adjective / noun HSK 5
Traditional 安寧
ān níng
peaceful · tranquil · calm · peace and quiet

Meaning

安宁 describes a state of peace, tranquility, and calm, whether referring to a physical environment, a person's state of mind, or a social situation. It emphasizes the absence of disturbance, noise, or turmoil. The word conveys a sense of serenity and harmonious quietness that allows for rest and contentment.

Usage

安宁 is a somewhat formal or literary term often used in written Chinese or more elevated speech. Native speakers use it to describe peaceful environments (like villages or nights), inner mental states, or social harmony. It commonly appears in phrases like 生活安宁 (peaceful life) and 内心安宁 (inner peace). In everyday casual conversation, simpler words like 安静 (quiet) might be preferred for describing physical quietness.

Examples

  1. 01
    这个小村庄远离城市的喧嚣,显得格外安宁
    Zhège xiǎo cūn zhuāng yuǎn chéng shì de xuān xiāo, xiǎn de wài ān níng.
    This small village is far from the hustle and bustle of the city and appears especially peaceful.
  2. 02
    经过多年的努力,她终于找到了内心的安宁
    Jīng guò duō nián de , zhōng zhǎo dào le nèi xīn de ān níng.
    After many years of effort, she finally found inner peace.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 生活安宁
    shēng huó ān níng
    peaceful life
  • 内心安宁
    nèi xīn ān níng
    inner peace
  • 社会安宁
    shè huì ān níng
    social tranquility
  • 享受安宁
    xiǎng shòu ān níng
    to enjoy peace and quiet

Antonyms

Origin

Both characters 安 and 宁 independently carry meanings related to peace and tranquility. Combined, they reinforce each other to create a word emphasizing deep, undisturbed peace.

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