Definition
This is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning 'to die with a smile in the Nine Springs (the underworld)' — i.e., to pass away without regret, content that one's wishes have been fulfilled or justice has been done. It's used in formal or literary contexts, often in eulogies, obituaries, or when someone's final wish comes true after their death. The 'Nine Springs' is a classical Chinese term for the afterlife.
f.e.
to die content and without regret (idiom)
Examples
- ，含笑九泉。Kàn dào háizi shìyè yǒu chéng, lǎorén zhōngyú kěyǐ hán xiào jiǔ quán le.Seeing his child successful in his career, the old man could finally die content.
- ，含笑九泉。Rúguǒ xiōngshǒu bèi shéng zhī yǐ fǎ, shòuhàizhě jiāshǔ cáinéng hán xiào jiǔ quán.Only if the murderer is brought to justice can the victim's family rest in peace.
- ，：“含笑九泉。”Tā yìshēng wèi guó fèngxiàn, línzhōng qián shuō: “Wǒ hán xiào jiǔ quán yǐ.”He dedicated his life to the country and said before passing: 'I die without regret.'
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