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B2 noun 9 Min. Lesezeit

心如止水

xinruzhishui

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At the A1 level, '心如止水' (xīn rú zhǐ shuǐ) is quite advanced, but we can understand the basic idea. Think of it as a very special way to say 'I am very, very calm.' In Chinese, '心' means 'heart' or 'mind,' and '水' means 'water.' When water is not moving, it is '止水' (still water). So, this phrase says your heart is like still water. It doesn't move. It is not angry, not sad, and not scared. A1 students don't need to use this in daily talking, but you can remember that Chinese people love to compare feelings to nature, like water. If you feel very peaceful, you are like a quiet lake. It is a beautiful way to describe being happy and quiet inside.

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For A2 learners, you can start to see how '心如止水' is built. It uses the 'A如B' structure, which means 'A is like B.' You might already know '如' (rú) from '比如' (for example). Here, the heart (心) is compared to still water (止水). At this level, you can use it to describe someone who is very calm during a test or a game. Instead of just saying '他不紧张' (He is not nervous), you can say '他心如止水.' This makes your Chinese sound much more like a native speaker. It is usually used for positive situations where someone is in control of their emotions. It’s a good word to learn if you like reading stories about wise people or heroes who are never afraid.

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At the B1 level, you should understand that '心如止水' is a 'Chengyu' (a four-character idiom). These are very important in Chinese culture. This idiom describes a state of mind that is completely undisturbed by the outside world. It’s often used in the context of personal growth. For example, after someone has lived a long time and seen many things, they might become '心如止水.' They don't get excited about money or fame anymore. You can use this in your writing to describe characters who are mature or stoic. It’s also useful when talking about hobbies like meditation, yoga, or painting, where you need to be very focused and calm. Remember, it's not just 'quiet'; it's 'undisturbed.'

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As a B2 learner, you should be able to use '心如止水' correctly in formal essays and discussions. You need to distinguish it from its negative counterpart, '心如死灰' (heart like dead ashes). While both describe a lack of emotion, '心如止水' is a state of high-level emotional regulation and peace, while '心如死灰' describes depression and loss of hope. You can use '心如止水' to describe a professional's demeanor under pressure or a person's spiritual state after a long journey of self-discovery. It often functions as a predicate in a sentence (e.g., 面对诱惑，他依然心如止水). It highlights a person's inner strength and clarity of thought, making it a powerful tool for character analysis and descriptive writing.

At the C1 level, you should appreciate the philosophical and literary depth of '心如止水.' It originates from Taoist philosophy, specifically the idea that a calm mind can reflect the 'Tao' (the way of the universe) just as still water reflects the moon. You should be able to discuss the nuance between this and other similar idioms like '泰然自若' (external composure) or '处之泰然' (handling things calmly). In C1 writing, you might use this idiom to critique modern society's noise and the difficulty of maintaining inner peace. You should also be comfortable using it in its adverbial form or within complex sentence structures that involve contrast (e.g., 尽管周遭人声鼎沸，他却能守住内心的一份清宁，真正做到心如止水). It reflects a sophisticated grasp of Chinese cultural values regarding emotional restraint.

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For C2 speakers, '心如止水' is more than just a vocabulary word; it's a cultural concept. You should be able to analyze its usage in classical literature and modern intellectual discourse. At this level, you understand that the 'stillness' in the idiom is not a static state but a dynamic equilibrium—a 'moving stillness' where the mind is fully responsive but never reactive. You can use it to discuss complex psychological states, the aesthetics of traditional Chinese art, or the ethics of leadership. You might also explore how the meaning has evolved or stayed the same in contemporary digital life. In your own speech, using '心如止水' should feel natural and appropriately timed, showing a deep integration of Chinese idiomatic logic and philosophical outlook into your communication.

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心如止水 in 30 Sekunden

An idiom for profound mental calmness.
Compares the heart/mind to still water.
Implies emotional mastery and detachment.
Used in formal, literary, or spiritual contexts.

