安逸 in 30 Seconds
- 安逸 (ānyì) means easy, comfortable, and leisurely, describing a life or environment free from hardship.
- It is a B2-level adjective often used to describe lifestyles, environments, or mental states.
- While mostly positive, it can imply a negative sense of laziness or lack of ambition (complacency).
- It is different from '舒服' (physical comfort) and '悠闲' (having free time), focusing on a lack of toil.
The Chinese adjective 安逸 (ānyì) is a sophisticated term that captures a specific blend of physical comfort and psychological tranquility. Derived from the characters ān (peace/safety) and yì (leisure/ease), it describes a state of existence that is free from hardship, struggle, or disturbance. While in English we might simply say 'comfortable,' ānyì carries a more profound sense of a lifestyle or an environment that allows for complete relaxation and a lack of worry. It is frequently used to describe a person's living conditions, a specific atmosphere, or a psychological state. However, the word is double-edged. In many Chinese cultural contexts, particularly those influenced by Confucian work ethics or modern competitive '996' culture, ānyì can sometimes imply a dangerous level of complacency. If one is 'too' ānyì, they might lose their ambition or fail to prepare for future challenges. Therefore, when you use this word, you are often commenting on the quality of a person's life—either praising its peacefulness or subtly warning against its potential to soften one's resolve.
- Environmental Context
- Used to describe quiet, comfortable places like a countryside villa or a peaceful garden where the pace of life is slow and pleasant.
- Psychological Context
- Refers to a state of mind where one feels satisfied and secure, lacking any immediate pressure or anxiety.
- Socio-Economic Context
- Describes a life of financial security where one does not need to toil or struggle for basic needs.
退休以后，他过着非常安逸的生活。(After retiring, he lived a very comfortable and leisurely life.)
山村里的空气新鲜，生活安逸。(The air in the mountain village is fresh, and life is peaceful and easy.)
不要在年轻时选择安逸。(Don't choose ease and comfort when you are young.)
这个小镇的气氛十分安逸。(The atmosphere of this small town is very leisurely and pleasant.)
猫咪在阳光下睡得很安逸。(The kitten is sleeping very comfortably in the sun.)
Grammatically, 安逸 functions primarily as an adjective. It can modify nouns directly using the particle de (的), or it can serve as a predicate following an adverb of degree like hěn (很), fēicháng (非常), or guòyú (过于). When it modifies a noun, it often pairs with words like shēnghuó (生活 - life), huanjìng (环境 - environment), or shìguāng (时光 - time). It is important to note that because ānyì has a slightly formal or literary tone, it is less common in very casual street slang (except for the specific Sichuan regional usage) and more common in written prose, formal speeches, or thoughtful conversations about one's future and well-being. When used in the negative, such as bùān (不安), the meaning shifts toward anxiety, though bù ānyì simply means 'not comfortable/easy'.
- As an Attributive
- Structure: [安逸] + 的 + [Noun]. Example: 安逸的生活 (A leisurely life).
- As a Predicate
- Structure: [Subject] + [Adverb] + 安逸. Example: 这里的生活很安逸 (Life here is very easy).
- In Comparisons
- Structure: [A] 比 [B] 更安逸. Example: 乡村比城市更安逸 (The countryside is more peaceful/easy than the city).
贪图安逸会使人变得懒散。(Seeking only ease and comfort will make a person lazy.)
我们向往那种闲适安逸的田园生活。(We long for that relaxed and easy pastoral life.)
In modern China, you will hear 安逸 in several distinct contexts. First, in the realm of career coaching and self-improvement, it is often used as a cautionary term. Influencers and CEOs might tell young graduates, 'Don't stay in your comfort zone (安逸区),' suggesting that a life without struggle leads to stagnation. Second, you'll find it in travel literature and lifestyle blogs. When describing a boutique hotel in Dali or a tea house in Hangzhou, authors use ānyì to evoke a sense of timeless, slow-paced luxury. Third, it is a staple in literature and poetry to describe the idealized life of a hermit or a retired scholar. Finally, if you travel to Chengdu or Chongqing, you will hear it used as a general exclamation of satisfaction. If a meal is delicious or a situation is favorable, a local might say '太安逸了!' (tài ānyì le!), which in this specific dialect functions similarly to 'Great!' or 'Awesome!'
