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行雲流水

행운유수 行雲流水

Looking as natural and unhindered as floating clouds and flowing water.

Chinese Idiom 4-character idiom Learn with Music
Quick Answer

행운유수 (行雲流水) means "Looking as natural and unhindered as floating clouds and flowing water.". This idiom originated from Su Dongpo (Su Shi), a renowned writer of the Northern Song dynasty, who d

1 Meaning

행운유수 (行雲流水) means “Looking as natural and unhindered as floating clouds and flowing water.”.

Haeng-un-yu-su translates to 'floating clouds and flowing water,' symbolizing a natural and unhindered flow of events or situations. It represents a flexible attitude toward life, letting things take their natural course without artificial manipulation or obsessive attachment.

2 Examples

1

Experiencing sudden project budget cuts and schedule changes at work.

Flexibly adjusting goals and directions to match current resources instead of stubbornly stressing over original plans.

2

Facing an awkward phase with a friend or partner due to a minor misunderstanding.

Allowing natural time for emotions to settle rather than pressuring the other person for an immediate reconciliation.

3

An artist or writer experiencing a creative block due to perfectionism.

Letting go of the pressure to be perfect and freely sketching out inspirations as they drift into mind like clouds.

Which situation fits this idiom?

Pick the everyday scene where “행운유수” fits best.

3 Origin

This idiom originated from Su Dongpo (Su Shi), a renowned writer of the Northern Song dynasty, who described his own writing style by saying, 'It is like floating clouds and flowing water, initially having no fixed form.' This concept extends beyond writing to embody a broader wisdom of life: adapting to the natural flow of the universe rather than rigidly clinging to forced outcomes. It illustrates the elegant and natural movement of letting things flow effortlessly, much like water gently moving along its path.

4 Key Lessons

1

Allow yourself the freedom to trust the natural flow of situations rather than forcing control.

2

Adapt flexibly to changing circumstances and let go of rigid attachments to specific outcomes.

3

Move forward by harmonizing with your surroundings while maintaining your own gentle rhythm.

5 English Expression

English Vocabulary

bloom

피어나다, 만발하다

"The flowers in the garden begin to bloom in spring."

on cue

마침맞게, 신호에 맞춰

"Right on cue, the sun came out from behind the clouds."

tuck

밀어넣다, 숨기다

"He tucked the letter into his pocket."

crave

갈망하다

"I always crave chocolate when I'm stressed."

🔗 Same series — watch a related Short Related

🎲 乾坤一擲(건곤일척): 운명을 바꾸는 단 한 번의 담대한 결단
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6 Learn with Music

행운유수 track image

행운유수 Track

Silk in Motion (行雲流水)

억지로 힘을 주지 않아도 구름과 물결처럼 부드럽고 유려하게 서로의 호흡과 리듬을 타고 흐르는 모습을 그리며, 자연스럽고 막힘없는 아름다움이라는 **행운유수(行雲流水)**의 정서를 감각적으로 보여준다.

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행운유수

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