📖 Meaning
This idiom refers to understanding the times and adapting to circumstances, living a carefree and leisurely life. It evokes an image of bathing in the Yi River and enjoying the breeze at the rain altar, symbolizing a contented, untroubled attitude toward life.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Analects (Lunyu), chapter 'Xian Jin' (Advanced), where Confucius asked his disciples about their aspirations. Zeng Xi (Zeng Dian) replied that in late spring he wished to bathe in the Yi River, enjoy the breeze at the rain altar (Wuyu), and return home singing. Confucius sighed in admiration, saying he shared Zeng Xi's ideal. The idiom thus came to represent a carefree, refined enjoyment of life in harmony with nature.
💡 Example Usage
他向往沂水舞雩的逍遥生活，不愿为名利奔波。
He yearns for the carefree life of bathing in the Yi River and enjoying the breeze at the rain altar, unwilling to toil for fame and wealth.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 沂水舞雩
- Pinyin: yí shuǐ wǔ yú
- Literal Translation: Yi River, dance, rain-altar
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4