# 悲天悯人

bēi tiān mǐn rén

Feel deep compassion for human suffering

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Grieve for the world and pity its people

**Traditional Chinese:** 悲天憫人

**Register:** Formal · literary

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Describe broad, earnest concern for others.

May sound literary or overly grand in casual speech.

## Understanding the expression

The expression widens sympathy beyond one person to the hardships of humanity. It evokes someone deeply troubled by suffering and moved to compassion. Writers, reformers, and caring individuals may be described this way, especially when their concern extends to people they do not personally know. The tone is literary and usually respectful. Compassion is the central idea; sadness by itself, without concern for others, does not fully convey the expression.

## Examples

他的作品充满悲天悯人的情怀。

### Traditional Chinese

他的作品充滿悲天憫人的情懷。

tā de zuò pǐn chōng mǎn bēi tiān mǐn rén de qíng huái 。

His works are filled with compassion for human suffering.

她悲天悯人，常帮助陌生人。

### Traditional Chinese

她悲天憫人，常幫助陌生人。

tā bēi tiān mǐn rén ， cháng bāng zhù mò shēng rén 。

She has deep compassion for others and often helps strangers.

这位医生有悲天悯人的胸怀。

### Traditional Chinese

這位醫生有悲天憫人的胸懷。

zhè wèi yī shēng yǒu bēi tiān mǐn rén de xiōng huái 。

This doctor has a deeply compassionate outlook.

诗中流露出悲天悯人的感情。

### Traditional Chinese

詩中流露出悲天憫人的感情。

shī zhōng liú lù chū bēi tiān mǐn rén de gǎn qíng 。

The poem conveys profound concern for human suffering.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E6%82%B2%E5%A4%A9%E6%86%AB%E4%BA%BA)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=746&webMd=1&la=0)

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