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A2 adjective #2,500 le plus courant 6 min de lecture

平静

píngjìng
At the A1 level, you should learn '平静' (píngjìng) as a simple way to describe water or a feeling of being 'not angry' or 'not excited'. Think of it as 'calm'. You can use it in very simple sentences like 'I am calm' (我很平静) or 'The water is calm' (水很平静). It is an adjective. You usually put '很' (hěn - very) before it. Don't worry about the deep philosophical meanings yet. Just remember: 平 means flat, and 静 means quiet. If something is flat and quiet, it is 平静. It is different from '安静' (ānjìng), which just means 'no noise'. If a room is quiet, say '安静'. If your heart feels peaceful, say '平静'. At this stage, just focus on the basic 'Subject + 很 + 平静' structure. It's a useful word for describing how you feel after a long day or when looking at a nice park.
At the A2 level, you can start using '平静' to describe environments and more complex emotional states. You should know that it can be used with the particle '的' (de) to describe nouns, such as '平静的湖' (a calm lake) or '平静的一天' (a peaceful day). You might also see it in the context of weather or nature after a storm. It's important to distinguish it from '安静'. While '安静' is about what you hear, '平静' is about the 'vibe' or the 'movement'. A person can be '平静' even if they are talking, as long as their voice is steady and they aren't upset. You can use it to describe a '平静的生活' (a peaceful life), which is a common goal for many people. Try to use it in sentences like '虽然他很忙，但他的心很平静' (Although he is busy, his heart is calm).
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '平静' in both spoken and written Chinese. You should start using it as an adverb with '地' (de), as in '平静地说话' (to speak calmly) or '平静地接受' (to accept calmly). This level requires understanding that '平静' is often used to describe a person's reaction to bad news or a difficult situation. It shows a level of emotional control. You should also recognize common collocations like '内心平静' (inner peace) and '恢复平静' (to return to calmness). For example, '经过一段时间，他的心情终于恢复了平静' (After a period of time, his mood finally returned to calm). You can also use it to describe social situations, like a '平静的局面' (a stable/calm situation). At B1, you are expected to understand the nuance that '平静' implies a lack of 'waves' (emotional or physical).
At the B2 level, you should understand the more abstract and literary uses of '平静'. It is often used to create atmosphere in writing. You should be able to distinguish '平静' from '冷静' (rational/cool-headed) and '宁静' (serene/tranquil). '平静' is often the neutral state, while '宁静' has a more positive, beautiful connotation. You will encounter '平静' in news reports about the economy or politics, describing a '平静的反应' (a calm reaction) from the public. You should also be able to use it in more complex sentence structures, such as '在看似平静的表面下，隐藏着巨大的危机' (Under the seemingly calm surface, a huge crisis is hidden). This shows you understand that '平静' can sometimes be deceptive. You should also be familiar with how it's used in modern psychology and wellness contexts in China.
At the C1 level, you should appreciate the philosophical depth of '平静'. It is a key concept in Chinese thought, related to the idea of '淡定' (dàndìng - calm and collected) and '上善若水' (the highest good is like water). You should be able to use '平静' to discuss complex emotional landscapes and societal trends. For instance, you might analyze a character in a novel who maintains '死水般的平静' (a calmness like stagnant water), implying a lack of vitality or hidden despair. You should be able to use it in formal essays to describe the '平静的过渡' (peaceful transition) of power or social changes. At this level, your usage should be precise, recognizing that '平静' can describe a voice, a face, a sea, a mind, or an era, each with subtle differences in meaning. You should also be able to use related idioms and four-character phrases effectively.
At the C2 level, you should have a native-like grasp of '平静', including its use in classical-style modern prose and high-level academic or diplomatic discourse. You can use it to describe the '平静' of a sage or the '平静' of the void. You should be able to discuss the etymology of the characters and how the concept of '静' (stillness) has evolved in Chinese literature from the 'Shijing' to contemporary works. You can use it to describe complex phenomena like the '平静的表象' (calm facade) of a complex system. Your mastery should allow you to use '平静' to convey subtle irony or deep emotional resonance. For example, describing the '平静' of a graveyard vs. the '平静' of a sleeping child. You should also be able to contrast '平静' with '寂静' (deathly still/silent) and '幽静' (secluded and quiet) in a way that shows a deep understanding of Chinese aesthetics.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

平静 en 30 secondes

  • 平静 (píngjìng) is a versatile Chinese adjective meaning 'calm' or 'peaceful', applicable to both physical environments and internal emotional states.
  • Unlike '安静' (quiet), it emphasizes the lack of waves or agitation rather than just the absence of sound or noise.
  • Commonly used in '很平静' (very calm) or '平静地' (calmly), it is a key word for describing nature and stoic human behavior.
  • It is highly valued in Chinese culture as a sign of maturity, wisdom, and spiritual balance in the face of life's challenges.