- Workplace/Motivation
- '生于忧患，死于安逸' (Sheng yu you huan, si yu an yi) - A famous idiom meaning 'Life springs from sorrow and calamity, and death comes from ease and pleasure.'
- Regional Slang (Sichuan)
- Used as an all-purpose positive adjective. Example: '这火锅味道安逸得很!' (This hotpot tastes amazing!)
他在大城市打拼多年，如今回到老家过起安逸的日子。(After struggling in the big city for years, he has now returned to his hometown to live an easy life.)
The most common mistake learners make is using 安逸 to describe physical objects in a way that should be reserved for shūshì (舒适 - comfortable) or shūfu (舒服). While you can say a room has an ānyì atmosphere, you wouldn't typically say 'This sofa is very ānyì.' Ānyì is more about the *quality of life* or the *feeling of the environment* rather than the tactile sensation of an object. Another mistake is ignoring the potential negative connotation. If you tell a hardworking Chinese colleague that their life looks very ānyì, they might take it as an insult, implying they are lazy or not striving for progress. Always consider whether you are praising someone's peace of mind or accidentally accusing them of being unmotivated.
Understanding the nuances between 安逸 and its synonyms will greatly elevate your Chinese. While they all touch on comfort and ease, their registers and specific applications differ. For instance, yōuxián (悠闲) focuses more on having plenty of free time and not being in a hurry, whereas ānyì focuses on the overall lack of hardship. Qièyì (惬意) is a more literary term for being 'pleasantly satisfied,' often used to describe a fleeting moment of joy, like drinking tea on a rainy day.
- 安逸 vs. 舒适 (shūshì)
- 舒适 is purely objective comfort (a nice hotel, a soft bed). 安逸 is more subjective and lifestyle-oriented.
- 安逸 vs. 悠闲 (yōuxián)
- 悠闲 emphasizes the pace of life (leisurely). You can be 悠闲 but not necessarily 安逸 (e.g., a poor but relaxed artist).
- 安逸 vs. 自在 (zìzài)
- 自在 means 'at ease' or 'free from restraint.' It's about personal freedom, while 安逸 is about comfort and lack of toil.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
In ancient texts, '逸' was often used to describe horses that were unbridled and free to run, which is why it carries the sense of 'leisure' and 'lack of control/toil'.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'yi' with a flat tone instead of a falling fourth tone.
- Confusing 'an' with 'ang' (nasal sound).
- Using English 'y' sound instead of the sharp 'i/ee' sound.
- Failing to sustain the high pitch of the first tone.
- Merging the two syllables into one blurred sound.
Difficulty Rating
Common in literature and news; easy to recognize once learned.
Requires careful character stroke order for '逸'.
Used frequently in specific regions but requires correct tone.
Distinct sound, but must be distinguished from other 'yi' words.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjectives as predicates
这里的生活[很]安逸。
Attributive 'de'
安逸[的]环境。
Reduplication (AABB)
他过得[安安逸逸]的。
Negative 'bu'
生活并不[安逸]。
Degree adverbs
[非常]安逸, [过于]安逸。
Examples by Level
他过着安逸的生活。
He lives a comfortable life.
Subject + Verb + Adjective + 的 + Noun
这里很安逸。
It is very peaceful/easy here.
Subject + Adverb + Adjective
小猫睡得很安逸。
The kitten is sleeping very comfortably.
Verb + 得 + Adverb + Adjective
我不喜欢太安逸的生活。
I don't like a life that is too easy.
Negative structure with '不'
他的家很安逸。
His home is very cozy and peaceful.
Simple predicate usage
我们想要安逸的周末。
We want a leisurely weekend.
Modifying a noun
这个地方很安逸，没有噪音。
This place is very peaceful, there is no noise.
Compound sentence
爷爷的生活非常安逸。
Grandpa's life is very leisurely.
Possessive + Subject + Adverb + Adjective
在这个小镇，生活节奏很慢，非常安逸。
In this small town, the pace of life is slow and very easy.
Using '节奏' (pace) with '安逸'
我希望能找一个安逸的工作。
I hope to find an easy/comfortable job.
