和平
hépíng/xɤ³⁵ pʰiŋ³⁵/
The English word 'peaceful' translates to Chinese as 和平 (hépíng).
和平 is an adjective meaning peaceful or peaceable. While it can be used to describe a person's temperament, it is most commonly used in political or formal contexts to describe a state of peace, such as 'peaceful coexistence' (和平共处).
Meaning: inclined to peace, peaceable (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 和 (hé), meaning 'harmony' or 'together' and 平 (píng), meaning 'level' or 'even'.
Which one should you use?
In English, 'peaceful' can describe a quiet atmosphere, such as a peaceful room. However, 和平 is primarily used for the absence of conflict or war. For a quiet or tranquil atmosphere, you would typically use 安静 (ānjìng) or 平静 (píngjìng).
How do you pronounce it?
hépíng
Did you know?
- The character 和 (hé) is one of the most versatile in Chinese, functioning as a noun, verb, adjective, and even a conjunction meaning 'and'. Its core concept of 'harmony' links the idea of peace to the blending of different elements.
- Traditional Chinese philosophy views conflict as 'unevenness', which is why the character 平 (píng) for 'level' is used to represent peace.
- Chinese uses a distinct term 太平 (tàipíng) for 'great peace', a word specifically associated with eras of total stability and prosperous dynasties.
Examples in context
- 我夢見的是一個沒有戰爭的、和平的世界。The world which I saw in my dream was a peaceful world devoid of war.This sentence shows how to use 和平 to describe a world without war.Tatoeba #421996 by nickyeow, translation #416549 by Scott
- 我们希望能生活在一个和平的年代。Wǒmen xīwàng néng shēnghuó zài yīgè hépíng de niándài.We hope to live in a peaceful era.
- 这种解决方式非常和平。Zhè zhǒng jiějué fāngshì fēicháng hépíng.This way of resolving things is very peaceful.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing world news.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你觉得世界会变得更和平吗？Nǐ juéde shìjiè huì biànde gèng hépíng ma?Do you think the world will become more peaceful?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我希望如此，志强。Wǒ xīwàng rúcǐ, Zhìqiáng.I hope so, Zhiqiang.
- 志强 Zhiqiang和平对每个人都很重要。Hépíng duì měigè rén dōu hěn zhòngyào.Peace is very important for everyone.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen没错，晓雯同意你的看法。Méicuò, Xiǎowén tóngyì nǐ de kànfǎ.That's right, Xiaowen agrees with your view.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 和平, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
