The Motion of Emotion

You know that uneasy feeling before interviewing for a job, giving a speech in public, or making a major life decision? The Chinese have a variety of expressions to convey these universal emotions. They also embrace a wider view of the “heart” and its role in our lives.

Here are three phrases which capture aspects its essence:

1. 忐忑 tǎntè

Meaning: Nervous, apprehensive, mentally unstable

Example:
我要去面试了，心里感到有些忐忑不安。
Wǒ yào qù miànshìle, xīnlǐ gǎndào yǒuxiē tǎntè bù’ān.
I’m going for...