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| 祥和 [2025/08/06 01:49] – created xiaoer | 祥和 [Unknown date] (current) – removed - external edit (Unknown date) 127.0.0.1 |
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| ====== xiánghé: 祥和 - Auspicious and Peaceful, Serene, Harmonious ====== | |
| ===== Quick Summary ===== | |
| * **Keywords:** xianghe, 祥和, xiánghé meaning, Chinese word for serene, auspicious and peaceful, harmonious atmosphere, tranquil, Chinese culture, learn Chinese, contextual chinese. | |
| * **Summary:** Learn the meaning of **祥和 (xiánghé)**, a beautiful Chinese adjective describing a state that is both auspicious and deeply peaceful. This entry explores how `xiánghé` captures a serene atmosphere, a harmonious community, or a tranquil state of mind, going beyond the simple English word "peaceful." Discover its cultural significance, see practical examples, and understand how it differs from similar words like `hépíng` (peace) and `ānjìng` (quiet). | |
| ===== Core Meaning ===== | |
| * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** xiáng hé | |
| * **Part of Speech:** Adjective | |
| * **HSK Level:** HSK 6+ / Advanced (Not on the standard lists but very common in written and formal language) | |
| * **Concise Definition:** Describes a state, atmosphere, or demeanor that is auspicious, peaceful, and harmonious. | |
| * **In a Nutshell:** `祥和` is more than just the absence of noise or conflict. It's a positive, gentle, and almost sacred form of peace. Think of the warm, quiet feeling of a close-knit family celebrating a holiday, the tranquil atmosphere of a beautiful temple, or the calm, contented expression on an elderly person's face. It combines "peaceful" with a sense of "blessedness" or good fortune. | |
| ===== Character Breakdown ===== | |
| * **祥 (xiáng):** Auspicious, lucky, a good omen. The left part, `示` (shì), is the "altar" or "spirit" radical, indicating a connection to the divine or sacred. The right part, `羊` (yáng, sheep), is historically a symbol of good fortune and a homophone for other positive words. Thus, `祥` carries a meaning of divinely-sent good luck. | |
| * **和 (hé):** Harmony, peace, gentleness, and togetherness. This character is a cornerstone of Chinese philosophy, representing a state where different elements come together in a balanced and agreeable way without conflict. | |
| When combined, **祥和 (xiánghé)** creates a powerful concept: a peace (`和`) that is imbued with good fortune and a sense of blessedness (`祥`). It's a "blessed peace." | |
| ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== | |
| `祥和` is a deeply cultural term that reflects the ideal state of being in Chinese society, rooted in Confucian and Daoist thought. The pursuit of harmony (`和`)—in the family, in society, and with nature—is a paramount value. | |
| `祥和` represents the ultimate success of this pursuit. A `祥和` society is not just a society without war (`和平 hépíng`), but one where citizens are content, relationships are smooth, and there's a collective feeling of well-being and positive momentum. | |
| **Comparison to a Western Concept:** Compare `祥和` to the English word **"serene."** While "serene" captures the peaceful, calm, and untroubled aspect, it lacks the crucial element of **auspiciousness (`祥`)**. A landscape can be serene but also cold or melancholic. A `祥和` environment, however, is almost always warm, positive, and feels imbued with good luck. It's the difference between a quiet, empty winter forest (serene) and a quiet, sunlit garden in spring (祥和). | |
| ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== | |
