Definition
与世无争 (yǔ shì wú zhēng) is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'disputing with the world about nothing'. It describes someone who chooses to stay detached from worldly competition, fame, and power struggles — living a quiet, self-content life without seeking to outdo others. You can use it to praise a person's peaceful character or a lifestyle of voluntary simplicity.
f.e.
to hold oneself aloof from worldly affairsto be detached and not strive for fame or gain
Examples
- ,与世无争。Tā tuìxiū hòu bān dào xiāngxià, guò qǐ le yú de shēnghuó.After retirement, he moved to the countryside and started a life aloof from worldly affairs.
- 与世无争,。Zhè wèi lǎo huàjiā yìshēng yú, zhǐ zhuānzhù yú yìshù chuàngzuò.This old painter spent his whole life detached from worldly affairs, focusing solely on artistic creation.
- 与世无争,。yú de rén wǎngwǎng gèngjiā kuàilè, yīnwèi tāmen bù yǔ rén pānbǐ.People who hold themselves aloof from the world are often happier because they don't compare themselves with others.
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