Using '安逸' to describe a career choice
他们一家人过着安逸、幸福的日子。
Their family lives an easy and happy life.
Using multiple adjectives to describe '日子'
海边的生活真是安逸啊！
Life by the sea is truly leisurely!
Exclamatory sentence with '啊'
虽然钱不多，但生活很安逸。
Although there isn't much money, life is very easy.
Concessive clause with '虽然...但...'
他在书房里享受着安逸的时光。
He is enjoying a peaceful time in the study.
Verb '享受' (enjoy) + '安逸的时光'
度假村的环境非常安逸，适合休息。
The environment of the resort is very pleasant, suitable for resting.
Adjective + 适合 (suitable for)
你看起来过得很安逸。
You look like you are living very comfortably.
Verb '看起来' + complement
她不想一辈子过这种平庸而安逸的生活。
She doesn't want to live this mediocre and easy life for her whole life.
Using '平庸' (mediocre) to give '安逸' a negative nuance
这种安逸的环境容易让人失去斗志。
This kind of easy environment makes it easy for people to lose their fighting spirit.
Subject clause + 容易让 (easy to make) + Object
退休后，他终于可以享受安逸的晚年了。
After retiring, he can finally enjoy a peaceful old age.
Time phrase + Adverb + Verb + Noun
比起繁华的都市，我更向往安逸的乡村。
Compared to the bustling metropolis, I yearn more for the peaceful countryside.
Comparison structure '比起...更...'
他喜欢在安逸的下午喝杯茶，看会儿书。
He likes to have a cup of tea and read for a while in the leisurely afternoon.
Time noun modified by '安逸'
这种安逸只是暂时的，我们必须努力。
This ease is only temporary; we must work hard.
Using '安逸' as a noun/state
在这样一个安逸的午后，时间仿佛停止了。
On such a leisurely afternoon, time seems to have stopped.
Descriptive literary sentence
他为了追求安逸，放弃了晋升的机会。
In order to pursue comfort, he gave up the chance for promotion.
Purpose clause '为了...'
年轻人不应该在奋斗的年纪选择安逸。
Young people should not choose ease and comfort at an age meant for striving.
Moral/advice sentence structure
长期处于安逸的状态，会让人产生惰性。
Being in a state of ease for a long time will make people develop inertia/laziness.
Abstract subject '处于...的状态'
他辞去了高薪但压力大的工作，选择了一份更安逸的职位。
He resigned from his high-paying but high-pressure job and chose a more comfortable position.
Contrast between '压力大' and '安逸'
这里的气候宜人，生活安逸，是理想的居住地。
The climate here is pleasant and life is easy; it is an ideal place to live.
Four-character phrase '气候宜人' followed by '生活安逸'
她那安逸的神情说明她现在过得很好。
Her peaceful expression shows that she is doing very well now.
Modifying '神情' (expression)
我们不能沉溺于眼前的安逸，而忽视了潜在的危机。
We cannot indulge in present comfort and ignore potential crises.
Verb '沉溺于' (indulge in) + '安逸'
这篇文章描写了作者对安逸生活的独特见解。
This article describes the author's unique perspective on a comfortable life.
Formal descriptive sentence
哪怕生活再安逸，他也从未停止学习。
No matter how easy life is, he has never stopped learning.
Structure '哪怕...也...'
生于忧患，死于安逸，这句古训至今仍有现实意义。
Life springs from sorrow and calamity, and death comes from ease and pleasure; this ancient teaching still has practical significance today.
Classical idiom usage
文人墨客常在诗中表达对这种安逸恬淡生活的向往。
Literati often express their yearning for this easy and indifferent life in their poems.
Literary register with '恬淡' (indifferent to fame)
这种表面上的安逸掩盖了社会深层的矛盾。
This superficial ease conceals deep-seated social contradictions.
Abstract sociopolitical usage
他试图在喧嚣的世界中寻得一份内心的安逸。
He tries to find a piece of inner peace/ease in a noisy world.
Metaphorical 'inner' usage
过度追求安逸往往是平庸的开始。
The excessive pursuit of comfort is often the beginning of mediocrity.
Philosophical statement
即便处境安逸，他也时刻保持着危机感。
Even in a comfortable situation, he always maintains a sense of crisis.