The idiom 心如止水 (xīn rú zhǐ shuǐ) is a profound Chinese Chengyu that literally translates to 'one's heart/mind is like still water.' In Chinese culture, water is often used as a metaphor for the human psyche. When water is turbulent, it is murky and reflects nothing clearly; however, when water is perfectly still, it becomes a mirror, reflecting the world with absolute clarity and precision. This phrase describes a state of extreme mental tranquility, where a person is no longer disturbed by external temptations, emotional upheavals, or the chaotic fluctuations of the material world. It represents a pinnacle of emotional intelligence and spiritual maturity, often associated with Taoist and Buddhist philosophies of detachment and inner peace.

Literal Meaning: Heart (心) like (如) stopped/still (止) water (水).
Emotional Resonance: It conveys a sense of serene power—not a lack of feeling, but a mastery over feelings.

You will encounter this phrase most frequently in contexts involving personal growth, recovery from emotional trauma, or the pursuit of professional excellence under pressure. For instance, a veteran athlete entering a high-stakes competition might describe their state of mind as 心如止水 to indicate they are focused and immune to the pressure of the crowd. Similarly, someone who has moved on from a difficult romantic relationship might use it to show they no longer feel the sting of past heartbreak. It is a positive, aspirational state of being that suggests wisdom and self-control.

面对外界的纷纷扰扰，他依然能做到心如止水，专注于自己的研究。(Facing the distractions of the outside world, he can still keep his mind as still as water, focusing on his own research.)

It is important to distinguish this from apathy. While an apathetic person doesn't care because they lack interest, someone who is 心如止水 has consciously reached a state where their internal peace is prioritized over external noise. They are fully aware, yet utterly unshakeable. This nuance is vital for B2 learners to grasp: it is a state of active stillness, not passive indifference. In modern Chinese society, it is often praised as a quality of great leaders and thinkers who must make objective decisions without being swayed by personal bias or temporary passion.

Common Usage: Often follows verbs like '做到' (to achieve), '保持' (to maintain), or '处于' (to be in a state of).

经过多年的修行，老教授的心境早已心如止水。(After years of self-cultivation, the old professor's state of mind has long been as still as water.)

Grammatically, 心如止水 functions most often as a predicate, describing the subject's mental or emotional state. Because it is a four-character idiom (Chengyu), it carries a certain level of formality and literary elegance. You wouldn't typically use it to describe a minor moment of relaxation, such as taking a nap; rather, it is reserved for moments of significant internal stability or a long-term character trait. It can also act as an adverbial phrase when followed by '地' (de), though this is less common than its use as a descriptive predicate.

As a Predicate: Subject + (已经/依然/能够) + 心如止水. Example: 他现在心如止水。(He is now as calm as still water.)
As an Attributive: 心如止水 + 的 + Noun. Example: 心如止水的境界 (A state of mind as still as water.)

When constructing sentences, consider the contrast between the external environment and the internal state. The power of this idiom is amplified when the surroundings are chaotic. For example, if you are writing about a surgeon performing a complex operation while alarms are sounding, using 心如止水 highlights their professional focus. It is also frequently used in the context of aging and wisdom, where the 'storms of youth' have passed, leaving behind a seasoned, peaceful perspective.

即便在最激烈的争论中，她也能保持心如止水。(Even in the most heated arguments, she can maintain a mind as still as water.)

Another common pattern involves the use of '面对' (facing) or '对于' (regarding). This allows the speaker to specify exactly what the person is remaining calm about. For instance, '面对名利，他心如止水' (Facing fame and fortune, he remains as still as water) suggests that he is not tempted by worldly success. This usage is very common in biographical writing or character descriptions in literature. It paints a picture of a person with strong principles and a clear sense of self.

在那次失败之后，他的内心反而变得心如止水。(After that failure, his inner heart instead became as still as water.)

While 心如止水 originated in classical texts, it remains surprisingly vibrant in modern Chinese life. You will hear it in various settings, ranging from high-brow literature to casual conversations about emotional well-being. In the world of Chinese martial arts films (Wuxia) and period dramas, masters often use this phrase to instruct their disciples. They emphasize that physical skill is useless without a 'mind like still water,' as emotional turbulence leads to mistakes in combat. This cultural trope has made the phrase a staple of Chinese pop culture's portrayal of wisdom and power.

In Modern Media: Used in self-help podcasts, meditation apps, and psychology blogs to describe mindfulness.
In Professional Life: CEOs and high-level managers use it when discussing crisis management and decision-making.

