Definition
油然而生 is a fixed expression meaning that a feeling or thought arises naturally and spontaneously, without external prompting. The literal characters ('oil then arise') do not convey the meaning; it is a set phrase used with emotions like respect, admiration, or nostalgia.
f.e.
to arise spontaneously and naturally (of emotions, thoughts, or feelings)
Examples
- ，油然而生。Tīng le tā de gùshi, gǎndòng zhī xīn yóu rán ér shēng.After hearing his story, a feeling of being moved arose spontaneously.
- ，油然而生。Xiǎng dào guòqù de shíguāng, huáiniàn zhī qíng yóu rán ér shēng.Thinking of the past times, nostalgia arose spontaneously.
- ，油然而生。Duì lǎoshī de guānxīn, gǎnjī zhī qíng yóu rán ér shēng.Towards the teacher's care, gratitude arose spontaneously.
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