Advanced conjunction '即便'
成都这座城市以其安逸的生活节奏而闻名遐迩。
The city of Chengdu is well-known for its easy-going pace of life.
Formal geographical description
这种安逸并非不劳而获，而是多年奋斗的结果。
This ease was not obtained without effort, but was the result of years of struggle.
Structure '并非...而是...'
在消费主义盛行的今天，人们对安逸的定义似乎变得越来越物质化。
In today's era of rampant consumerism, people's definition of ease seems to be becoming increasingly materialistic.
Complex sociopolitical analysis
庄子的哲学中包含着一种超越世俗安逸的精神自由。
Zhuangzi's philosophy contains a kind of spiritual freedom that transcends mundane comfort.
Philosophical register
如果一个民族沉浸在安逸中不思进取，终将被时代淘汰。
If a nation immerses itself in ease and stops striving for progress, it will eventually be eliminated by the times.
National/Macro-level commentary
这种安逸感在很大程度上源于体制的庇护，而非个人的能力。
This sense of ease stems largely from the protection of the system rather than individual ability.
Institutional critique
他在作品中深刻地剖析了那种令人窒息的、小资产阶级式的安逸。
In his works, he profoundly analyzed that suffocating, petit-bourgeois ease.
Literary criticism
真正的安逸并非环境的优越，而是灵魂的自洽。
True ease is not the superiority of the environment, but the self-consistency of the soul.
Abstract philosophical definition
历史证明，长期的安逸往往预示着动荡的开端。
History proves that long-term ease often portends the beginning of turmoil.
Historical axiom
这种安逸的生活方式虽然迷人，却也剥夺了生命应有的张力。
Although this easy lifestyle is charming, it also strips life of its proper tension.
Metaphorical usage
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— A Sichuan dialect expression meaning 'extremely good' or 'very comfortable'.
这顿饭吃得安逸得很！
— To just want some peace and quiet or a lack of trouble.
我换这份工作就是图个安逸。
— A life of ease; often used as a set noun phrase.
安逸生活消磨了他的志气。
— To look for a place or state of comfort.
他在深山中寻找安逸。
— To enjoy the comfort and leisure one has.
忙了一辈子，该享受安逸了。
— To disrupt a peaceful or comfortable state.
突如其来的消息打破了家中的安逸。
— A comfortable and peaceful environment.
他在安逸的环境中长大。
— Not willing to just live a life of ease; ambitious.
他是个不甘安逸的人，总想闯一闯。
— To be addicted to or 'drowned' in comfort (negative).
不可沉溺安逸，要居安思危。
— A whole life of comfort.
他祝愿女儿一生安逸。
Often Confused With
Used for physical sensations (e.g., 'I feel well' or 'This chair is soft').
Used for objective comfort of surroundings/objects (e.g., 'a comfortable hotel').
Focuses on having leisure time and a slow pace, regardless of overall comfort.
Idioms & Expressions
— Life springs from sorrow and calamity, and death comes from ease and pleasure.
我们要时刻提醒自己：生于忧患，死于安逸。
Formal/Literary— To think of danger while in peace; to be prepared for future trouble.
虽然现在生活安逸，但我们仍要居安思危。
Neutral/Formal— To be content with poverty and find joy in the Way (philosophy).
他过着安逸的生活，却有着安贫乐道的心境。
Literary— Be carefree and content.
他在乡下过着安逸、悠然自得的日子。
Neutral— To sleep on a high pillow without worry; to be totally secure.
有了这笔钱，他就可以安逸地高枕无忧了。
Idiomatic— Live in peace and work happily.
百姓们过上了安逸、安居乐业的生活。
Formal— To live in luxury and be pampered (often negative).
他从小养尊处优，过惯了安逸的生活。
Negative/Neutral— To feel at ease under any circumstance.
他性格随和，到哪儿都能过得安逸。
Positive— Contentment brings constant happiness.
他懂得知足常乐，所以生活总是很安逸。
Neutral— Quiet and non-action (Taoist concept).
他追求一种安逸、清静无为的境界。
PhilosophicalEasily Confused
Both start with 'An'.
安稳 means stable and secure (e.g., a stable job), whereas 安逸 means easy and comfortable.
他想要一份安稳的工作，过安逸的生活。
Both mean peace.