In daily life, you might hear a friend use it after a period of personal upheaval. If someone has recently gone through a stressful divorce or a difficult career change, they might say, '我现在只想心如止水地生活' (Now I just want to live a life as still as water). Here, it expresses a desire for stability and a break from drama. It is also a popular theme in Chinese calligraphy and tea culture. A tea master might explain that the goal of the tea ceremony is to bring both the host and the guest to a state of 心如止水, where the simple act of drinking tea clears the mind of distractions.

在这宁静的午后，品一壶好茶，顿觉心如止水。(In this quiet afternoon, sipping a pot of good tea, I suddenly feel my mind is as still as water.)

Furthermore, in the competitive world of Chinese education, teachers often encourage students to be 心如止水 before the Gaokao (National College Entrance Exam). The advice is to treat the exam as just another day, maintaining an undisturbed mind to ensure peak performance. Thus, the phrase bridges the gap between ancient philosophy and the high-pressure reality of modern life, serving as a linguistic tool for emotional regulation and mental focus across all generations.

考场上，他表现得心如止水，完全不受干扰。(In the examination room, he appeared as still as water, completely undisturbed.)

The most significant mistake learners make with 心如止水 is confusing it with phrases that sound similar but have negative connotations. The most common mix-up is with 心如死灰 (xīn rú sǐ huī), which literally means 'heart like dead ashes.' While both describe a lack of emotional fluctuation, '心如止水' is positive and implies peace, clarity, and control, whereas '心如死灰' is negative and implies despair, hopelessness, and the complete death of one's spirit or ambition. Using 'dead ashes' when you mean 'still water' can significantly change the tone of your sentence from 'I am at peace' to 'I have given up on life.'

Mistake: Confusing Positive and Negative Stillness: Don't use it to describe someone who is depressed or has lost interest in life. That is '心如死灰' or '万念俱灰'.

Another mistake involves the grammatical placement of the phrase. Some learners treat it like a simple adjective and try to put it after '很' (hěn - very) or '非常' (fēicháng - extremely). While '他非常心如止水' is technically understandable, it is stylistically weak. Chengyu are self-contained units of meaning. It is much more natural to say '他做到了心如止水' (He achieved a state of still water) or simply '他心如止水'. Adding degree modifiers to an absolute state expressed by an idiom often feels redundant to native speakers.

Incorrect: 他感觉很心如止水。 Correct: 他感到内心平静，心如止水。

Finally, avoid using 心如止水 for trivial matters. If you are just 'not bothered' by what to eat for lunch, this idiom is too heavy. It carries a weight of spiritual or emotional significance. Using it for low-stakes situations can come across as hyperbolic or unintentionally humorous. Reserve it for life's bigger challenges, philosophical reflections, or moments of intense professional focus. Understanding the 'register' or 'weight' of an idiom is a key step in moving from B2 to C1 proficiency.

Mistake: Overusing in Casual Contexts: Avoid saying you are '心如止水' about a movie choice or a minor annoyance. Use '不在乎' (don't care) or '没关系' (doesn't matter) instead.

To truly master 心如止水, it is helpful to understand its 'neighbors' in the Chinese lexicon. There are several phrases that deal with calmness, but each has a specific nuance. 平心静气 (píng xīn jìng qì) is a common alternative. While 心如止水 describes a deep, almost meditative state of being, 平心静气 is more practical, often used to describe the act of calming down during a conflict or before a difficult conversation. It's like the difference between 'Zen' and 'keeping a cool head.'

心如止水 vs. 平心静气: 心如止水 is a state of being (philosophical); 平心静气 is an action of calming down (practical).
心如止水 vs. 泰然自若: 泰然自若 (tài rán zì ruò) emphasizes appearing composed and unruffled on the outside, whereas 心如止水 focuses on the internal feeling.

Another related phrase is 淡泊名利 (dàn bó míng lì). This specifically refers to being indifferent to fame and wealth. While someone who is 心如止水 is likely also 淡泊名利, the latter is more about one's values and lifestyle choices, whereas the former is about one's immediate emotional state. If you want to describe someone who is completely undisturbed by a sudden crisis, 不动声色 (bù dòng shēng sè) might be appropriate—this means not showing any emotion on one's face, though it doesn't necessarily mean they are calm inside.

