定心丸 dìngxīnwán tranquilizer
tranquilizer; something that sets one's mind at ease
How to remember 定心丸: 定 decide + 心 heart + 丸 ball = tranquilizer.
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How it is used
- Literally a 'calm-the-heart pill' - figuratively something that reassures and puts one's mind at ease - 这话给我们吃了颗定心丸 (zhè huà gěi wǒmen chīle kē dìngxīnwán) those words set our minds at rest.
- Almost always in 吃定心丸 / 给…一颗定心丸 (give someone reassurance); vivid, colloquial.
- Refers to a reassuring guarantee, promise, or news - not an actual medicine.