Meaning and Usage
"心急如焚" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a state of extreme anxiety or impatience, as if one's heart is burning. It conveys a strong emotional urgency, often related to worry or eagerness for an outcome.
Common Contexts
This phrase is frequently used in situations involving concern for others' wellbeing, anticipation of important news, or urgent matters requiring immediate attention.
Collocations and Patterns
- 心急如焚地 + verb: emphasizes the manner of doing something with great anxiety (e.g., 心急如焚地等待).
- 心急如焚 + 地 + verb: used to describe someone's emotional state driving their actions.
Usage Notes
This phrase is formal and literary, often found in written Chinese or formal speech rather than casual conversation. It is stronger than simply saying "着急" or "担心" and implies a burning intensity of emotion.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 心急如焚 with 急于 or 急躁, which focus more on impatience or irritability rather than deep anxiety or worry.