相比于他的心如止水，我只能做到表面上的泰然自若。(Compared to his mind being as still as water, I can only achieve an outward appearance of composure.)

For more casual settings, you can simply use 淡定 (dàndìng). This is a very popular modern term that means 'calm' or 'unfazed.' While 心如止水 sounds poetic and literary, 淡定 is what you would use with friends. If a friend handles a stressful situation well, you might say, '你真淡定!' (You're so calm!). Choosing between these depends entirely on the context and the level of formality you wish to convey. In an essay or a formal speech, 心如止水 is much more impressive and precise.

Comparison Table: 1. 心如止水: Internal, profound, positive. 2. 心如死灰: Internal, profound, negative. 3. 淡定: External/Internal, casual, modern. 4. 平心静气: Action-oriented, situational.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

Zhuangzi argued that people don't look at running water to see their reflection, but at still water. Therefore, only someone who is 'still' inside can help others find their own 'stillness.'

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ɕin⁵⁵ ʐu³⁵ tʂɨ³¹ ʂu̯ei²¹⁴/

US /ɕin⁵⁵ ʐu³⁵ tʂɨ³¹ ʂu̯ei²¹⁴/

The primary stress is often on the first and last syllables: XĪN and SHUǏ.

Reimt sich auf

美 (měi) 轨 (guǐ) 悔 (huǐ) 嘴 (zuǐ) 腿 (tuǐ) 鬼 (guǐ) 北 (běi - slant rhyme) 给 (gěi - slant rhyme)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'ru' like the English 'rue' (it should be more like 'zh' but voiced).
Failing to distinguish the 3rd tones on 'zhi' and 'shui'.
Pronouncing 'xin' as 'sin' (it's a softer palatal sound).
Using the wrong 'zhi' (止 - stop) in writing.
Incorrectly stressing the middle syllables.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Easy to recognize once the four characters are known.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires remembering the specific 'zhi' (止) and 'ru' (如).

Sprechen 4/5

Tones can be tricky with two 3rd tones at the end.

Hören 3/5

Common enough that it's easy to spot in dramas.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

心 (heart) 如 (like) 停止 (stop) 水 (water) 平静 (calm)

Als Nächstes lernen

泰然自若 (composed) 处之泰然 (handle calmly) 淡泊名利 (indifferent to fame) 宁静致远 (tranquility leads far) 心猿意马 (restless mind - antonym)

Fortgeschritten

庄子 (Zhuangzi) 禅宗 (Zen Buddhism) 修身养性 (self-cultivation) 虚静 (emptiness and quiet)

Wichtige Grammatik

A如B (A is like B)

心如止水，胆小如鼠。

Four-character idioms as predicates

他心如止水。

Adverbial construction with 地

他心如止水地坐着。

Attributive construction with 的

心如止水的心态。

Negative '不' with idioms

他无法做到心如止水。

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Beispiele nach Niveau

我不生气，我心如止水。

I am not angry, my heart is like still water.

Simple Subject + Idiom structure.

他很安静，心如止水。

He is very quiet, mind like still water.

Using the idiom as a descriptive phrase.

心如止水的时候，我很开心。

When my mind is like still water, I am happy.

Using '...的时候' to set the time.

老师说，我们要心如止水。

The teacher says we should have a mind like still water.

Using '要' (should/must) before the idiom.

喝茶让我心如止水。

Drinking tea makes my mind like still water.

Subject + 让 (make) + Object + Idiom.

因为他心如止水，所以他不怕。

Because his mind is like still water, he is not afraid.

Because... therefore... structure.

心如止水是一种美。

A mind like still water is a kind of beauty.

Using the idiom as a noun phrase.

妈妈心如止水地看着我。

Mom looked at me with a mind like still water.

Adverbial use with '地'.

面对大考，他依然心如止水。

Facing the big exam, he was still as calm as still water.

Using '面对' (facing) to provide context.

你能不能做到心如止水？

Can you achieve a state of mind like still water?

Using '做到' (to achieve/do).

