Chinese word

别有用心

Pronunciation

Pinyinbié yǒu yòng xīn

Meaning

  • idiomhave ulterior motives

Example

她笑得很甜，但我觉得她别有用心。tā xiào de hěn tián dàn wǒ jué de tā bié yǒu yòng xīn

She smiles sweetly, but I think she has ulterior motives.

Illustration for 别有用心 (have ulterior motives)

More examples

这个活动看似公益，背后可能别有用心。zhè ge huó dòng kàn sì gōng yì bèi hòu kě néng bié yǒu yòng xīn

This activity looks like a public-service event, but there may be ulterior motives behind it.

Core concept

A visible action has a second purpose working quietly behind it.

Common phrases

  • 别有用心的眼神bié yǒu yòng xīn de yǎn shén

    a look with ulterior motives

  • 对别人别有用心duì bié rén bié yǒu yòng xīn

    have ulterior motives toward others

Similar words

不怀好意bù huái hào yì: Having bad intentions toward someone despite appearing friendly.

Definition in Chinese

另有目的，行为带有隐蔽的企图或算计。lìng yǒu mù dì xíng wéi dài yǒu yǐn bì de qǐ tú huò suàn jì

Word origin

别 (bié, "other") + 有 (yǒu, "have") and 用 (yòng, "use") + 心 (xīn, "heart") literally suggest another heart at work, which developed into the idea of a hidden intention.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, this phrase usually signals distrust, so applying it to a person's kindness or offer can sound like a serious accusation rather than a casual observation.

Opposites

  • 堂堂正正táng táng zhèng zhèngupright and aboveboardidiom

Word lists with this word