Definitions

tián quiet; calm; tranquil; peaceful

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

Composed of the heart radical and the component for tongue, the character "恬" etymologically suggests a mental state where the heart is as calm and inactive as a tongue at rest, leading to its core meaning of tranquility and peace. Historically, this character has always denoted a sense of quiet composure, with its usage in classical literature emphasizing an unruffled demeanor or a contented mind, and while the tongue component might hint at early associations with speech or taste, these connotations have not persisted in its primary semantic development. The form of "恬" has remained consistent through time, and its conceptual focus on inner stillness has been preserved in modern Chinese, where it appears in words describing serenity or a placid temperament.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这个小村子很静。

Zhè ge xiǎo cūnzi hěn tiánjìng.

This small village is very tranquil.

他过着淡的生活。

Tā guòzhe tiándàn de shēnghuó.

He lives a simple and contented life.

面对困难,她显得很然。

Miàn duì kùnnán, tā xiǎn de hěn tiánrán.

Facing difficulties, she appears very calm.

湖面静得像一面镜子。

Hú miàn tiánjìng de xiàng yī miàn jìngzi.

The lake surface is as tranquil as a mirror.

夜晚的田野一片静。

Yèwǎn de tiányě yī piàn tiánjìng.

The field at night is completely tranquil.

静的午后,他喜欢读书。

Zài tiánjìng de wǔhòu, tā xǐhuān dúshū.

In the tranquil afternoon, he likes to read.

她性格静,从不与人争吵。

Tā xìnggé tiánjìng, cóng bù yǔ rén zhēngchǎo.

She has a tranquil personality and never argues with others.

淡的心态有助于身心健康。

Tiándàn de xīntài yǒu zhù yú shēnxīn jiànkāng.

A contented mindset is beneficial to both physical and mental health.