山上的空气让他心如止水。

The air on the mountain made him as calm as still water.

Environmental cause of the state.

他心如止水，不被别人影响。

He is as calm as still water, not influenced by others.

Passive structure '被' used in the second clause.

虽然外面很乱，但我心如止水。

Although it's chaotic outside, I am as calm as still water.

Although... but... structure.

只有心如止水，才能写好汉字。

Only with a mind like still water can you write characters well.

Only... then... structure (只有...才...).

他的心境已经达到了心如止水的境界。

His state of mind has reached the level of still water.

Using '境界' (realm/state).

老爷爷心如止水地坐在树下。

The old grandfather sat under the tree with a mind like still water.

Describing a person's manner.

在这一刻，他感觉自己心如止水，无欲无求。

At this moment, he felt his mind was as still as water, with no desires.

Using '无欲无求' (no desires) to complement the idiom.

我们要学会心如止水，不为琐事烦恼。

We need to learn to be as still as water, not worrying about trivial matters.

Using '学会' (learn to) and '为...烦恼' (worry about...).

这位运动员在决赛中表现得心如止水。

This athlete performed with a mind as still as water in the finals.

Using '表现得' (performed/behaved in a way that...).

经过几年的修行，他终于做到了心如止水。

After years of practice, he finally achieved a mind like still water.

Using '终于' (finally) to show progression.

面对金钱的诱惑，他依然保持着心如止水的态度。

Facing the temptation of money, he still maintained an attitude as still as water.

Using '保持' (maintain) and '态度' (attitude).

心如止水不仅是一种修养，更是一种智慧。

A mind like still water is not just a form of self-cultivation, but also a kind of wisdom.

Not only... but also... (不仅...更...).

只有当你心如止水时，你才能看清真相。

Only when your mind is as still as water can you see the truth clearly.

Conditional structure.

他那心如止水的性格让他避开了许多麻烦。

His calm-as-water personality allowed him to avoid many troubles.

Using the idiom as an attributive for '性格' (personality).

在商界的尔虞我诈中，他始终保持着心如止水的淡定。

In the cutthroat world of business, he always maintained a calm as still as water.

Using '尔虞我诈' (deception) for contrast.

这种心如止水的状态，正是他多年冥想的结果。

This state of being as still as water is exactly the result of his years of meditation.

Using '正是...的结果' (is exactly the result of...).

对于过去的失败，他已经心如止水，不再介怀。

Regarding past failures, he is already as still as water and no longer cares.

Using '对于' (regarding) and '不再介怀' (no longer minding).

他以心如止水的心态去应对生活中的各种变故。

He deals with various life changes with a mindset as still as water.

Using '以...的心态' (with a mindset of...).

医生在手术台上必须做到心如止水，不能有半点慌乱。

A doctor must be as still as water on the operating table; there can't be even a hint of panic.

Using '必须' (must) and '不能有' (cannot have).

这种心如止水的宁静，是他在喧嚣城市中唯一的慰藉。

This still-as-water tranquility is his only consolation in the noisy city.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

即便听到了那个坏消息，他依然心如止水，冷静分析局势。

Even after hearing the bad news, he was still as still as water, calmly analyzing the situation.

Using '即便' (even if) and '冷静分析' (calmly analyze).

由于他心如止水，那些流言蜚语对他毫无伤害。

Because he is as still as water, those rumors and slanders have no effect on him.

Using '由于' (because) and '毫无伤害' (no harm at all).

这种心如止水的阔大胸襟，非一般人所能企及。

This broad mind, as still as water, is not something ordinary people can reach.

Using '非...所能企及' (not something that can be reached by...).

他在处理危机时那份心如止水的沉稳，令所有同事佩服。

His composure, as still as water while handling the crisis, made all his colleagues admire him.

Using '令...佩服' (make... admire).

真正的强者，往往在狂风暴雨中也能守住一份心如止水。

The truly strong often can keep a sense of 'still water' even in a storm.

Metaphorical use of '狂风暴雨' (storm).

这篇文章通过描写水，巧妙地隐喻了作者心如止水的内心世界。

This article, through describing water, skillfully metaphors the author's inner world as still as water.

Literary analysis vocabulary.

