如鱼得水
如鱼得水 (rú yú dé shuǐ) literally means “fish finds water” and expresses “in perfect element”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
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In perfect element
Pronunciation: rú yú dé shuǐ
Literal meaning: Fish finds water
Origin & Usage
This idiom captures the harmony between fish (鱼) and water (水), drawing from Daoist observations of natural affinities. In ancient texts, particularly those of Zhuangzi, the fish swimming effortlessly through water epitomized the ideal state of being perfectly suited to one's environment. The metaphor gained prominence during the Tang Dynasty when poets used it to describe the relationship between talented officials and enlightened rulers. Modern usage extends beyond professional contexts to any situation where someone thrives naturally in their element – whether an artist in their studio, an athlete in their sport, or a teacher in their classroom. It speaks to the profound satisfaction found when one's talents align perfectly with their circumstances.
Examples
English: "The experienced teacher in her new classroom was like a fish in water"
Chinese: 有经验的老师在新教室里如鱼得水
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 如鱼得水 mean in English?
如鱼得水 (rú yú dé shuǐ) literally translates to “Fish finds water” and is used to express “In perfect element”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 如鱼得水 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving in perfect element.
What is the pinyin for 如鱼得水?
The pinyin pronunciation for 如鱼得水 is “rú yú dé shuǐ”.