Definition
闲庭信步 (xián tíng xìn bù) is a four-character idiom from Mao Zedong's poem 水调歌头·游泳, literally 'stroll idly in a courtyard.' Figuratively it describes acting with calm confidence and unhurried ease, especially when facing a challenge. You can use it to praise someone who remains composed under pressure — a quality valued in Chinese cultural discourse.
f.e.
to walk leisurely and confidentlyto act calmly and unhurriedly in a tense situation
Examples
- ，闲庭信步，。Miànduì jīliè de jìngzhēng, tā yīrán xián tíng xìn bù, háo wú jǐnzhāng zhī sè.Facing fierce competition, he still strolled leisurely and showed no sign of nervousness.
- ，闲庭信步，。Kǎoshì qián dàjiā dōu máng zhe fùxí, zhǐyǒu tā xián tíng xìn bù, xiàng méi shì yíyàng.Before the exam everyone was busy reviewing, only he walked leisurely as if nothing was happening.
- 闲庭信步，。Tā zài tánpàn zhōng xián tíng xìn bù, zuìzhōng yíngdé le duìfāng de xìnrèn.He acted calmly and confidently in the negotiations and ultimately won the other side's trust.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.