heart, mind, spirit, heart radical (no. 61)
心 centers on the inner seat of emotion and thought: the heart, mind, or spirit. The radical sense is the same heart shape used as a component in other characters.
mind; heart; spirit
heart; mind; spirit; vitality; inner strength
worry; concern; anxiety; uneasiness; fear
center; centre; middle; heart; core; focus; pivot; emphasis; balance
peace of mind; relief; (sense of) security; safety; assurance; confidence
state of mind; mentality; psychology
concern; interest
beginner
heart
zealous; enthusiastic; ardent; fervent; keen; eager
conscience
from the bottom of one's heart; heartily; sincerely
essential; important; crucial; vital; main
admiration; being impressed
feeling; sensation; mood
city centre (esp. of Tokyo); heart of a city; downtown area
having in mind; happening to know (of); idea (of); inkling
feeling of a house or a room
mind and body
inner thoughts; real intention; inmost heart; one's mind
state of mind; mental state; mental attitude
knowledge; understanding
sentiment; emotions; one's feelings; one's heart
determination; resolution
心 is a pictograph of a heart, with the modern form preserving a stylized shape of the organ's chambers and vessels.
The three dots and curved stroke suggest the chambers and vessels of a heart. Picture the physical heart as the center of feelings and thoughts.
For シン, imagine a heart beating with a steady rhythm: shin, shin, shin. The sound of each beat cues シン.