和平
hépíng
Peace
和平 is the most common and versatile word for "peace" in Mandarin Chinese. It refers to a state of tranquility, the absence of war, or harmony. It can be used for global peace, national peace, or a peaceful resolution to a conflict.
What does 和平 (hépíng) mean?
和平 (hépíng) means “peace” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “harmony flat.”
When to use it
Neutral. It's suitable for formal discussions about world peace (世界和平) and also for describing a peaceful environment. For inner calm or tranquility, you might use 平静. To describe a quiet, undisturbed place, you'd use 安静.
How to pronounce it
Sounds roughly like “HER-ping.” Both syllables are rising tones, but the first one is often pronounced a bit lighter when spoken naturally.
Other ways to say it
- 平静píngjìngcalm, tranquil (often for inner peace)
- 和平共处hépíng gòngchǔpeaceful coexistence (for international relations)
- 天下太平tiānxià tàipíngpeace throughout the land (a more classical expression)
Examples
我们都希望世界和平。
wǒmen dōu xīwàng shìjiè hépíng.
We all hope for world peace.
他内心很平静。
tā nèixīn hěn píngjìng.
He has inner peace / He is very calm inside.
两国决定和平解决争端。
liǎngguó juédìng hépíng jiějué zhēngduān.
The two countries decided to resolve the dispute peacefully.
Pro tip: While 和平 refers to the absence of conflict or a state of harmony, 平静 is more about a state of calm or tranquility, often internal or describing a quiet scene. 安静 refers to quietness, specifically the absence of noise.
Related phrases
勇气和力量 · Courage and strength谢谢光临 · Thank you for coming谢谢你的礼物 · Thank you for the gift
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