从容不迫
*The explanations on this page are generated by AI. Please note that they may contain inaccurate information.
1. Basic Information
- Pinyin: cóng róng bù pò
- English Translation: Calm and unhurried (composed)
- Idiom Composition: 「从容」(Calm, unhurried, or leisurely)
+ 「不」(Not) + 「迫」(Urgent, pressed, or forced) - Meaning: A state where one's attitude or actions are extremely calm and composed, handling any situation with ease and without panic. It is used as a compliment to describe mental maturity and confidence.
2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances
「从容不迫」 contains the following nuances:
- Mental Ease: This idiom does not simply mean moving slowly; it emphasizes a sense of 'leisure' born from inner confidence and preparation, meaning there is no need to rush.
- Pressure Resistance: The term shows its true value in situations where people usually get nervous, such as emergencies, dangerous situations, or being in front of a large crowd.
3. Usage
「从容不迫」 is mainly used in the following contexts:
- Emergency Response: Used to praise someone who handles trouble or a crisis calmly without panicking.
- Example:「面对突如其来的火灾警报,他从容不迫地指挥大家撤离。」
(Despite the sudden fire alarm, he calmly and unhurriedly directed everyone's evacuation.)
- Example:「面对突如其来的火灾警报,他从容不迫地指挥大家撤离。」
- Speeches and Performances: Describes appearing dignified and composed while speaking or performing in front of a large audience without showing nerves.
- Example:「虽然是第一次登台演讲,但她表现得从容不迫,赢得了热烈的掌声。」
(Although it was her first time speaking on stage, she behaved with great composure and received warm applause.)
- Example:「虽然是第一次登台演讲,但她表现得从容不迫,赢得了热烈的掌声。」
- Lifestyle: Can describe an elegant, self-paced lifestyle that is not rushed by time.
- Example:「我很向往那种从容不迫的生活节奏,可以慢慢品味人生的美好。」
(I long for a leisurely pace of life where one can slowly savor the beauty of existence.)
- Example:「我很向往那种从容不迫的生活节奏,可以慢慢品味人生的美好。」
Additional Examples:
- 无论遇到多大的困难,他总是显得从容不迫。
(No matter how great the difficulties he encounters, he always appears calm and unhurried.) - 这位老将从容不迫地处理了关键球,帮助球队锁定了胜局。
(The veteran player handled the crucial ball with composure, helping the team secure the victory.) - 回答记者提问时,由于准备充分,他显得格外从容不迫。
(When answering the reporters' questions, he seemed exceptionally composed because he was well-prepared.) - 我们要学会从容不迫地面对生活中的挑战。
(We must learn to face life's challenges with calm and poise.)
4. Cultural Background and Notes
- The term 从容 (cóng róng) appears in the 'Autumn Floods' (秋水) chapter of the Zhuangzi (庄子), describing fish swimming leisurely. The modern four-character form including 不迫 (bù pò) became established in later literature.
- In Chinese culture, particularly under the influence of Confucianism and Taoism, losing one's cool and panicking is seen as a sign of immaturity. The ideal is to have an 'immovable mind,' often described by the phrase 'remaining unfazed even if Mount Tai (泰山) collapses in front of you.' 从容不迫 (cóng róng bù pò) embodies this ideal adult attitude.
- While the idiom 慢条斯理 (màn tiáo sī lǐ) also describes slow actions, it can sometimes carry a negative nuance of being 'sluggish' or 'unnecessarily slow.' In contrast, 从容不迫 (cóng róng bù pò) is always used as a positive attribute.
5. Similar and Opposite Idioms
- Similar Idioms:
- 镇定自若 (zhèn dìng zì ruò): Remaining calm and collected as usual, even during an emergency.
- 处变不惊 (chǔ biàn bù jīng): Remaining unfazed and level-headed even when faced with sudden, drastic changes.
- 胸有成竹 (xiōng yǒu chéng zhú): To be confident and have a well-thought-out plan before taking action.link
- 怡然自得 (yí rán zì dé): To be content and pleased with oneself.link
- Opposite Idioms:
- 惊慌失措 (jīng huāng shī cuò): To be so frightened and panicked that one does not know what to do.link
- 手忙脚乱 (shǒu máng jiǎo luàn): To be in a frantic rush or a state of confused haste; literally 'busy hands and messy feet.'
- 迫不及待 (pò bù jí dài): Unable to wait any longer due to eagerness or urgency.link
6. Summary
从容不迫 (cóng róng bù pò) is a positive idiom used to describe someone who remains calm, confident, and unhurried regardless of the circumstances. Whether dealing with an emergency, giving a grand speech, or maintaining an elegant lifestyle, it emphasizes an inner sense of ease and poise rather than just slow movement.
