明镜止水
明镜止水 (míng jìng zhǐ shuǐ) literally means “clear mirror still water” and expresses “clear and calm mind”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
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Clear and calm mind
Pronunciation: míng jìng zhǐ shuǐ
Literal meaning: Clear mirror still water
Origin & Usage
This metaphor likens a clear (明) mirror (镜) and still (止) water (水) to a state of perfect mental clarity. Rooted in Tang Dynasty Buddhist meditation texts, it describes the ideal state of mind - like a mirror's spotless surface or an undisturbed pond perfectly reflecting reality. The image resonated deeply with Chan Buddhist practitioners who sought to cultivate a mind free from distorting thoughts or emotions. In Confucian scholarly traditions, it became associated with the mental state required for proper judgment. The concept particularly influenced Chinese landscape painting, where artists sought to capture scenes with a mind as clear as still water. Modern usage extends to moments requiring absolute clarity, from critical decision-making to creative problem-solving, emphasizing the value of a calm, unbiased perspective.
Examples
English: "The experienced mediator maintained complete objectivity throughout the negotiation"
Chinese: 经验丰富的调解员在整个谈判过程中保持完全的客观性
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 明镜止水 mean in English?
明镜止水 (míng jìng zhǐ shuǐ) literally translates to “Clear mirror still water” and is used to express “Clear and calm mind”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 明镜止水 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving clear and calm mind.
What is the pinyin for 明镜止水?
The pinyin pronunciation for 明镜止水 is “míng jìng zhǐ shuǐ”.