B2 noun Formal 1 min read

淡泊

danbo /dàn bó/

Cultivating a detached and tranquil mindset, prioritizing inner peace over worldly pursuits.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Unconcerned with fame or wealth.
  • Values inner peace over material gain.
  • A state of detached contentment.

Overview

“淡泊”是一个具有深刻文化内涵的中文词语,通常用来形容一种超脱世俗、不追求名利的生活态度和精神境界。它源于中国古代哲学思想,尤其是道家和儒家关于修身养性的论述。淡泊并非意味着消极避世,而是强调内心的宁静、知足常乐,以及对精神层面的追求高于物质享受的价值取向。

“淡泊”作为名词,常用来描述一种人生态度或境界,例如“他一生淡泊名利”、“保持淡泊的心态”。它也可以作为形容词的修饰语,但更常见的是直接作为名词使用,表达一种状态。在组合词中,“淡泊名利”是最常见的搭配。

这个词语常见于文学作品、哲学讨论、人生格言以及对有德行或隐士的评价中。在现代社会,虽然物质主义盛行,但“淡泊”依然被视为一种值得推崇的美德,尤其是在讨论个人价值观、职业选择以及生活满意度时。

与“淡泊”相似的词语包括“清心寡欲”、“宁静致远”、“随遇而安”等。“清心寡欲”更侧重于减少欲望,保持心灵的纯净;“宁静致远”则强调内心的平静能够带来更长远的成就或深刻的见解;“随遇而安”则指顺应环境,不强求。而“淡泊”则更全面地涵盖了对名利的不追求以及内心的平和状态,是一种更为积极和主动的精神选择。

Examples

1

他一生淡泊名利,只专注于自己的研究。

everyday

He was indifferent to fame and fortune throughout his life, focusing only on his research.

2

在喧嚣的都市中,他向往一种淡泊宁静的生活。

formal

Amidst the bustling city, he yearns for a simple and tranquil life.

3

别太在意那些虚名,保持点淡泊的心态挺好的。

informal

Don't care too much about those empty reputations, it's good to maintain a detached attitude.

4

许多古代隐士都以淡泊自守,追求精神的超脱。

academic

Many ancient hermits maintained a detached attitude and sought spiritual transcendence.

Common Collocations

淡泊名利 indifferent to fame and fortune
淡泊寡欲 simple living and few desires
淡泊的心 a tranquil heart / a detached mind

Common Phrases

人生得意须尽欢,莫使金樽空对月。

When life goes well, enjoy it to the fullest; do not let the golden goblet face the moon empty. (This is an antonymous idea, highlighting the contrast)

非淡泊无以明志,非宁静无以致远。

Without a tranquil mind, one cannot focus on lofty aspirations; without a calm spirit, one cannot achieve far-reaching goals. (A famous quote emphasizing the value of 淡泊)

Often Confused With

淡泊 vs 平淡

While '淡泊' implies a conscious choice to forgo worldly pursuits for inner peace, '平淡' simply describes something as ordinary, dull, or lacking excitement, often without the element of choice or spiritual depth.

淡泊 vs 清心寡欲

'清心寡欲' focuses specifically on reducing desires and maintaining purity of heart. '淡泊' is broader, encompassing indifference to fame and wealth alongside inner tranquility.

Grammar Patterns

淡泊 + 名词 (e.g., 淡泊名利) 保持淡泊的心态 过着淡泊的生活

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The term '淡泊' is often used to describe a philosophical or spiritual stance rather than a temporary mood. It carries positive connotations, suggesting wisdom and self-control. It is frequently found in contexts discussing personal values, lifestyle choices, and moral character.


Common Mistakes

Confusing '淡泊' with being passive or lacking drive. It's important to remember that '淡泊' is an active choice towards inner fulfillment, not necessarily a lack of engagement with life. Avoid using it to describe situations that are merely boring or uneventful.

Tips

💡

Embrace Inner Peace

Focus on cultivating contentment and tranquility within yourself, independent of external achievements.

⚠️

Distinguish from Apathy

淡泊 is not apathy or lack of ambition, but a conscious choice to prioritize spiritual well-being over material success.

🌍

Ancient Chinese Virtue

Rooted in Taoist and Confucian philosophies, 淡泊 represents a highly respected ideal of self-cultivation and detachment.

Word Origin

The character '淡' means light, pale, or weak, suggesting a lack of strong desire or attachment. '泊' means to anchor or stop, implying a state of rest or stillness. Together, they paint a picture of a mind anchored in tranquility, unswayed by the 'heavy' pursuits of fame and fortune.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, '淡泊' is highly esteemed, often associated with scholars, monks, and sages who prioritized spiritual enlightenment and inner peace over material wealth and social status. It reflects a deep-seated philosophical ideal.

Memory Tip

Imagine a calm, clear lake ('淡' - light/clear) with few ripples ('泊' - anchor/stop), reflecting a mind undisturbed by worldly currents.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

“淡泊”侧重于主动放弃对名利的追求,保持内心的宁静和超脱。而“平淡”则更多指生活缺乏波澜,不精彩,有时可能带有负面含义,如“生活平淡无奇”。

不完全是。虽然“淡泊”意味着不追求世俗的成功,但它更强调一种积极的内心修炼,追求精神的富足和内心的平和,这是一种更高层次的追求。

非常有意义。在物质至上、竞争激烈的现代社会,保持“淡泊”的心态有助于减轻焦虑,抵制诱惑,找到生活的真正意义和内心的安宁。

做到“淡泊”需要长期的自我修养,包括认识到物质和名利的虚幻性,专注于内心的成长和精神世界的丰富,多进行反思和冥想,培养知足常乐的心态。

Test Yourself

fill blank

他一生______名利,致力于学术研究。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 淡泊

“淡泊名利”是固定搭配,表示不追求名利。

multiple choice

下列哪种行为最符合“淡泊”的精神?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: C

选项C描述了一种不计较外在得失,专注于内心满足的状态,最符合淡泊的精神。

sentence building

请用“淡泊”、“宁静”、“生活”构建一个句子。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: A

选项A结构完整,意思清晰,符合“淡泊”作为一种追求的目标。

Score: /3

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