Understanding "天下大同" (tiān xià dà tóng): Definition, Breakdown, and Examples

Definition:

"天下大同" (tiān xià dà tóng) is a Chinese idiom meaning "a world of great harmony." This phrase envisions an ideal society where everyone lives in peace and equality, with harmony and fairness prevailing throughout the world. It represents a utopian vision of universal brotherhood and justice.

Breakdown:

1. 天 (tiān) - heaven, sky, world

2. 下 (xià) - under, below (used here to mean "world")

3. 大 (dà) - great, big

4. 同 (tóng) - same, together, harmony

Examples:

1. Example 1:

- Sentence: 孔子的理想社会就是天下大同，每个人都能享有平等和幸福。

- Translation: Confucius's ideal society is "天下大同," where everyone can enjoy equality and happiness.

- Explanation: This example shows how Confucius envisioned a world of great harmony where equality and happiness are universal, illustrating the concept of "天下大同."

2. Example 2:

- Sentence: 在科技发达的未来，我们希望能够实现天下大同，让所有人都过上美好的生活。

- Translation: In a technologically advanced future, we hope to achieve "天下大同," allowing everyone to live a good life.

- Explanation: This example highlights the aspiration for a future where technological advancements bring about a harmonious and equitable world, demonstrating the idiom's meaning.

These examples and explanations illustrate how "天下大同" can be applied in different contexts to express the vision of a harmonious and just society where everyone lives in peace and equality.