'Mí xìn' literally combines 'mí' (to be confused, deluded, or obsessed) and 'xìn' (to believe or faith), forming a noun meaning 'superstition'—an irrational, unscientific belief often rooted in fear, tradition, or misunderstanding of natural phenomena. It carries a mildly negative connotation in modern Chinese, implying a lack of critical thinking or reliance on unfounded ideas.

This word is commonly used in discussions about science education, social progress, and cultural change. You’ll hear it in contexts like discouraging fortune-telling, avoiding unlucky numbers (e.g., 4), or rejecting baseless health remedies. Unlike neutral terms like 'folk belief', 'mí xìn' explicitly signals disapproval—it’s not just traditional; it’s considered unreasonable or harmful when it influences decisions without evidence.