📖 Meaning
Free and unconstrained, living in leisure and contentment. It describes a state of being completely at ease without any worries or restrictions. The idiom conveys a carefree existence where one does as one pleases.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from Buddhist texts of the Song Dynasty. It appears in Shi Daoyuan's 'Jingde Chuandeng Lu' (景德传灯录), Volume 29, where it describes a person of great spirit moving freely and at ease without hindrance. It is also found in Shi Puji's 'Wudeng Huiyuan' (五灯会元), which mentions a monk after twelve years of monastic discipline living leisurely and contentedly, cheerful toward everyone and not bowing even before Buddhas. The idiom reflects the Chan Buddhist ideal of spiritual liberation attained through detachment.
💡 Example Usage
退休后他远离尘嚣，在乡间过着逍遥自在的日子。
After retiring, he left the hustle and bustle behind and lived a carefree, leisurely life in the countryside.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 逍遥自在
- Pinyin: xiāo yáo zì zài
- Literal Translation: wander freely, self at ease
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4