他追求的是一种心如止水、与世无争的生活方式。

What he pursues is a lifestyle that is as still as water and at peace with the world.

Using '与世无争' (aloof from the world) as a parallel.

在名利的十字路口，他心如止水，选择了回归自然。

At the crossroads of fame and fortune, he was as still as water and chose to return to nature.

Using '十字路口' (crossroads) metaphorically.

这种心如止水的定力，是他多年苦修得来的。

This power of concentration, as still as water, was gained from his years of hard practice.

Using '定力' (power of concentration).

他看淡了生死，内心早已心如止水。

He has looked past life and death; his inner heart has long been as still as water.

Using '看淡' (to care little about).

老子所倡导的‘致虚极，守静笃’，正是为了达到心如止水的至高境界。

Laozi's advocacy of 'reaching the limit of emptiness and maintaining quietude' is precisely to reach the supreme state of a mind as still as water.

Referencing classical Chinese philosophy.

即便置身于权力斗争的漩涡中心，他依然能保持那份心如止水的超脱。

Even if placed in the center of a vortex of power struggles, he can still maintain that detached stillness of water.

Using '漩涡中心' (center of a vortex) and '超脱' (detachment).

这种心如止水并非麻木不仁，而是一种极度敏锐后的深层沉淀。

This stillness of water is not numbness, but a deep sedimentation after extreme sensitivity.

Using '并非...而是...' (is not... but rather...).

他在艺术创作时进入了心如止水的状态，笔下的线条流畅而富有神韵。

He entered a state of 'still water' during artistic creation; the lines under his pen were fluid and full of spirit.

Describing the 'flow' state in art.

所谓心如止水，不仅是情绪的稳定，更是人格的一种高度升华。

The so-called 'mind like still water' is not just emotional stability, but a high-level sublimation of personality.

Using '所谓' (so-called) to define a concept.

他那心如止水的目光，仿佛能洞穿世间的一切虚伪。

His gaze, as still as water, seems able to pierce through all the hypocrisy in the world.

Using '洞穿' (to pierce through/see through).

在那个动荡的年代，他隐居山林，守着一份心如止水的安宁。

In that turbulent era, he lived in seclusion in the mountains, guarding a peace as still as water.

Historical/Narrative context.

若无心如止水的涵养，又何以在波诡云谲的政坛立足？

Without the cultivation of a mind as still as water, how can one stand firm in the treacherous political arena?

Rhetorical question '何以...' (how can...).

Häufige Kollokationen

保持心如止水

做到心如止水

心如止水的境界

心如止水的心态

依然心如止水

内心心如止水

达到心如止水

心如止水地生活

令其心如止水

追求心如止水

Häufige Phrasen

心如止水，波澜不惊

— A common poetic pairing meaning the mind is still and there are no ripples of emotion.

他现在的心境是心如止水，波澜不惊。

心如止水，宠辱不惊

— Mind like still water, unmoved by either favor or humiliation.

做一个心如止水，宠辱不惊的人。

心如止水，万念俱寂

— Mind like still water, all distracting thoughts are silent.

在深山中，他感到了心如止水，万念俱寂。

淡泊名利，心如止水

— Indifferent to fame and fortune, with a mind like still water.

他晚年过着淡泊名利，心如止水的生活。

心如止水，明镜高悬

— Mind like still water, like a clear mirror hung high (seeing everything clearly).

法官应该心如止水，明镜高悬。

心如止水，随遇而安

— Mind like still water, feeling at home wherever one goes.

他心如止水，随遇而安，从不抱怨。

心如止水，清静无为

— Mind like still water, following the Taoist principle of non-action.

道家讲究心如止水，清静无为。

心如止水，处变不惊

— Mind like still water, staying calm during changes/crises.

优秀的将领必须心如止水，处变不惊。

心如止水，大智若愚

— Mind like still water, great wisdom appearing as stupidity.

他心如止水，大智若愚，深藏不露。

心如止水，虚怀若谷

— Mind like still water, with a mind as open as a valley.

他待人接物心如止水，虚怀若谷。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

心如止水 vs 心如死灰

Positive (still water) vs Negative (dead ashes/despair).

心如止水 vs 心乱如麻

Direct antonym: heart like tangled hemp (very confused).

