Definitions

tián quiet; calm; tranquil; peaceful

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 恬 (tián) is a phono-semantic compound, with the vertical heart radical 忄 on the left indicating its connection to emotions or inner states, and the component 舌 (shé) on the right providing the phonetic element. Its core meaning refers to tranquility, calmness, and mental peace. In both literary and everyday use, it often describes a serene disposition, freedom from desire, or an absence of anxiety. It commonly appears in compounds like 恬静 (quiet and peaceful) and 恬淡 (indifferent to fame and wealth), conveying a sense of inner harmony and a quiet, unassuming approach to life.

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.