Chinese idiom · 成语
心旷神怡
Meaning
Heart open, spirit joyful; serene contentment.
Character by character
Origin and story
literary descriptionFan Zhongyan's Record of Yueyang Tower contrasts the feelings that visitors might experience in different conditions on Dongting Lake. One scene is dark, windy, and oppressive; another opens into clear spring weather, quiet water, birds, and fish. On a beautiful evening, moonlight and fishermen's songs complete the transformation. A visitor ascending the tower then feels the heart expand and the spirit become joyful, momentarily forgetting worries about favor or disgrace. The idiom comes from this imagined response to the landscape. It now describes the refreshing sense of ease and well-being that a beautiful or peaceful setting can bring.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
清晨沿着海边散步，凉风吹来，令人心旷神怡。
A morning walk beside the sea, with the cool breeze blowing, feels wonderfully refreshing.
Often describes the uplifting, relaxing effect of scenery, fresh air, or a pleasant atmosphere.