Hello, hello! Ni hao, dear language adventurers! Strap in because today, we’re going on a delightful journey to explore a Chinese idiom, or should I say, ChengYu – “想入非非” Xiǎngrùfēifēi. Grab your notebooks and pens, or just your curiosity, because we’re about to dive headfirst into the fascinating world of Mandarin idioms.
Now, let me take you back to my childhood.
Picture this: it’s a hot summer’s day in Taipei. The cicadas are singing, and the iced bubble tea in my hand is the only refuge from the sweltering heat. I’m sitting in my grandfather’s living room, his antique fan swirling lazily as he tells me tales of olden days. Each story, more fantastical than the last, and I, a wide-eyed child, am utterly engrossed, lost in a world of dragons and emperors. That’s when my grandmother, always the practical one, walked in and gently teased, “你又在想入非非!” – “You’re daydreaming again!”
It was then I was first introduced to the ChengYu, “想入非非.”
What Does “想入非非” Mean?
- Traditional Chinese: 想入非非
- Simplified Chinese: 想入非非
- Pinyin: Xiǎngrùfēifēi
- English: To indulge in fantasy
- Description: 想入非非 describes the act of letting your mind wander, of daydreaming, or indulging in wild fantasies. It beautifully encapsulates that feeling of losing yourself in a daydream, lost in your own world of imagination and whimsy.
History of 想入非非
The idiom “想入非非” originates from Buddhist scriptures, specifically from the term “非想非非想處”. This term refers to the highest state that a Buddhist meditator can reach during their practice. This concept is found in the ninth scroll of the “大佛頂首楞嚴經”.
In this state of “非想非非想處”, the meditator is able to abandon their original thoughts, feeling as if all secular things and their own body and mind have disappeared. It signifies a state of contemplation that has reached a transcendent and unworldly level.
However, over time, people who used this idiom but did not understand the true meaning of “非非” have transformed the entire idiom to describe imaginations or thoughts that are detached from reality.
Modern Usage of 想入非非
In modern Mandarin, “想入非非” is used to describe someone who is lost in thought or daydreaming, often with a touch of gentle teasing. For example, if your friend is staring into space during a conversation, you might playfully nudge them and say, “你在想入非非吗?” – “Are you daydreaming?”
This idiom is also used in more formal contexts to describe someone who is not being realistic or practical, often in discussions or debates. So, if someone proposes a plan that seems overly ambitious or far-fetched, you might hear someone say, “他的想法完全是想入非非” – “His ideas are completely unrealistic.”
3 Example Sentences of the Idiom 想入非非
Using example sentences is a great way to memorize idioms like 想入非非, here are a few to get started.
1. 看她望著窗外，我猜她又在想入非非。
2. 他的想法往往想入非非，與現實脫節。
3. 儘管他的計劃想入非非，但他的熱情和決心讓我們都被打動了。
1. Kàn tā wàng zhe chuāng wài, wǒ cāi tā yòu zài xiǎng rù fēi fēi.
2. Tā de xiǎngfǎ wǎngwǎng xiǎng rù fēi fēi, yǔ xiànshí tuōjié.
3. Jǐnguǎn tā de jìhuà xiǎng rù fēi fēi, dàn tā de rèqíng hé juéxīn ràng wǒmen dōu bèi dǎdòngle.
1. 看她望着窗外，我猜她又在想入非非。
2. 他的想法往往想入非非，与现实脱节。
3. 尽管他的计划想入非非，但他的热情和决心让我们都被打动了。
1. Seeing her staring out the window, I guess she is daydreaming again.
2. His ideas often indulge in fantasy, detached from reality.
3. Despite his plans being unrealistic, his passion and determination have moved us all.
And there you have it! Our journey through the charming world of the Chinese idiom “想入非非” Xiǎngrùfēifēi. Whether you’re a daydreamer, a realist, or somewhere in between, I hope you’ll find a place for this delightful idiom in your Mandarin repertoire.
Happy learning, and until next time, zai jian!
Want to learn Chinese and Chinese culture at the same time? Check out my list of 20 top Chinese idioms.
For further language learning inspiration and updates, be sure to follow Ting Ting Tai on Instagram. Our vibrant community of language enthusiasts shares fascinating facts, engaging language games, and delightful cultural insights to keep your motivation soaring.
We have exciting news for you! The launch of our weekly newsletter is right around the corner. Packed with language tips, cultural insights, and updates on new reading materials, this resource is a must-have to enrich your Chinese learning journey. Don’t miss out! Sign up now to be among the first to receive our newsletter directly to your inbox.
