恬

tián

忄 + 舌

Definitions

tián quiet; calm; tranquil; peaceful

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 忄 represents the meaning and 舌 represents the sound.

Semantic: 忄 Phonetic: 舌

About

The character 恬 (tián) is a phono-semantic compound: the vertical heart radical 忄 on the left indicates inner emotions or psychological states, while the phonetic component 舌 (shé) on the right provides the sound. Its core meaning centers on tranquility, calmness, and an undisturbed peacefulness of mind or environment. Throughout its history, it has been used to describe a serene disposition, a lack of worldly desires, or freedom from anxiety and agitation. It frequently appears in formal or literary compounds, such as 恬静 (quiet and peaceful) and 恬淡 (indifferent to fame and wealth), conveying a positive sense of internal harmony and a quiet, unassuming approach to life.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这个小村子很恬静。

Zhè ge xiǎo cūnzi hěn tiánjìng.

This small village is very tranquil.

他过着恬淡的生活。

Tā guòzhe tiándàn de shēnghuó.

He lives a simple and contented life.

面对困难，她显得很恬然。

Miàn duì kùnnán, tā xiǎn de hěn tiánrán.

Facing difficulties, she appears very calm.

湖面恬静得像一面镜子。

Hú miàn tiánjìng de xiàng yī miàn jìngzi.

The lake surface is as tranquil as a mirror.

夜晚的田野一片恬静。

Yèwǎn de tiányě yī piàn tiánjìng.

The field at night is completely tranquil.

在恬静的午后，他喜欢读书。

Zài tiánjìng de wǔhòu, tā xǐhuān dúshū.

In the tranquil afternoon, he likes to read.

她性格恬静，从不与人争吵。

Tā xìnggé tiánjìng, cóng bù yǔ rén zhēngchǎo.

She has a tranquil personality and never argues with others.

恬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.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 忄

Component: 舌

恬