The term 平静 (píngjìng) is a cornerstone of Chinese emotional and environmental description. At its core, it represents a state of equilibrium where there is no disturbance, agitation, or noise. Unlike the English word 'quiet' which often just refers to the absence of sound, 平静 encompasses both the physical stillness of an environment and the psychological serenity of a person's mind. It is composed of two characters: 平 (píng) meaning flat, level, or equal, and 静 (jìng) meaning still, quiet, or motionless. Together, they evoke the image of a lake with no ripples—a surface so level and still that it reflects the world perfectly.

Environmental Aspect
Used to describe nature, such as a '平静的湖面' (calm lake surface) or a '平静的夜晚' (peaceful night). It implies a lack of wind, waves, or chaotic activity.
Emotional Aspect
Describes a person's internal state. When someone is '心情平静' (in a calm mood), they are free from intense emotions like anger, fear, or excitement. It is a highly valued state in Chinese philosophy, particularly in Taoism and Buddhism.
Social/Political Aspect
Can describe a situation or a period of time that is free from conflict or upheaval, such as '平静的生活' (a peaceful life).

“暴风雨过后，大海恢复了平静。”

— After the storm, the sea returned to calmness.

“他的语气非常平静，好像什么都没发生过。”

— His tone was very calm, as if nothing had happened.

To truly understand 平静, one must look at the character 静. It contains the radical 青 (blue/green), which often represents the color of nature, and 争 (to struggle/compete). Etymologically, it suggests the cessation of struggle, leading to the clarity of nature. This word is not just a description; it is an aspiration. In modern stressful environments, achieving a state of 平静 is considered a form of mental health and spiritual success. It is the opposite of 激动 (jīdòng - excited/agitated) and 混乱 (hùnluàn - chaotic).

“在这个忙碌的世界里，我们需要寻找内心的平静。”

— In this busy world, we need to find inner peace.

Using 平静 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as an adjective that can function in several ways within a sentence. It is most commonly used to describe nouns (attributive) or to describe a state (predicative).

1. As a Predicate (Describing a Subject)

When used as a predicate, it often follows an intensifier like 很 (hěn), 非常 (fēicháng), or 十分 (shífēn).

他的心情很平静。

(Tā de xīnqíng hěn píngjìng.) - His mood is very calm.

2. As an Attributive (Modifying a Noun)

When modifying a noun, the particle 的 (de) is usually required, especially for multi-syllable adjectives.

  • 平静的湖面 (A calm lake surface)
  • 平静的生活 (A peaceful life)
  • 平静的语气 (A calm tone of voice)

3. As an Adverbial (Modifying a Verb)

To describe how an action is performed, use 平静地 (píngjìng de). This is common in literature to describe how someone speaks or reacts to news.

他平静地接受了失败。

(Tā píngjìng de jiēshòule shībài.) - He calmly accepted the failure.

4. Complement of Result/State

It can follow 得 (de) to describe the result of a change or the state of an action.

他表现得非常平静。

(Tā biǎoxiàn de fēicháng píngjìng.) - He behaved very calmly.

The word 平静 is ubiquitous in Chinese society, appearing in various registers from formal news broadcasts to intimate poetry. Understanding its context helps in choosing the right 'flavor' of calmness.

1. In News and Weather Reports

Meteorologists use it to describe sea conditions or the aftermath of a natural disaster. It implies the absence of turbulence.

“目前海面情况平静，适宜航行。”

— Currently, the sea surface is calm and suitable for navigation.

2. In Literature and Storytelling

Authors use it to create contrast. A '平静' beginning often foreshadows a '风暴' (storm). It is also used to describe the stoicism of a hero.

“在那个平静的小镇上，发生了一件大事。”

— In that peaceful little town, a major event occurred.

3. In Psychological and Self-Help Contexts

With the rise of mindfulness (正念) in China, 平静 is frequently used in discussions about mental health, meditation, and work-life balance.

