Definitions

tián quiet; calm; tranquil; peaceful

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "恬" is structured with the heart radical (忄) on the left, denoting matters of mind or emotion, and the component "舌" on the right, which primarily functions as a phonetic indicator. In early Chinese texts, this character was employed to signify quietness or serenity, specifically referring to a tranquil mental condition. Over time, its meaning broadened to describe a general sense of calmness and peaceful composure, while in later usage, it also developed a contextual sense of indifference, as seen in compound phrases like "恬不知耻" where it conveys shamelessness. The composition of the character, with these two elements, has remained consistent in its standard written form.

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.