‘Tán xīn’ literally means 'to talk heart' — combining 谈 (tán, 'to talk') and 心 (xīn, 'heart'). It refers to a sincere, intimate, and emotionally open conversation between two people who trust each other, often about personal feelings, worries, dreams, or life challenges. Unlike casual chat or formal discussion, tán xīn implies emotional vulnerability and mutual understanding.

This term is commonly used in close relationships: between friends, romantic partners, parents and children, or mentors and students. It often occurs in quiet, relaxed settings — like sitting together over tea, walking in a park, or late at night. While not strictly limited to counseling contexts, it shares the supportive, empathetic spirit of therapeutic dialogue. The phrase emphasizes depth over length — even a short exchange can qualify as tán xīn if it’s genuine and heartfelt.