信手拈来
信手拈来 (xìn shǒu niān lái) literally means “trustingly hand plucks” and expresses “create effortlessly from mastery”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: xin shou nian lai, xin shou nian lai,信手拈来 meaning, 信手拈来 in english
Create effortlessly from mastery
Pronunciation: xìn shǒu niān lái
Literal meaning: Trustingly hand plucks
Origin & Usage
This fluent idiom describes casually (信手) picking up or plucking (拈来) something with ease, originating from Tang Dynasty descriptions of master calligraphers and poets. It first described how accomplished artists could produce works spontaneously without preparation or strain. The character 信 conveyed natural confidence while 拈 specifically depicted the delicate motion of fingers picking something small. During the Song Dynasty, it became associated with scholarly excellence, where classical references and compositions came effortlessly to well-trained minds. Modern usage describes expertise so internalized that sophisticated performance appears casual, particularly in creative or intellectual contexts where complex skills have become second nature through long practice.
Examples
English: "The master poet composed beautiful verses effortlessly during the gathering"
Chinese: 这位诗坛大师在聚会上毫不费力地创作出优美的诗句
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 信手拈来 mean in English?
信手拈来 (xìn shǒu niān lái) literally translates to “Trustingly hand plucks” and is used to express “Create effortlessly from mastery”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 信手拈来 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving create effortlessly from mastery.
What is the pinyin for 信手拈来?
The pinyin pronunciation for 信手拈来 is “xìn shǒu niān lái”.