澹 (dàn) - Tranquil, calm, placid & also refers to the appearance of water ripples

澹Tone 4

dàn ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

澹 · dàn

Tranquil, calm, placid;

also refers to the appearance of water ripples or waves;

used in names to convey serenity and peacefulness.

Tranquil, calm, placidalso refers to the appearance of water ripplesused in names to convey serenity and peacefulness.

Usage highlights

Tranquil and calmIndifferent to fame and fortuneCalm and composedWater ripplesQuiet and peacefulSimple and unadorned

Synonyms

  • 淡— light; bland; indifferent
  • 静— quiet; calm
  • 宁— peaceful; tranquil

Antonyms

  • 浓— thick; strong; intense
  • 急— urgent; hurried
  • 躁— restless; impetuous

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The lake surface is calm and tranquil (澹澹).
  • He has a calm and indifferent attitude towards fame and fortune (澹泊).
  • The water ripples gently (水波澹澹).
  • She lives a simple and tranquil life (澹然).

Collocations

  • Tranquil and calm(澹澹)
  • Indifferent to fame and fortune(澹泊)
  • Calm and composed(澹然)
  • Water ripples(澹荡)
  • Quiet and peaceful(澹静)
  • Simple and unadorned(澹雅)

Idioms

  • Indifferent to fame and wealth(澹泊明志)
  • Peaceful and content(澹然无极)
  • Calm and composed(澹然处之)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Taoist philosophy, 澹 represents the ideal state of mind - detached from worldly desires and maintaining inner peace.
  • Often used in classical Chinese poetry to describe serene natural scenes, particularly calm water surfaces.
  • Considered an admirable quality in traditional Chinese culture, representing spiritual cultivation and moral character.

FAQ