漱流枕石 — “To live a life of seclusion”
漱流枕石 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to live a life of seclusion”. Often in nature, embracing a rustic or unconventional lifestyle. Literally, “Gargle with the stream, pillow on the stone”.
漱流枕石 Pronunciation and Pinyin
漱流枕石 Character Breakdown
Stroke OrderExample Sentence with 漱流枕石
Origin and Story of 漱流枕石
When Sun Zijing was young, he had no desire for an official career and intended to live in seclusion.
He told Wang Wuzi that he would 'gargle with stones and pillow on streams' (漱石枕流), when he actually meant 'gargle with streams and pillow on stones' (漱流枕石).
Wang Wuzi was greatly amused and laughed at him for suggesting he would gargle with stones and use a stream as a pillow.
Sun Zijing had to quickly explain, 'Using a stream as a pillow allows one to wash their ears, and gargling with stones can polish one's teeth.'
Idioms Related to 漱流枕石
Synonyms of 漱流枕石
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Open the tool →Questions about 漱流枕石
What does 漱流枕石 mean?
漱流枕石 (shù liú zhěn shí) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to live a life of seclusion”.
How do you pronounce 漱流枕石?
漱流枕石 is pronounced shù liú zhěn shí in Mandarin Chinese.
What does 漱流枕石 literally mean?
Literally, 漱流枕石 means “Gargle with the stream, pillow on the stone”. It is used to mean “to live a life of seclusion”.
Where does 漱流枕石 come from?
漱流枕石 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
What is the Chinese definition of 漱流枕石?
犹言漱石枕流。旧时指隐居生活。