明鏡止水(めいきょうしすい)

めいきょうしすい
noun; na-adjective
serene mind; clear and calm
1. a serene and clear mind
A state of mental clarity and calmness, like a bright mirror or still water. Describes a mind free from distractions and disturbances.
明鏡止水(めいきょうしすい)の境地(きょうち)で試合(しあい)に臨(のぞ)んだ。
I faced the match with a clear and calm mind.
瞑想(めいそう)で明鏡止水(めいきょうしすい)の心(こころ)を目指(めざ)す。
Through meditation, I aim for a state of mental clarity.
彼(かれ)は明鏡止水(めいきょうしすい)な態度(たいど)で難題(なんだい)に取(と)り組(く)んだ。
He tackled the difficult problem with a serene attitude.

YOJIJUKUGO (四字熟語(よじじゅくご)): This is a four-character compound idiom.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:

  • 明(めい) - bright, clear
  • 鏡(きょう) - mirror
  • 止(し) - still, stopped
  • 水(すい) - water

IMAGERY: Combines two classical images of clarity:

  • 明鏡(めいきょう) (bright mirror) - reflects things as they truly are
  • 止水(しすい) (still water) - undisturbed, calm surface

USAGE CONTEXTS:

  • Martial arts and sports (mental preparation)
  • Meditation and spiritual practice
  • Business negotiations (keeping composure)
  • Academic examinations (staying calm under pressure)

USAGE PATTERNS:

  • 明鏡止水(めいきょうしすい)の境地(きょうち) (state of serenity)
  • 明鏡止水(めいきょうしすい)の心(こころ)/気持(きも)ち (calm mind)

SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:

  • 平常心(へいじょうしん) (equanimity, composure)
  • 不動心(ふどうしん) (imperturbable mind)
  • 冷静沈着(れいせいちんちゃく) (cool and composed)

Related Words

Related: 平常心(へいじょうしん) (equanimity)
general
Added 2026.1.19 8:54 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
07000/07123_meikyoushisui