‘归心似箭’ is a vivid Chinese idiom meaning an intense, urgent longing to return home — so strong that one’s heart feels as if it’s flying like an arrow toward home. Literally, 归 means 'to return', 心 means 'heart' or 'mind', 似 means 'like' or 'as if', and 箭 means 'arrow'. Together, they paint a powerful image of emotional speed and direction: the heart doesn’t just want to go home — it races there, unimpeded and unstoppable.

This expression is used almost exclusively in spoken and written contexts describing deep homesickness, especially after long absences — such as during holiday seasons, after overseas work or study, or following family separation. It carries warmth and sincerity, often implying emotional vulnerability rather than mere convenience. While poetic, it’s common in everyday speech among native speakers, particularly when expressing heartfelt yearning rather than simple travel plans.