安宁 means peaceful and free from noise or war, often used for a country or mind.
边境地区恢复了安宁。
Both describe a pleasant state.
惬意 is a short-term feeling of satisfaction; 安逸 is a long-term state of living.
喝完这杯咖啡，感觉很惬意。
Both involve lack of work.
清闲 specifically means having no work to do; it can sometimes imply boredom.
这份工作很清闲，每天都没事做。
Related in Sichuan dialect.
巴适 is purely Sichuan dialect for 'excellent/comfortable'; 安逸 is standard Mandarin.
这个地方好巴适哦！
Sentence Patterns
S + 很 + 安逸。
这里很安逸。
S + 过着 + 安逸的 + 生活。
爷爷过着安逸的生活。
虽然...但是...安逸。
虽然很忙，但心里很安逸。
不要 + 贪图 + 安逸。
年轻人不要贪图安逸。
与其...不如...安逸。
与其在城市里受苦，不如回乡下过安逸日子。
处于...安逸的状态。
他长期处于安逸的状态。
安逸 + 往往 + 预示着...。
安逸往往预示着危机的到来。
并非...而是...安逸。
这并非懒惰，而是内心的安逸。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in written Chinese and specific regional dialects.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a person 'AN' (on) a sofa in a 'YI' (easy) chair. AN + YI = Easy life.
Visual Association
Imagine a woman (安) resting in a garden while a rabbit (逸) hops by slowly—no predators, no work, just peace.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe your perfect '安逸' Sunday using at least three other synonyms from the word web.
Word Origin
The word is composed of two ancient characters. '安' (ān) depicts a woman under a roof, symbolizing safety and peace at home. '逸' (yì) depicts a rabbit running away, originally meaning to escape, but evolving to mean leisure or being free from restraint.
Original meaning: Originally referred to being free from official duties or labor.
Sino-TibetanCultural Context
Avoid telling a superior that their work is '安逸', as it implies they aren't working hard enough.
Westerners often value 'relaxation' as a reward for work, but '安逸' can sound more permanent or lifestyle-defining than just 'relaxing'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Retirement
- 享受晚年
- 生活安逸
- 含饴弄孙
- 无忧无虑
Travel
- 环境安逸
- 风景优美
- 放松身心
- 逃离喧嚣
Career Advice
- 走出安逸区
- 不要贪图安逸
- 保持斗志
- 面对挑战
Home Decor
- 布置安逸
- 温馨舒适
- 居家生活
- 宁静氛围
Regional Praise (Sichuan)
- 安逸得很
- 巴适得板
- 太安逸了
- 味道安逸
Conversation Starters
"你理想中的安逸生活是什么样的？"
"你觉得在大城市打拼好，还是在小城镇过安逸的日子好？"
"你会为了追求安逸而放弃高薪的工作吗？"
"你认为年轻人应该走出‘安逸区’吗？为什么？"
"你最近去过哪个让你觉得很安逸的地方？"
Journal Prompts
描写一个你觉得最安逸的下午，包括你在做什么，环境是怎样的，以及你的感受。
讨论‘生于忧患，死于安逸’这句话在现代社会的意义。你同意这个观点吗？
如果你有足够的钱不用再工作，你会选择一种完全安逸的生活，还是会找点事做？
对比一下你家乡的生活节奏和某个你觉得很安逸的城市。
写一封信给十年后的自己，谈谈你对当时安逸生活的期望。
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo. While it describes a pleasant state, it is often used negatively to criticize someone for being lazy or lacking ambition, especially in the phrase '贪图安逸'.
Summary
安逸 (ānyì) describes a 'cushy' or 'peaceful' existence. Use it to praise a relaxing vacation or a quiet retirement, but be careful using it for young people as it might imply they are avoiding hard work. Example: '退休生活很安逸' (Retirement life is very easy).
- 安逸 (ānyì) means easy, comfortable, and leisurely, describing a life or environment free from hardship.
- It is a B2-level adjective often used to describe lifestyles, environments, or mental states.
- While mostly positive, it can imply a negative sense of laziness or lack of ambition (complacency).
- It is different from '舒服' (physical comfort) and '悠闲' (having free time), focusing on a lack of toil.
Related Content
More daily_life words
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