心如止水 vs 水平如镜

Refers to actual water being flat like a mirror, not the mind.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"心如止水"

— A mind as still as water; calm and undisturbed.

他修行多年，已达心如止水之境。

Literary/Formal

"心如死灰"

— Heart like dead ashes; complete despair (Contrast).

生意失败后，他心如死灰。

Literary/Formal

"波澜不惊"

— No waves or ripples; very calm and steady.

他的生活波澜不惊。

Literary

"泰然自若"

— Composed and unruffled.

面对危险，他泰然自若。

Formal

"不动声色"

— Maintaining a poker face; not showing emotion.

他不动声色地观察着一切。

Formal

"平心静气"

— Calmly and patiently.

我们平心静气地谈谈吧。

Neutral

"心平气和"

— Even-tempered and good-humored.

他心平气和地解释了原因。

Neutral

"淡泊名利"

— Not seeking fame or wealth.

他一生淡泊名利。

Formal

"宠辱不惊"

— Unmoved by favor or humiliation.

他为人处世宠辱不惊。

Literary

"稳如泰山"

— As steady as Mount Tai.

他的地位稳如泰山。

Formal

Leicht verwechselbar

心如止水 vs 平静

Both mean calm.

平静 is a general adjective; 心如止水 is a profound, idiomatic state.

湖面很平静。/ 他心如止水。

心如止水 vs 冷静

Both mean calm.

冷静 is more about being rational/cool-headed; 心如止水 is about inner peace.

请冷静一点。/ 面对生死，他心如止水。

心如止水 vs 淡定

Both mean unfazed.

淡定 is modern and casual; 心如止水 is classical and formal.

你真淡定。/ 老僧心如止水。

心如止水 vs 麻木

Both imply no feeling.

麻木 is negative (numb/unfeeling); 心如止水 is positive (peaceful/controlled).

他已经麻木了。/ 他心如止水。

心如止水 vs 安宁

Both mean peaceful.

安宁 often refers to an environment or a peaceful life; 心如止水 is a specific mental state.

这里很安宁。/ 我内心心如止水。

Satzmuster

虽然...但...心如止水

虽然很吵，但我心如止水。

学会...做到心如止水

我们要学会做到心如止水。

面对...依然心如止水

面对诱惑，他依然心如止水。

保持...心如止水的心态

他保持着心如止水的心态。

那份...心如止水的沉稳

他那份心如止水的沉稳令人惊讶。

不仅...更是心如止水

这不仅是冷静，更是心如止水。

若无...何以心如止水

若无修行，何以心如止水？

置身于...依然心如止水

置身于乱世，他依然心如止水。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

心境 (state of mind)

止水 (still water)

定力 (composure)

Verben

修身 (self-cultivation)

静心 (to calm the mind)

克制 (to restrain)

Adjektive

平静 (calm)

淡定 (composed)

超脱 (detached)

Verwandt

道教 (Taoism)

佛教 (Buddhism)

冥想 (meditation)

修养 (self-cultivation)

境界 (realm)

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in written Chinese and formal speech; occasionally used in daily life for emphasis.

Häufige Fehler

Using '心如死灰' instead of '心如止水'. → 心如止水
One is peaceful (water), the other is hopeless (ashes).
Adding '很' (very) before the idiom. → 他心如止水。
Idioms usually don't take degree modifiers like '很'.
Using it to describe a quiet place. → 这里很宁静。
This idiom only describes a person's inner state.
Writing '只' instead of '止'. → 止水
止 means 'to stop' or 'still'; 只 means 'only'. They sound the same but are different.
Using it for minor things like lunch choices. → 我无所谓。
The idiom is too formal and heavy for trivial matters.

Tipps

Idiom as Predicate

Remember that you don't need 'is' (是) before it. You can just say '他心如止水'.

The Water Metaphor

In China, water is the ultimate symbol of flexibility and strength. Still water is the peak of that strength.

Pairing Idioms

Try pairing it with '宠辱不惊' in essays to describe a high-level character.

Tone Mastery

Practice the transition from the rising 'rú' to the dipping 'zhǐ' for a natural flow.

