每天成语
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顺其自然

*The explanations on this page are generated by AI. Please note that they may contain inaccurate information.

1. Basic Information

  • Pinyin: shùn qí zì rán
  • English Translation: Let nature take its course
  • Idiom Composition: 「顺」（To follow, comply with, or not resist.）＋「其」（Its; referring to the matter or the natural state of things.）＋「自然」（Nature; the inherent laws or the natural course of events.）
  • Meaning: To allow things to develop according to their own laws or natural progression without artificial interference or forced effort. It is often used when letting go of anxiety or obsession to accept a situation as it unfolds.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「顺其自然」 contains the following nuances:

  • Non-interference: Refers to an attitude of watching a situation unfold rather than desperately trying to manipulate or control the outcome.
  • Trusting the Timing: Includes a sense of trust that things will resolve when the time is right, similar to the concept of 瓜熟蒂落 (guā shú dì luò) — 'when the melon is ripe, it falls from the vine.'
  • Mental Liberation: Often used as a piece of life advice to help someone find inner peace by letting go of stress and unnecessary attachments.

3. Usage

「顺其自然」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

  • Advice for worries: Used to advise someone who is anxious about a situation they cannot control, suggesting that rushing will not help.
    • Example:「有些事情急也没用，不如顺其自然，等待时机。」
      （Some things cannot be rushed; it is better to let nature take its course and wait for the right opportunity.）
  • Relationships: Used to express a stance of not forcing a relationship to progress, but letting it develop based on mutual feelings and fate.
    • Example:「关于感情的问题，我不想强求，一切顺其自然吧。」
      （Regarding matters of the heart, I don't want to force anything; I'll just let things happen naturally.）
  • Health and Recovery: Used when medical treatments have been exhausted and the rest depends on the body's natural healing or fate.
    • Example:「医生说手术很成功，接下来的恢复只能顺其自然了。」
      （The doctor said the surgery was a success; now the recovery must simply take its natural course.）

Additional Examples:

  1. 与其整天焦虑不安，不如放宽心态，顺其自然。
    （Instead of being anxious all day, it is better to relax your mind and let things be.）
  2. 孩子有自己的兴趣爱好，家长应该顺其自然，不要过多干涉。
    （Children have their own interests; parents should let them develop naturally and not interfere too much.）
  3. 我们尽力而为，结果如何就顺其自然吧。
    （We will do our best and let the chips fall where they may regarding the results.）
  4. 这种复杂的局面，人为干预反而可能更糟，不如顺其自然。
    （In such a complex situation, human intervention might make things worse; it is better to let things take their own course.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

  • Connection to Taoism (道教): This idiom is deeply rooted in the philosophy of Laozi (老子) and Zhuangzi (庄子), specifically the concept of 无为自然 (wú wéi zì rán), which means acting in harmony with the universe without artificial strain. In Chinese culture, following the flow is often viewed as a sign of wisdom rather than weakness.
  • Modern Usage: In contemporary society, it is frequently used as a stress-coping mechanism. It represents the 'wisdom of inner peace' rather than mere resignation or giving up.
  • Usage Warning: In professional or competitive environments, using 顺其自然 (shùn qí zì rán) as an excuse for a lack of effort can be perceived as being irresponsible or passive.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

6. Summary

顺其自然 (shùn qí zì rán) describes an attitude of letting things happen naturally rather than trying to force a specific outcome. Rooted in the Taoist (道教) philosophy of "non-action" or 无为 (wú wéi), it is used today as a positive way to manage stress and expectations. While it usually signifies a wise acceptance of reality, it can occasionally be used as an excuse for passivity if applied to situations that require proactive effort.

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