稳
wěn
The Chinese word for steady is 稳 (wěn).
The character 稳 can mean steady or stable. In colloquial speech, it is often used as a predicate to describe someone's behavior or a situation as being reliable or 'steady'.
Meaning: constant in purpose or action (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 稳 is the core character, several two-character forms are used for specific nuances. 稳健 is a common way to express 'steady' when describing a person's character, a pace or a style of movement. 稳固 (wěn gù) is a formal way to express steady that emphasizes stability and firmness. 稳定 (wěn dìng) is a formal translation for steady.
How does it change in a sentence?
The single character 稳 is often used as a root in adjectives and can be expanded into more formal or descriptive forms.
How do you pronounce it?
wěn
Did you know?
- In casual conversation, saying 稳了 (wěn le) can function like saying 'It's a done deal' or 'That's a guaranteed success' regarding a plan.
- The character 稳 contains the radical for 'heart' (忄) on the left side, suggesting that being 'steady' is a quality rooted in emotional stability and a calm mind.
- The concept of being 'steady' in Chinese culture is often linked to 中庸, the Confucian ideal of the 'Golden Mean' or avoiding extremes.
Examples in context
- 他迈着稳健的步伐登上了山丘。He was walking up the hill at a steady pace.This sentence is useful for seeing how 稳 is used to describe a pace.Tatoeba #1323994 by vicch, translation #301519 by qdii
- 公司的发展十分稳定。The company's development is very steady.
- 我们的友谊是稳定的。Our friendship is steady.
- 建筑物必须有稳固的基础。Buildings must have a steady foundation.
- 他是个靠谱的朋友，你可以相信他。He's a reliable friend, you can trust him.
- 这家餐厅的食物质量一直很靠谱。The food quality at this restaurant has always been steady and reliable.
- 做事要稳一点。Zuòshì yào wěn yīdiǎn.You should be more steady in your actions.
Example conversation
Zhiqiang is teaching Yuting how to use a tool.
- 志强 Zhiqiang手要稳，慢慢地剪。Shǒu yào wěn, mànmàn de jiǎn.Keep your hand steady and cut slowly.
- 雨婷 Yuting好的，我现在尝试一下。Hǎo de, wǒ xiànzài chángshì yīxià.Okay, I will try now.
- 志强 Zhiqiang没错，这样就很稳了。Méi cuò, zhèyàng jiù hěn wěn le.That's it, it's very steady now.
- 雨婷 Yuting谢谢你的指导，志强。Xièxie nǐ de zhǐdǎo, Zhìqiáng.Thank you for the guidance, Zhiqiang.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
