Chinese word

平常心

Pronunciation

Pinyinpíng cháng xīn

Meaning

  • nouncalmness

Example

上台前我尽量保持平常心。shàng tái qián wǒ jǐn liàng bǎo chí píng cháng xīn

Before going onstage, I try to stay calm.

Illustration for 平常心 (calmness)

More examples

考试时不要因为一道题就失去平常心。kǎo shì shí bú yào yīn wèi yí dào tí jiù shī qù píng cháng xīn

During an exam, do not lose your composure over just one question.

Core concept

A calm center that keeps emotion from taking control of thought and action.

Common phrases

  • 保持平常心bǎo chí píng cháng xīn

    keep calm

  • 失去平常心shī qù píng cháng xīn

    lose your composure

Similar words

自控力zì kòng lì: The power to manage one's own feelings and actions.
冷静状态lěng jìng zhuàng tài: A state of composure that remains steady despite emotional ups and downs.
沉着性格chén zhuó xìng gé: A composed nature that avoids panic when making decisions or taking action.

Definition in Chinese

指在重要场合或压力下，内心不被情绪左右、保持平稳且能做出理性判断的心态。zhǐ zài zhòng yào chǎng hé huò yā lì xià nèi xīn bú bèi qíng xù zuǒ yòu bǎo chí píng wěn qiě néng zuò chū lǐ xìng pàn duàn de xīn tài

Word origin

The compound 平常心 (píngchángxīn, "composure") joins 平常 (píngcháng, "usual") with 心 (xīn, "mind"), suggesting that steadiness comes from returning the mind to its everyday balance.

Usage tips

  • The idea does not imply passivity: careful preparation and decisive action can coexist with this steady mindset.

Other meanings

  • composurenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word