| `祥和` is considered a somewhat formal and literary word. It's most often used in writing or formal speech to describe environments, atmospheres, or expressions. | |
| * **Describing Atmospheres (气氛 qìfēn):** It's perfect for describing the mood of a place or event. You'll often hear `气氛祥和` (qìfēn xiánghé - the atmosphere is harmonious and peaceful). This applies to holiday gatherings, peaceful protests, religious sites, or quiet, friendly communities. | |
| * **Describing Demeanor (面容 miànróng / 神情 shénqíng):** It can describe a person's expression, particularly the calm, wise, and contented look of an elderly person. `面容祥和` (miànróng xiánghé - a serene and kind facial expression). | |
| * **Formal and Official Language:** In news reports or government statements, `社会祥和` (shèhuì xiánghé - a peaceful and harmonious society) is a common goal or description of a desired social state. | |
| It is generally not used in very casual, everyday conversation to describe one's own fleeting feelings. | |
| ===== Example Sentences ===== | |
| **Example 1:** | |
| * 春节期间，整个村子都沉浸在**祥和**欢乐的气氛中。 | |
| * Pinyin: Chūnjié qījiān, zhěnggè cūnzi dōu chénjìn zài **xiánghé** huānlè de qìfēn zhōng. | |
| * English: During the Spring Festival, the entire village was immersed in a **peaceful, auspicious,** and joyful atmosphere. | |
| * Analysis: This is a classic use of `祥和` to describe the positive, warm, and harmonious feeling of a major cultural holiday. | |
| **Example 2:** | |
| * 老奶奶的脸上露出了**祥和**的微笑。 | |
| * Pinyin: Lǎo nǎinai de liǎn shàng lùchūle **xiánghé** de wéixiào. | |
| * English: The old grandmother's face revealed a **serene and gentle** smile. | |
| * Analysis: `祥和` here describes a person's expression, conveying not just calmness but also kindness, wisdom, and inner peace. | |
| **Example 3:** | |
| * 我们都希望生活在一个**祥和**安定的社会里。 | |
| * Pinyin: Wǒmen dōu xīwàng shēnghuó zài yīgè **xiánghé** āndìng de shèhuì lǐ. | |
| * English: We all hope to live in a **harmonious, peaceful,** and stable society. | |
| * Analysis: This is a more formal, abstract usage, expressing a common societal aspiration. | |
| **Example 4:** | |
| * 走进这座古老的寺庙，一种**祥和**宁静的感觉油然而生。 | |
| * Pinyin: Zǒu jìn zhè zuò gǔlǎo de sìmiào, yī zhǒng **xiánghé** níngjìng de gǎnjué yóurán'érshēng. | |
| * English: Walking into this ancient temple, a feeling of **serene** and tranquil peace spontaneously arose. | |
| * Analysis: `祥和` is often used with `宁静` (níngjìng - tranquil) to emphasize the profound peacefulness of a place like a temple or a nature spot. | |
| **Example 5:** | |
| * 这首曲子的旋律非常**祥和**，能让人放松下来。 | |
| * Pinyin: Zhè shǒu qǔzi de xuánlǜ fēicháng **xiánghé**, néng ràng rén fàngsōng xiàlái. | |
| * English: The melody of this piece of music is very **soothing and peaceful**, it can make people relax. | |
| * Analysis: Here, `祥和` describes the quality of music, implying it's gentle, calming, and creates a positive emotional state. | |
| **Example 6:** | |
| * 经过调解，两家人的关系又恢复了往日的**祥和**。 | |
| * Pinyin: Jīngguò tiáojiě, liǎng jiā rén de guānxì yòu huīfùle wǎngrì de **xiánghé**. | |
| * English: After mediation, the relationship between the two families returned to its former **harmony**. | |
| * Analysis: This shows `祥和` can describe the state of interpersonal relationships—not just neutral, but actively positive and friendly. | |
| **Example 7:** | |
| * 夕阳下，湖面一片**祥和**。 | |
| * Pinyin: Xīyáng xià, húmiàn yīpiàn **xiánghé**. | |
| * English: Under the setting sun, the surface of the lake was a picture of **serenity**. | |
| * Analysis: A very descriptive, almost poetic use of the word to paint a picture of a calm, beautiful natural scene. | |
