Meaning and Usage
"无动于衷" literally means 'not moved at heart.' It describes a state of emotional indifference or aloofness, where a person shows no reaction or concern toward something that might normally provoke feelings.
Common Contexts
This phrase is often used to describe someone's attitude toward events, problems, or emotions that typically require empathy or response. It can carry a negative connotation, implying coldness or lack of compassion.
Collocations and Patterns
- 无动于衷 + 对象 (e.g., 无动于衷对别人的困难): expressing indifference toward a specific subject.
- 常见于新闻、社会话题中，描述公众或个人的冷漠态度。
Nuances
Using 无动于衷 suggests a deliberate or noticeable lack of emotional engagement, different from simply being unaware or uninformed. It often implies criticism of the person's emotional detachment.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 无动于衷 with words meaning 'unaware' or 'unconcerned' in a neutral sense; 无动于衷 emphasizes emotional unresponsiveness rather than ignorance.