Chinese word

殷勤

Pronunciation

Pinyinyīn qín

Meaning

  • adjectiveattentive

Example

接待员对客人总是很殷勤。jiē dài yuán duì kè rén zǒng shì hěn yīn qín

The receptionist is always very attentive to guests.

Illustration for 殷勤 (attentive)

More examples

他对新来的同事很殷勤，经常主动帮忙。tā duì xīn lái de tóng shì hěn yīn qín jīng cháng zhǔ dòng bāng máng

He is very attentive to the new colleague and often offers to help.

Core concept

Warm, careful attention expressed by noticing another person's needs and responding generously.

Common phrases

  • 殷勤待人yīn qín dài rén

    treat people courteously

  • 对客人殷勤duì kè rén yīn qín

    attentive to guests

  • 殷勤示好yīn qín shì hǎo

    make friendly overtures

Similar words

亲切qīn qiè: Kind and easy to talk to, with a calm manner that helps others feel comfortable.
热情rè qíng: Full of warm feeling and active goodwill toward others.
周到zhōu dào: Attentive to all the small details needed to provide complete and thoughtful care.

Definition in Chinese

对他人态度亲切而周到，主动照顾或热情招待对方。duì tā rén tài dù qīn qiè ér zhōu dào zhǔ dòng zhào gù huò rè qíng zhāo dài duì fāng

Word origin

殷勤 (yīnqín, "attentive") combines 殷 (yīn, "deep or wholehearted") with 勤 (qín, "diligent"), linking sincere feeling with steady effort spent caring for others.

Usage tips

  • In conversational Chinese, this adjective fits a host or service worker whose welcome includes several thoughtful acts rather than only a polite greeting.

Other meanings

  • courteousadjective
  • friendlyadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word