• 聚精会神 (jùjīnghuìshén) - A very close synonym, meaning “to gather one's essence and spirit”. It also describes deep concentration and is often used interchangeably with `专心致志`.
• 全神贯注 (quánshénguànzhù) - Another synonym meaning “to pour one's entire spirit into something”. It strongly emphasizes total absorption, often to the point of being oblivious to one's surroundings.
• 心无旁骛 (xīnwúpángwù) - “The mind has no side-distractions”. This idiom describes the *result* of being `专心致志`—a pure state of focus with no other thoughts to interfere.
• 专心 (zhuānxīn) - The first two characters of the idiom, used as a standalone word. It simply means “to focus” or “to be concentrated” and is much more common and less formal for everyday situations.
• 一心一意 (yīxīnyīyì) - “One heart, one mind”. This emphasizes loyalty and single-minded devotion, often in the context of a long-term goal, a promise, or a relationship. It's more about unwavering commitment than the immediate state of concentration.
• 认真 (rènzhēn) - A related concept. This means “serious” or “conscientious” and describes the attitude necessary to achieve the state of `专心致志`.
• 分心 (fēnxīn) - A direct antonym. It means “to be distracted” or “to divide one's attention”.
• 三心二意 (sānxīn'èryì) - An antonymic idiom meaning “three hearts, two minds”. It describes someone who is indecisive, half-hearted, or not fully committed to a task.