“冥想可以帮助我们找回内心的平静。”

— Meditation can help us find our inner peace.

4. In Daily Conversations

It's used to reassure others or describe one's own emotional recovery after a period of stress.

Whether you are reading a novel by Mo Yan or watching a CCTV weather report, 平静 provides the essential vocabulary for describing the 'still point' of the turning world.

For learners of Chinese, the most common pitfall is failing to distinguish 平静 (píngjìng) from its close relatives: 安静 (ānjìng) and 宁静 (níngjìng).

Mistake: Using 平静 for 'Quiet'

Learners often say '这里很平静' when they mean 'It is quiet here (no noise)'.

Correct: 这里很安静。

平静 implies a lack of waves or emotional disturbance, not just sound.

Mistake: Using 平静 as a Command

Saying '平静!' to someone who is talking too much.

Correct: 安静！

平静 is a state, not usually an imperative for silence.

Subtle Nuances: 平静 vs. 宁静

While both can mean 'peaceful', 宁静 is more poetic and often describes a deep, profound silence, usually in nature or a remote place. 平静 is more functional and can describe the absence of waves or the stability of a mood.

Wrong Context: Emotional Agitation
If someone is crying and you want them to stop, you say '冷静点' (lěngjìng diǎn - cool down/calm down), not '平静点'. 平静 is the *result* of being calm, while 冷静 is the *process* of regaining logic over emotion.

To master 平静, you must see where it sits in the spectrum of 'calmness' in Chinese. Here is a breakdown of its synonyms and how they differ.

1. 安静 (ānjìng) - Quiet / Silent

Focuses on the absence of sound. A library is 安静, but a person's heart is 平静. You can tell someone to '安静!', but you describe a lake as '平静'.

2. 宁静 (níngjìng) - Serene / Tranquil

A more literary and aesthetic term. It describes a peaceful atmosphere, often in nature (e.g., a remote mountain village). It carries a sense of beauty and depth that 平静 lacks.

3. 冷静 (lěngjìng) - Calm / Level-headed

Focuses on rationality. When someone is in a crisis, they need to stay 冷静 (cool-headed) to make good decisions. 平静 is about the feeling; 冷静 is about the logic.

4. 镇定 (zhèndìng) - Composed / Collected

Used specifically for remaining calm under pressure or in the face of danger. It implies a conscious effort to control one's fear or panic.

5. 坦然 (tǎnrán) - At ease / Unperturbed

Describes a state of mind where one is calm because they have a clear conscience. If you didn't do anything wrong, you can face criticism 坦然地.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

我很平静。

I am very calm.

Subject + 很 + Adjective

2

水很平静。

The water is very calm.

Describing nature

3

他不平静。

He is not calm.

Negative form with 不

4

今天天气很平静。

The weather is very calm today.

Describing weather

5

这里的夜很平静。

The night here is very peaceful.

Describing a time of day

6

你要平静一点。

You need to be a bit calmer.

Using 一点 for suggestion

7

生活很平静。

Life is very peaceful.

Abstract noun as subject

8

他的脸很平静。

His face is very calm.

Describing physical appearance

1

这是一个平静的下午。

This is a peaceful afternoon.

Attributive use: 平静 + 的 + Noun

2

海面非常平静。

The sea surface is extremely calm.

Using 非常 for emphasis

3

他平静地坐下了。

He sat down calmly.

Adverbial use: 平静 + 地 + Verb

4

我喜欢平静的生活。

I like a peaceful life.

Verb + Object (平静的...)

5

听了音乐，我感到很平静。

After listening to music, I feel very calm.

Result of an action

6

小镇的夜晚非常平静。

The night in the small town is very peaceful.

Possessive + Noun + Adjective

7

他说话的声音很平静。

His speaking voice is very calm.

Describing a specific quality (voice)

8

请保持平静，不要紧张。

Please stay calm, don't be nervous.

保持 (keep/maintain) + 平静

1

面对困难，他表现得很平静。

Facing difficulties, he behaved very calmly.

Verb + 得 + Adjective (complement of state)

2

风暴过后，一切都恢复了平静。

After the storm, everything returned to calm.

恢复 (restore/return) + 平静

3

他平静地告诉了我这个消息。

He told me the news calmly.

Adverbial modifying a communicative verb

4

我需要一点时间来让心情平静下来。

I need some time to let my mood calm down.

