安然无恙
安然无恙 (ān rán wú yàng) literally means “peaceful without illness” and expresses “completely safe and unharmed through danger”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
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Completely safe and unharmed through danger
Pronunciation: ān rán wú yàng Literal meaning: Peaceful without illness
Origin & Usage
This idiom originated from the 'Records of the Three Kingdoms' describing survivors of catastrophe. The term '恙' originally referred specifically to plague or epidemic disease before broadening to general harm. During the Jin Dynasty, it became shorthand in military reporting for troops surviving dangerous missions. Being peacefully (安然) without illness or harm (无恙) was a particularly potent medical metaphor in pre-modern China where disease represented one of life's most common and unpredictable threats. Unlike terms simply meaning 'safe,' it specifically emphasizes emerging completely unharmed from dangerous circumstances. Modern usage spans disaster response to personal crises, describing complete preservation through perilous circumstances, particularly when expressing the emotional relief following confirmation that loved ones have survived unchanged through genuine danger.
When to Use
Situation: Despite the severe typhoon, all villagers were safely evacuated and accounted for
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 安然无恙 mean in English?
安然无恙 (ān rán wú yàng) literally translates to “Peaceful without illness” and is used to express “Completely safe and unharmed through danger”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 安然无恙 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving completely safe and unharmed through danger.
What is the pinyin for 安然无恙?
The pinyin pronunciation for 安然无恙 is “ān rán wú yàng”.