The Chinese idiom 忍氣吞聲 (rěn qì tūn shēng) embodies a profound cultural concept that reflects the pragmatic approach to conflict and stress in Chinese society. In this article, we will dive into its meaning, explore the grammatical structure, and provide example sentences to enhance your understanding of this important expression.
The Meaning of 忍氣吞聲

At its core, 忍氣吞聲 translates to “enduring anger and swallowing one’s voice.” The idiom expresses the idea of bearing with hardship, suppressing one’s emotions, or enduring oppression without retaliating. It suggests a passive acceptance of unfavorable situations, often due to cultural values such as harmony and humility.
Cultural Connotations
This idiom is closely tied to the Confucian values often present in Chinese culture, where maintaining social harmony and avoiding direct confrontations are emphasized. Individuals who embrace this approach are typically viewed as patient and virtuous, even at the cost of personal dissatisfaction.
Grammatical Structure of 忍氣吞聲
The phrase 忍氣吞聲 (rěn qì tūn shēng) is composed of four characters, each contributing to its overall meaning:
- 忍 (rěn): To endure or to tolerate.
- 氣 (qì): Anger or spirit.
- 吞 (tūn): To swallow.
- 聲 (shēng)
: Voice or sound.
The structure showcases a complementary function of the verbs and nouns, forming a complete thought that emphasizes the act of enduring and suppressing. The first two components, 忍氣, indicate the will to tolerate, while the latter two, 吞聲, highlight the action of swallowing one’s voice.
Example Sentences Using 忍氣吞聲
To fully grasp the application of 忍氣吞聲 in everyday conversations, consider the following examples:
Example 1
在这个竞争激烈的工作环境中,她选择忍气吞声,以保护自己的职位。
Translation: “In this fiercely competitive work environment, she chose to endure and suppress her voice to protect her position.”
Example 2
有时候,忍气吞声是解决家庭纠纷的最佳方法。
Translation: “Sometimes, enduring and swallowing one’s voice is the best way to resolve family disputes.”
Example 3
尽管他感到不公,但他还是决定忍气吞声,避免与同事发生冲突。
Translation: “Although he felt wronged, he decided to endure and keep silent to avoid conflict with his colleague.”
Conclusion
The idiom 忍氣吞聲 (rěn qì tūn shēng) serves as a window into the complexities of interpersonal relationships and cultural values in Chinese society. By understanding its meaning, grammatical structure, and contextual applications through various sentences, one can appreciate the nuances of using this expression effectively. Whether in formal communication or casual conversations, embracing the implications of 忍氣吞聲 can provide deeper insights into cultural interactions in the Chinese-speaking world.

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