平靜 / 平静
píngjìng
In Chinese, calm is translated as 平靜 / 平静 (píngjìng). If unsure, use 平靜 / 平静. Wiktionary also lists 安靜 / 安静 (ānjìng).
Meaning: free from anger and anxiety (adj)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 平靜 / 平静 | píngjìng |
| 安靜 / 安静 | ānjìng |
The word 平靜 / 平静 is used to describe a state of being serene or free from emotional turbulence and physical agitation. It is the appropriate term for describing a calm sea, a calm mind or a calm atmosphere.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 平靜 / 平静 is composed of 平, meaning level or flat and 靜, meaning still or quiet. It literally describes a state of being level and undisturbed.
Which one should you use?
While both terms can be translated as calm, 安靜 / 安静 specifically refers to a lack of noise or sound (quiet), whereas 平靜 / 平静 refers to a lack of emotional turbulence or physical agitation (serene/still).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
平靜 / 平静 can function as an adjective meaning free from anger and anxiety, or as a noun referring to the condition of being unworried and free from anger.
How do you pronounce it?
píngjìng
Did you know?
- While 平靜 describes a state of mind, Chinese speakers often use the phrase 冷靜 for 'calm' when referring to the act of cooling down after an argument.
- In Chinese calligraphy, achieving a state of 平靜 is often considered a prerequisite for writing the characters themselves, as a restless mind is thought to ruin the brushwork.
- The character 平 meaning 'level' is also used in the word for 'peace' or 'world peace', creating a linguistic connection between a level surface and a stable society.
Examples in context
- 他面带平静的微笑。He wore a calm smile on his face.
- 她在紧急情况下能保持冷静。She can stay calm in emergency situations.
- 在大自然的怀抱中，他感到无比安静。In the embrace of nature, he felt incredibly calm.
- 他在遇到困难时总是能保持镇定。He always remains calm when facing difficulties.
- 我需要冷静和沉着地解决这个问题。I need to solve this problem calmly and composedly.
- 心情很平靜The mood is very calm.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “calm” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