| **Example 8:** | |
| * 他的晚年生活过得十分**祥和**。 | |
| * Pinyin: Tā de wǎnnián shēnghuó guòdé shífēn **xiánghé**. | |
| * English: He lived a very **peaceful and contented** life in his later years. | |
| * Analysis: Describes a long period of time (one's later life) as being free from major trouble and filled with a quiet contentment. | |
| **Example 9:** | |
| * 画中的田园风光，展现出一派**祥和**的景象。 | |
| * Pinyin: Huà zhōng de tiányuán fēngguāng, zhǎnxiàn chū yī pài **xiánghé** de jǐngxiàng. | |
| * English: The pastoral scenery in the painting displays a scene of **peace and harmony**. | |
| * Analysis: `祥和` is often used in art criticism or description to convey the mood of a piece. | |
| **Example 10:** | |
| * 新年的钟声敲响，我们祈求来年**祥和**安康。 | |
| * Pinyin: Xīnnián de zhōng shēng qiāo xiǎng, wǒmen qíqiú láinián **xiánghé** ānkāng. | |
| * English: As the New Year's bell rings, we pray for a **peaceful, auspicious,** and healthy coming year. | |
| * Analysis: Used in a wish or prayer, highlighting its connection to good fortune and well-being. | |
| ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== | |
| * **`祥和 (xiánghé)` vs. `和平 (hépíng)`:** This is the most important distinction. | |
| * `和平` means "peace" as in the absence of war or major conflict. It's used for international relations (世界和平 - world peace). | |
| * `祥和` describes the *quality* of peace—a gentle, harmonious, and positive atmosphere. | |
| * **Incorrect:** ~~我们希望世界祥和。~~ (Wǒmen xīwàng shìjiè xiánghé.) | |
| * **Correct:** 我们希望世界**和平**。 (Wǒmen xīwàng shìjiè hépíng.) | |
| * **`祥和 (xiánghé)` vs. `安静 (ānjìng)`:** | |
| * `安静` means "quiet" or "not noisy." It's a neutral description of sound level. A room can be `安静` but feel tense. | |
| * `祥和` is an emotional and atmospheric description. A `祥和` place is usually quiet, but it also feels calm, safe, and pleasant. | |
| * **Incorrect:** "图书馆里请保持祥和。" (Túshūguǎn lǐ qǐng bǎochí xiánghé.) - This sounds very strange. | |
| * **Correct:** "图书馆里请保持**安静**。" (Túshūguǎn lǐ qǐng bǎochí ānjìng.) - "Please remain quiet in the library." | |
| * **Formality:** Avoid using `祥和` to describe your own feelings in casual chat. It sounds overly literary. | |
| * **Awkward:** "我今天感觉很祥和。" (Wǒ jīntiān gǎnjué hěn xiánghé.) | |
| * **Natural:** "我今天心里很**平静**。" (Wǒ jīntiān xīnli hěn píngjìng.) - "I feel very calm inside today." | |
| ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== | |
| * [[和平]] (hépíng) - "Peace" (in the sense of no war). `祥和` describes the positive quality of peace, while `和平` is its prerequisite. | |
| * [[和谐]] (héxié) - "Harmonious." This is a broader term. A relationship can be `和谐`, music can be `和谐`. A `祥和` atmosphere is a specific type of `和谐`. | |
| * [[安详]] (ānxiáng) - "Serene, composed." Very similar to `祥和`, but often used to describe the peaceful expression of an elderly person or someone who has passed away peacefully. It has less of a "community" feel. | |
| * [[宁静]] (níngjìng) - "Tranquil, serene." Often used to describe a quiet environment (e.g., a forest, a lake at night). It focuses more on the stillness and lack of disturbance. | |
| * [[平静]] (píngjìng) - "Calm." Primarily used for surfaces (like calm water) or emotions (a calm heart/mind). It's more internal and personal than `祥和`. | |
| * [[吉祥]] (jíxiáng) - "Auspicious, lucky." This is the core meaning of the first character, `祥`. `吉祥` is an adjective used for lucky symbols, numbers, or words. | |
| * [[安宁]] (ānníng) - "Peaceful, tranquil." Describes a state where a place or one's life is free from disturbance and worry. Very close to `祥和` but perhaps with slightly less emphasis on the "auspicious" element. | |