和谐

• Pinyin: hé xié
• Hanzi breakdown: 和 = 禾 (grain) + 口 (mouth), meaning peace; 谐 = 言 (speech) + 皆 (all), meaning in harmony

Meaning

Harmonious; in harmony. A state of peaceful coexistence and balance.

A key concept in Chinese society, promoted as a social ideal (和谐社会, harmonious society). Common collocations: 和谐相处 (live in harmony), 家庭和谐 (family harmony), 社会和谐 (social harmony). Also used sarcastically online for censorship ('被和谐了' = got censored).

Examples

1. 邻里之间和谐相处，遇到困难互相帮助，这个小区的氛围特别好。 The neighbors live in harmony, helping each other when difficulties arise — this community has a really great atmosphere.
2. 一个和谐的家庭环境对孩子的成长至关重要。 A harmonious family environment is crucial for a child's development.
3. 城市规划应该注重人与自然的和谐，不能只追求经济发展。 Urban planning should focus on harmony between humans and nature, not just pursue economic development.

Usage Guide

Context: society, family, philosophy

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 我们要和谐相处。(We should live in harmony.)
• 这幅画的色彩很和谐。(The colors in this painting are very harmonious.)

Don't Say

• 用和谐描述压制矛盾 (Be aware that 和谐 is sometimes used ironically for forced suppression of disagreement)

Origin & History

Compound of 和 (peace, harmony) + 谐 (harmonious, in tune). Both characters emphasize balance and agreement.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal