Chinese idiom · 成语
心灰意冷
Meaning
Heart ashes, intent cold; utter disillusionment.
Character by character
Origin and story
literary usageThe exact expression appears in Liang Qichao's rules for the Hunan Current Affairs Academy, in the section on cultivating the mind. He urges students preparing for serious public responsibilities to develop steadiness before facing temptation, criticism, hardship, and danger. Without it, he warns, a single setback may extinguish their resolve or leave them unable to act. The image combines a heart reduced to ashes with an intention grown cold: enthusiasm has lost its heat. This is a documented use rather than proof that Liang invented the phrase. In everyday language it describes deep discouragement after hopes are disappointed.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
连续几次求职被拒，她一度心灰意冷，后来才慢慢找回信心。
After several job rejections, she became deeply discouraged for a while, then gradually regained confidence.
Describes lost enthusiasm or hope; stronger than a passing disappointment.