Wuxia Context

When watching kung fu movies, listen for this when masters are teaching their students.

Antonym Practice

Learn '心烦意乱' alongside this to have words for both ends of the emotional spectrum.

Context Clues

If you see '冥想' (meditation) or '打坐' (sitting in meditation), look for this idiom nearby.

Modern Use

Think of it as the Chinese equivalent of 'mindfulness' in modern psychological contexts.

Artistic Theme

This is a very common phrase for calligraphy scrolls; seeing it in that form can help you memorize the characters.

Avoid 'Dead Ashes'

Always double-check you aren't saying '心如死灰' unless you mean someone has given up entirely.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a cup of water. If you shake it, it's messy. If you stop (止) shaking it, the water (水) becomes clear. Your heart (心) should be like (如) that stopped water.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a mountain reflected perfectly in a lake. If there's even one ripple, the mountain looks broken. To see clearly, the water must be '止水'.

Word Web

心 (Heart) 如 (Like) 止 (Still) 水 (Water) 静 (Quiet) 平 (Level) 定 (Fixed) 清 (Clear)

Herausforderung

Try to write a diary entry about a stressful day, but describe how you managed to reach a state of '心如止水' by the end of it.

Wortherkunft

The phrase originates from the classical Taoist text 'Zhuangzi' (庄子), specifically the chapter 'De Chong Fu' (德充符). Zhuangzi used the metaphor of still water to describe the ideal state of the human mind.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: In its original context, it referred to the 'stopped water' which, because it is not flowing, can act as a perfect mirror for all things in the universe.

Sino-Tibetan -> Sinitic -> Mandarin Chinese.

Kultureller Kontext

It is a very respectful and positive term; there are no major sensitivities, but avoid using it to describe someone who has just suffered a loss and is grieving, as it might sound like you are calling them cold.

The closest English equivalent might be 'cool as a cucumber' or 'Zen-like calm,' but '心如止水' has a much more poetic and philosophical weight.

The 'Zhuangzi' (classical text) Calligraphy by various Emperors Lyrics in songs by Jay Chou or Faye Wong

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Meditation/Yoga

呼吸平稳
放空大脑
达到心如止水
寻找内心平静

Exams/Competitions

稳定发挥
不要紧张
保持心如止水
专注于当下

Post-Breakup

彻底放下
不再想他
心如止水
开始新生活

Crisis Management

冷静应对
不慌不忙
心如止水
分析局势

Old Age/Wisdom

看透人生
不再计较
心如止水
安享晚年

Gesprächseinstiege

"你在压力很大的时候，如何保持心如止水？"

"你认为达到心如止水的境界需要多长时间？"

"你觉得哪种爱好最能让人感到心如止水？"

"当别人对你无礼时，你能做到心如止水吗？"

"心如止水的生活会不会让你觉得有点无聊？"

Tagebuch-Impulse

描写一次你感到心如止水的经历。当时发生了什么？你的感觉如何？

你认为‘心如止水’和‘心如死灰’之间最大的区别是什么？请结合实例说明。

在现代社会中，保持心如止水是否比古代更难？为什么？

如果你的心是一潭水，现在的它是波涛汹涌还是心如止水？请详细描述。

写一段话，劝说一个非常焦虑的朋友尝试达到心如止水的状态。

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, in almost all contexts, it describes a desirable state of peace and self-control. It is a compliment to someone's character.

No, it specifically describes a person's heart or mind (心). For a room, use '安静' or '宁静'.

It comes from the Taoist philosopher Zhuangzi, who used still water as a metaphor for a mind that can reflect the truth.

Xīn (1st), rú (2nd), zhǐ (3rd), shuǐ (3rd). Remember the 3rd tone sandhi rules!

Yes, it's very appropriate when discussing professional focus or staying calm during a crisis.

Yes, people often use it to say they are no longer emotionally affected by an ex-partner.

Yes, while it's an old idiom, it's frequently used in books, movies, and formal conversations.

'淡定' is like 'chill' or 'cool,' while '心如止水' is like 'serene' or 'Zen-like'.

Native speakers usually don't. It's better to say '感到心如止水' or '做到了心如止水'.

Yes, '心乱如麻' (heart like tangled hemp) is a common opposite.

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