坦然

• Pinyin: tǎn rán
• Hanzi breakdown: 坦 = 土 (earth) + 旦 (dawn); 然 = 肰 (dog meat) + 灬 (fire) — a suffix meaning 'thus'

Meaning

Calm and composed; unperturbed; at ease. Facing situations without anxiety or pretense.

Describes a state of mind where one faces circumstances — especially difficult or embarrassing ones — with composure and without defensiveness. Often used admiringly for those who handle adversity gracefully.

Examples

1. 他坦然承认了自己的错误，并表示愿意承担一切后果。 He calmly admitted his mistake and said he was willing to bear all the consequences.
2. 面对质疑，她坦然一笑，没有做任何辩解。 Facing the questioning, she smiled calmly and didn't offer any explanation.
3. 人生起落本是常态，坦然接受才能活得自在。 Life's ups and downs are normal — only by accepting them calmly can you live at ease.

Usage Guide

Context: psychological, philosophical, narrative

Tone: admiring

Do Say

• 他坦然面对困境。(He faced the difficulties with composure.)
• 坦然接受结果吧。(Accept the outcome with peace of mind.)

Don't Say

• 用'坦然'形容麻木或不在乎 (坦然 implies grace and composure, not indifference or numbness)

Origin & History

坦 means open or level, 然 is a suffix meaning 'in such a manner.' Together: in an open, composed manner.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal