清淡

• Pinyin: qīng dàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 清 = 氵+ 青 (clear/pure); 淡 = 氵+ 炎 (thin/mild/light)

Meaning

Light and mild; not rich, oily, or heavily seasoned. Describes food that is plain and gentle on the palate, or more broadly, a lifestyle or manner that is simple and unassuming.

Primarily used to describe food suited to health-conscious eating or recovery from illness. Also describes a quiet, understated style or way of life. The opposite is 油腻 (greasy) or 浓重 (heavy/intense).

Examples

1. 医生建议他术后饮食要以清淡为主，避免油腻辛辣的食物。 The doctor advised him to stick to a light diet after surgery and avoid greasy, spicy foods.
2. 她一向喜欢清淡的生活，不追求物质享受，精神却十分充实。 She has always preferred a simple, low-key life, not chasing material comforts, yet feeling deeply fulfilled inside.
3. 这道清淡的粥品搭配几碟小菜，既暖胃又养身。 This light congee served with a few small side dishes is both comforting to the stomach and nourishing.

Usage Guide

Context: food, health, lifestyle, daily life

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 养胃期间应坚持清淡饮食，少食多餐，避免给肠胃造成额外负担。(During stomach recuperation one should maintain a light diet and eat small, frequent meals to avoid placing additional burden on the digestive system.)
• 老人家口味偏清淡，烹饪时尽量少放盐和味精。(The elderly person prefers mild-tasting food; use as little salt and MSG as possible when cooking.)

Don't Say

• 这部电影风格很清淡 — use 平淡 or 朴实 for a plain or understated artistic style; 清淡 is primarily used for food or a quiet lifestyle, not film aesthetics

Origin & History

清 (clear/pure) + 淡 (thin/mild/light) — pure and lightly flavoured

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal