Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 和諧 / 和谐 | héxié |
| 和睦 | hémù |
| 調和 / 调和 | tiáohé |
和諧 / 和谐 is a general term used to describe harmony in music, art or a general state of balance within a system. It can also refer to abstract concepts. In contrast, 协调 focuses more specifically on coordination or balance rather than the emotional aspects of harmony.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 和諧 is a combination of the character 和 (hé), which means peace or harmony and 諧 (xié), which means harmony or concord.
Which one should you use?
The different forms of the word are used in specific contexts. Use 和睦 specifically to describe harmonious relationships between people, such as family or neighbors. Use 調和 / 调和 as a verb or adjective when referring to the act of reconciling conflicting interests or blending different elements together to create a balanced state. While 和諧 / 和谐 is a general term for abstract or aesthetic harmony, 和睦 is used for interpersonal harmony.
How do you pronounce it?
héxié
Did you know?
- In modern Chinese internet slang, the word 和谐 (héxié) can be a euphemism for internet censorship. It stems from the political concept of a 'Harmonious Society', where content that disrupts social stability is removed.
- The character 和 is composed of two parts: 'grain' on the left and 'mouth' on the right, suggesting that peace comes from having enough food to eat.
- The concept of 和 is central to the ancient Chinese philosophy of 'He', which suggests that true harmony is found in the blending of different and opposing elements.
Examples in context
- 团结和谐是我们的目标Unity and harmony are our goals.
- 希望大家能够和睦相处I hope everyone can live in harmony.
- 她性格和顺，与人为善She has a gentle and accommodating personality, always kind to others.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “harmony” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 和諧, CC BY-SA 4.0.
