Simplified Chinese - Lesson 93 of 156: Empathy

1. Reading + Listening Practice

Hear core phrases, repeat aloud.

你说吧，我在听。

Nǐ shuō ba, wǒ zài tīng.

I'm listening.

Meaning: I'm listening.

When to use: Use this to invite someone to continue — it's encouraging and shows you're present.

Tip: Beginners sometimes say only “我在听” which is okay but less inviting than the full phrase.

你说吧，我在听。别着急，把事情慢慢说清楚。

Nǐ shuō ba, wǒ zài tīng. Bié zhāojí, bǎ shìqíng màn man shuō qīngchu.

Go ahead, I'm listening. Don't rush — explain it slowly.

如果想说心里话，就对我说：你说吧，我在听。

Rúguǒ xiǎng shuō xīnlǐhuà, jiù duì wǒ shuō: Nǐ shuō ba, wǒ zài tīng.

If you want to speak your mind, tell me: 'I'm listening.'

我真希望能让你轻松一点。

Wǒ zhēn xīwàng néng ràng nǐ qīngsōng yìdiǎn.

I wish I could make it easier.

Meaning: I wish I could make it easier.

When to use: Use this to express gentle regret and show you wish you could reduce someone's burden.

听你这么辛苦，我真希望能让你轻松一点，帮你分担一些工作。

Tīng nǐ zhème xīnkǔ, wǒ zhēn xīwàng néng ràng nǐ qīngsōng yìdiǎn, bāng nǐ fēndān yìxiē gōngzuò.

Hearing how hard you've worked, I really wish I could make it easier for you and help share some tasks.

你最近压力很大，我真希望能让你轻松一点，至少陪你散散步。

Nǐ zuìjìn yālì hěn dà, wǒ zhēn xīwàng néng ràng nǐ qīngsōng yìdiǎn, zhìshǎo péi nǐ sàn san bù.

You've been under so much stress; I wish I could make it easier, at least by walking with you.

这不是你的错

Zhè bú shì nǐ de cuò.

It's not your fault.

Meaning: It's not your fault.

When to use: Use this to reassure someone who is blaming themselves or feels guilty.

Tip: Some learners say “不是你的错” without the particle 了 or context; adding a brief explanation sounds more natural.

别自责了，这不是你的错，我们都会遇到意外情况。

Bié zìzé le, zhè bú shì nǐ de cuò, wǒmen dōu huì yùdào yìwài qíngkuàng.

Don't blame yourself — it's not your fault; we all face unexpected situations.

听完事情的来龙去脉，我想说：这不是你的错，你已经尽力了。

Tīng wán shìqíng de láilóngqùmài, wǒ xiǎng shuō: Zhè bú shì nǐ de cuò, nǐ yǐjīng jìnlì le.

After hearing what happened, I want to say: it's not your fault — you already did your best.

Simplified Chinese - Empathy

1. Reading + Listening Practice

2. Conversational Listening Practice

3. Guided Practice

Which phrase is best to encourage someone to continue talking?

Which phrase directly reassures someone who feels guilty?

Which phrase expresses a gentle wish to reduce someone's burden?

If a friend begins telling you a long story, the most supportive opener is:

Her voice choked; Li Ming hurriedly said, 'Go ahead, I'm listening.'

He kept blaming himself; his friend said seriously, 'It's not your fault.'

Seeing her stay up every night, Wang Hua sighed, 'I really wish I could make it easier for you,' and then offered help.

Match the core phrases

Match the extra phrases

4. Speaking Practice