耐心 (nàixīn)

耐心 describes the quality of being patient, or refers to patience itself as a trait or resource.

Meanings

[adjective] patient; forbearing
[noun] patience

Example Sentences

老师很耐心地解释每一个问题。 Lǎoshī hěn nàixīn de jiěshì měi yīgè wèntí. The teacher patiently explained every question.

学习语言需要很大的耐心。 Xuéxí yǔyán xūyào hěn dà de nàixīn. Learning a language requires a great deal of patience.

他对孩子总是很有耐心。 Tā duì háizi zǒng shì hěn yǒu nàixīn. He is always very patient with children.

我已经失去耐心了。 Wǒ yǐjīng shīqù nàixīn le. I have already lost my patience.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
有耐心 (yǒu nàixīn)	to be patient; to have patience
失去耐心 (shīqù nàixīn)	to lose patience
耐心等待 (nàixīn děngdài)	to wait patiently
缺乏耐心 (quēfá nàixīn)	to lack patience

Usage Notes

耐心 functions both as an adjective (他很耐心) and a noun (他有耐心). The structure 有耐心 is the most common way to say "be patient." Its opposite is 没耐心 or 不耐心. In professional and educational contexts, being 耐心 is considered a key virtue for teachers, doctors, and customer service workers.

Memory Hook

耐 (to endure/bear) + 心 (heart) — a patient person has a heart that endures, no matter how long the wait.