热情
enthusiastic; warm-hearted; warmth
rèqíng
What does 热情 mean?
热情 (rèqíng) means 'warm-hearted, enthusiastic, hospitable' as an adjective, and 'enthusiasm / warmth / passion' as a noun. The literal sense is 'hot feeling' (热 hot + 情 feeling). It is the standard compliment for someone who is welcoming, outgoing, and treats others with warmth — a 热情的人 is someone who greets you eagerly, pours you tea, and makes you feel at home.
Differences from English: 热情 covers BOTH 'warm/hospitable' (about how you treat people) AND 'enthusiastic/passionate' (about an activity), where English splits these. It is one of the most common positive personality words in Chinese culture, especially praising hosts. The opposite is 冷淡 (lěngdàn, cold / indifferent).
Note: Works for both spoken and written. Commonly used to praise hospitality (热情好客) or describe an outgoing, welcoming person.
Character breakdown
hot
feeling; emotion
Memory hook: 热 (hot) + 情 (feeling) — a hot, warm feeling toward others = enthusiastic and warm-hearted.
Example sentences
中国人很热情。
Zhōngguórén hěn rèqíng.
Chinese people are very warm and hospitable.
spoken
他热情地欢迎我们。
Tā rèqíng de huānyíng wǒmen.
He welcomed us warmly.
neutral
她对工作很有热情。
Tā duì gōngzuò hěn yǒu rèqíng.
She has a lot of passion for her work.
neutral
邻居都很热情，常常请我吃饭。
Línjū dōu hěn rèqíng, chángcháng qǐng wǒ chī fàn.
The neighbors are all very warm — they often invite me over for meals.
spoken
Common phrases with 热情
Synonyms
热心 specifically means 'warm-hearted / eager to help others' — focuses on willingness to help. 热情 is broader: warmth in general, hospitality, enthusiasm. A 热心的同事 helps you with tasks; a 热情的同事 welcomes you warmly.
积极 means 'positive / proactive / active' — about attitude in work or activities. 热情 is about warmth toward people or passion for something. 工作积极 = proactive at work; 工作热情 = passionate about work.
Don't confuse 热情 with
热闹 describes a place or scene as 'lively / bustling' (busy with people and noise). 热情 describes a person's warm attitude. 这里很热闹 = this place is lively; 他很热情 = he is warm-hearted.
感情 means 'feelings / emotions / affection' between people. 热情 is specifically warmth/enthusiasm. 我们的感情很好 = our relationship/feelings are good; 他对我很热情 = he is warm toward me.