心平气和
心平气和 (xīn píng qì hé) literally means “heart calm and breath harmonious” and expresses “calm and composed; even-tempered”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: xin ping qi he, xin ping qi he,心平气和 meaning, 心平气和 in english
Calm and composed; even-tempered
Pronunciation: xīn píng qì hé
Literal meaning: Heart calm and breath harmonious
Origin & Usage
This idiom combines 'calm heart' (心平) with 'harmonious breath/energy' (气和), reflecting traditional Chinese understanding of emotional and physical balance. In Chinese medicine and philosophy, the state of one's 'qi' (气) directly affects emotional disposition. The phrase appears in Song Dynasty Neo-Confucian texts promoting emotional equilibrium as essential for moral cultivation. It represents the ideal state for rational discourse and decision-making. Modern usage encourages composed, level-headed communication, especially in potentially contentious situations.
Examples
English: "Let's discuss this matter calmly and rationally."
Chinese: 让我们心平气和地讨论这件事。
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 心平气和 mean in English?
心平气和 (xīn píng qì hé) literally translates to “Heart calm and breath harmonious” and is used to express “Calm and composed; even-tempered”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 心平气和 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving calm and composed; even-tempered.
What is the pinyin for 心平气和?
The pinyin pronunciation for 心平气和 is “xīn píng qì hé”.