平静 + 下来 (directional complement for state change)

5

那是一个平静而美丽的村庄。

That was a peaceful and beautiful village.

平静 + 而 + Adjective

6

他的内心并没有表面上那么平静。

His inner heart was not as calm as it appeared on the surface.

Comparison structure with 那么

7

这种药能让你感到平静。

This medicine can make you feel calm.

Causative structure: 让 + Person + Adjective

8

在平静的海面上，小船慢慢行驶。

On the calm sea, the small boat sailed slowly.

Prepositional phrase + Noun

1

他用平静的语气拒绝了我的请求。

He rejected my request in a calm tone.

用...的语气 (in a ... tone)

2

这个平静的局面被突如其来的战争打破了。

This peaceful situation was broken by a sudden war.

Passive voice with 被

3

尽管内心波涛汹涌，他外表依然平静。

Despite the turmoil inside, his appearance remained calm.

Contrast: 尽管...依然...

4

我们需要寻求一种平静的解决办法。

We need to seek a peaceful solution.

Abstract noun modification

5

他在晚年过着平静而充实的生活。

He lived a peaceful and fulfilling life in his later years.

Describing a life stage

6

湖水平静得像一面镜子。

The lake water was as calm as a mirror.

Adjective + 得 + Simile

7

他平静的眼神里透着一丝忧伤。

There was a hint of sadness in his calm eyes.

Complex subject with modification

8

这个消息在平静的校园里引起了轰动。

This news caused a sensation in the peaceful campus.

Setting the scene with an adjective

1

唯有内心平静，方能洞察事间万物的本质。

Only with inner peace can one perceive the essence of all things.

Conditional structure: 唯有...方能...

2

他以一种近乎冷酷的平静观察着事态的发展。

He observed the development of the situation with a near-callous calmness.

Prepositional phrase with complex modification

3

这种平静不过是暴风雨前的宁静罢了。

This calmness is nothing more than the lull before the storm.

不过是...罢了 (nothing more than)

4

他在学术界享有盛名，却始终保持着一颗平静的心。

He enjoys great fame in academia but has always maintained a calm heart.

Concessive clause with 却

5

文章的结尾处，作者用平静的笔触写下了悲剧。

At the end of the article, the author wrote down the tragedy with a calm brushstroke.

Metaphorical use (calm brushstroke)

6

在那段动荡的岁月里，平静成了一种奢望。

In those turbulent years, peace became a luxury.

Noun usage of an adjective

7

他那死水般的平静让人感到不寒而栗。

His stagnant-water-like calmness made people shiver.

Simile: ...般的

8

随着时间的流逝，激烈的争论逐渐平息，一切归于平静。

As time passed, the heated argument gradually subsided, and everything returned to calm.

归于 (return to/revert to)

1

这种平静并非无为，而是一种极高境界的自律。

This calmness is not inaction, but a high level of self-discipline.

并非...而是... (not... but...)

2

在宏大的历史叙事中，个人的悲欢往往被淹没在平静的文字之下。

In grand historical narratives, individual joys and sorrows are often submerged beneath calm text.

Passive voice in academic context

3

他追求的是一种超脱世俗、绝对平静的精神世界。

What he pursues is a spiritual world that transcends the mundane and is absolutely calm.

Complex nominalization

4

其辞藻虽不华丽，却于平静中蕴含着雷霆万钧的力量。

Although the rhetoric is not ornate, it contains thunderous power within its calmness.

Literary contrast: 于...中蕴含...

5

这种平静的背后，是多年修行积累下的深厚定力。

Behind this calmness is the profound inner strength accumulated through years of practice.

Abstract causality

6

他以平静的姿态应对着命运的嘲弄。

He responded to the mockery of fate with a calm posture.

Metaphorical 'posture'

7

宇宙的深处，是永恒而冷寂的平静。

In the depths of the universe is an eternal and cold calmness.

Describing cosmic states

8

当喧嚣褪去，灵魂才得以在平静中审视自我。

When the clamor fades, the soul can finally examine itself in the calmness.

