Usage and Nuances
The verb 操心 (cāo xīn) primarily means "to worry about" or "to be concerned with" something, often implying emotional involvement and sometimes physical effort or trouble taken. It is commonly used when someone is anxious or attentive about another person's wellbeing or a particular matter.
Common Contexts
- Family and relationships: Parents often 操心 their children’s education or future.
- Work or projects: People may 操心 about deadlines or important tasks.
Collocations and Patterns
- 为...操心 (wèi... cāo xīn): to worry about something or someone.
- 操心某事 (cāo xīn mǒu shì): to be concerned or troubled by a specific matter.
Register and Tone
操心 is neutral but slightly informal and often conveys a caring or affectionate tone, especially in family contexts. It can also imply some burden or trouble taken by the person worrying.
Common Confusions
Avoid confusing 操心 with 担心 (dān xīn), which also means "to worry" but is more about feeling anxious or fearful. 操心 often implies active involvement or effort, not just passive worry.