Definition
行云流水 is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'moving clouds and flowing water.' It describes writing, calligraphy, or artistic expression that is natural, smooth, effortless, and unforced — as if flowing freely without obstruction. You use it to praise a piece of writing or a performance that feels organic and graceful, not stiff or labored.
idiom
natural and smootheffortless and graceful (of writing, calligraphy, or artistic style)
Examples
- 行云流水，。Tā de cǎoshū xiě de háng, fēicháng piàoliang.His cursive script is written with natural, flowing grace — very beautiful.
- 行云流水，。Zhè piān wénzhāng wénbǐ háng, dú qǐlái hěn shūfu.This article's writing style is smooth and natural; it's very pleasant to read.
- 行云流水，。Tā de yǎnjiǎng rú háng, yíngdé le dàjiā de zhǎngshēng.His speech was like flowing clouds and water — it won everyone's applause.
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