Conditional result with 才得以

Collocations courantes

心情平静 (calm mood)
湖面平静 (calm lake surface)
语气平静 (calm tone)
生活平静 (peaceful life)
目光平静 (calm gaze)
恢复平静 (restore calmness)
保持平静 (maintain calmness)
内心平静 (inner peace)
表面平静 (surface calmness)
局势平静 (stable situation)

Phrases Courantes

心平气和 (calm and reasonable)

风平浪静 (calm wind and waves - smooth sailing)

平静如水 (calm as water)

平静的一天 (a peaceful day)

平静地接受 (accept calmly)

难以平静 (hard to stay calm)

打破平静 (break the silence/calm)

归于平静 (return to calm)

显得平静 (appear calm)

极其平静 (extremely calm)

Souvent confondu avec

平静 vs 安静 (ānjìng) - People often use this for 'peaceful' when they mean 'no noise'.

平静 vs 冷静 (lěngjìng) - People use this for 'calm' when they mean 'rational'.

平静 vs 平稳 (píngwěn) - Often confused in economic or physical contexts (e.g., a steady car ride).

Expressions idiomatiques

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

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Facile à confondre

平静 vs

平静 vs

平静 vs

平静 vs

平静 vs

Structures de phrases

Famille de mots

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

vs 冷静

冷静 is about logic/reason; 平静 is about feeling/atmosphere.

vs 宁静

宁静 is more poetic/beautiful; 平静 is more neutral/functional.

vs 安静

安静 is about sound; 平静 is about state/emotion.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using 平静 to mean 'cheap' (confusing with 便宜 piányi).
  • Using 平静 for a 'quiet room' (should be 安静).
  • Saying '我平静' without '很' (in Chinese, adjectives usually need an intensifier).
  • Using it as a verb (e.g., '我要平静' is better as '我要冷静' or '我要保持平静').
  • Confusing the tones with '平均' (píngjūn - average).

Astuces

Water Metaphor

Always think of water. If water is flat, it is 平静. Apply that same 'flatness' to hearts and situations.

Adverbial Form

Don't forget the '地' when using it to describe how someone speaks or acts.

Idiom Boost

Learn '风平浪静'—it's a very common way to say everything is going smoothly.

Mindfulness

Use this word when talking about meditation or yoga in Chinese.

Contrast

Use it to contrast with '热闹' (bustling) or '吵闹' (noisy).

Tone Practice

The transition from 2nd to 4th tone (píng-jìng) requires a clear drop. Practice it!

News Clues

When you hear '恢复' (huīfù), the next word is often '平静'.

Literary Context

In novels, look for '平静的表面' to find hidden meanings.

Emotion vs. Sound

If you are describing a feeling, choose 平静 over 安静.

Character Breakdown

Remember: Flat (平) + Still (静) = Calm.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Contexte culturel

Often used to describe the ideal temperament of a leader.

A key element in traditional Chinese landscape painting (Shan Shui).

Connected to the concept of 'Inner Peace' in Zen Buddhism.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"你觉得什么样的生活才算平静？ (What kind of life do you consider peaceful?)"

"当你不开心的时候，怎么才能让心情平静下来？ (How do you calm down when you are unhappy?)"

"你喜欢平静的乡村还是热闹的城市？ (Do you like the peaceful countryside or the bustling city?)"

"最近你的生活平静吗？ (Has your life been peaceful lately?)"

"你认为内心平静重要吗？ (Do you think inner peace is important?)"

Sujets d'écriture

描述一个让你感到平静的地方。 (Describe a place that makes you feel calm.)

写一次你面对困难时保持平静的经历。 (Write about an experience where you stayed calm in the face of difficulty.)

平静的生活是否意味着无聊？谈谈你的看法。 (Does a peaceful life mean a boring one? Discuss your view.)

如果你可以给世界带来一种平静，那会是什么？ (If you could bring one kind of peace to the world, what would it be?)

今天发生了什么让你难以保持平静的事？ (What happened today that made it hard for you to stay calm?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, you should use '安静' (ānjìng). '平静' describes a state, not a request for silence.

Usually positive, implying peace and stability. However, in literature, it can be neutral or even ominous (the calm before the storm).

Yes, it means they have a calm and steady personality.

宁静 is more literary and often describes beautiful, quiet nature. 平静 is more common and can describe a person's mood or a flat sea.

You say '内心的平静' (nèixīn de píngjìng).

Yes, if the city is free from riots or chaos, but '安静' is better if you just mean there is no traffic noise.

Yes, to describe a '平静的股市' (a calm/stable stock market).

激动 (excited/agitated) or 混乱 (chaotic).

Yes, for a day with no wind or a sea with no waves.

Yes, it is very common in both daily life and literature.

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