Chinese idiom · 成语
三心二意
Meaning
Three hearts, two minds; indecision or disloyalty.
Character by character
Origin and story
literary expressionThe expression pictures a person with several competing hearts and intentions rather than one steady purpose. It appears in the Qing novel Qilu Deng, chapter 16, during an oath between sworn companions: anyone who becomes divided in loyalty is placed under the judgment of a divine witness. The oath makes clear that the phrase can concern faithfulness to other people, not merely difficulty choosing between options. In everyday usage it also describes someone whose attention or commitment keeps shifting. The numbers are figurative; the point is a divided mind rather than three identifiable wishes and two specific plans.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
你既然报名学琴，就别三心二意，今天想练，明天又放弃。
Since you signed up for piano lessons, stop wavering—wanting to practice today and giving up tomorrow.
Criticizes inconsistent commitment or divided attention.