晴空万里

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: qíng kōng wàn lǐ
• English Translation: A clear sky for ten thousand miles (cloudless sky)
• Idiom Composition: 「晴」（Clear or sunny; the absence of rain or clouds.）＋「空」（The sky or atmosphere.）＋「万」（Ten thousand; used here to represent an immense or infinite number.）＋「里」（A Chinese unit of distance (li); combined with 'ten thousand,' it emphasizes vastness.）
• Meaning: A description of a vast, cloudless blue sky that stretches as far as the eye can see. It signifies perfect weather and a bright, open atmosphere.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「晴空万里」 contains the following nuances:

• Emphasis on Vastness: Because it includes the phrase 万里 (wàn lǐ), meaning 'ten thousand miles,' the idiom emphasizes not just the lack of clouds, but the immense scale of a sky that seems to go on forever.
• Metaphorical Brightness: In addition to literal weather, it is often used to describe a person's cheerful state of mind or a future outlook that is bright and free of obstacles.

3. Usage

「晴空万里」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Describing the Weather: The most common way to express that one is blessed with wonderful weather during travel, events, or daily life.
  • Example:「那天正好是晴空万里，非常适合去海边拍照。」
    （That day was a perfectly clear, cloudless day, making it ideal for taking photos at the beach.）
• Describing Mood: Used metaphorically to describe a state of mind where worries and anxieties have vanished, leaving the heart feeling bright and clear.
  • Example:「听到这个好消息，他的心情顿时如同晴空万里。」
    （Upon hearing the good news, his mood instantly became as bright as a vast, clear sky.）
• Literary and Descriptive Writing: A slightly formal but beautiful expression frequently used in novels or essays to introduce a scene.
  • Example:「抬头望去，头顶是晴空万里，脚下是碧波荡漾。」
    （Looking up, the sky above was clear for ten thousand miles, while the blue waves rippled beneath my feet.）

Additional Examples:

1. 虽然预报有雨，但实际上却是晴空万里。
   （Although rain was forecast, it turned out to be a cloudless, sunny day.）
2. 飞机穿过云层后，眼前便是一片晴空万里。
   （Once the plane broke through the cloud layer, a vast expanse of clear blue sky appeared before our eyes.）
3. 希望你的未来像今天的蓝天一样，晴空万里。
   （I hope your future is as bright and cloudless as today's sky.）
4. 在这晴空万里的日子里，我们举行了毕业典礼。
   （We held our graduation ceremony on this beautifully clear and sunny day.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• In Chinese culture, a clear sky is a powerful symbol of positivity. Specifically, the phrase 万里 (wàn lǐ) suggests a path that is wide open and free of obstructions.
• It is a classic 'set phrase' often used in the opening of essays or speeches to set a positive tone by describing the weather, such as starting with 'Today, the sky is 晴空万里 (qíng kōng wàn lǐ)...'
• It is often contrasted with idioms like 乌云密布 (wū yún mì bù), which describes dark clouds gathering, to highlight the transition from trouble to peace or happiness.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 万里无云 (wàn lǐ wú yún): Literally 'no clouds for ten thousand miles.' It is almost identical in meaning to 晴空万里 (qíng kōng wàn lǐ) and is very commonly used.
  • 碧空如洗 (bì kōng rú xǐ): Describes a blue sky that is so clear it looks as if it has been freshly washed.
  • 风和日丽 (fēng hé rì lì): The wind is gentle and the sun is beautiful, describing pleasant weather.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 乌云密布 (wū yún mì bù): Dark clouds overspreading the sky; used to describe bad weather or as an omen of trouble.
  • 阴雨绵绵 (yīn yǔ mián mián): Describes continuous, gloomy, and drizzling rain.
  • 暴风骤雨 (bào fēng zhòu yǔ): A violent storm with strong winds and heavy rain.link

6. Summary

The idiom 晴空万里 (qíng kōng wàn lǐ) depicts a boundless, clear sky. Beyond describing the weather, it is frequently used as a metaphor for a cheerful mood or a promising, obstacle-free future. It is a highly positive expression used in both daily conversation and formal writing.