Definition
安生 is a stative verb describing a state of peace and stability, most commonly used for life or days (过安生日子 — 'live a peaceful life'). In negative statements with a person as the subject, it means 'unsettled, restless, causing trouble' (这孩子真不安生 — 'this child is really not calm/restful'). The English glosses 'peaceful, restful, quiet' only cover the first sense, so be aware that 安生 often contrasts with 不 quiet when applied to people.
s.v.
(of life, environment) peacefulstablefree from disturbance(of a person, usually in negative or rhetorical) calmwell-behavednot causing trouble
Examples
- ,安生。Tuìxiū hòu, tā xiǎng guò jǐ nián ān shēng de rìzi.After retirement, he wants to live a few years of peaceful life.
- ,。Zhè háizi zhēn bù ān shēng, yì tiān dào wǎn nào teng.This child is really restless; he makes a racket all day long.
- ,安生。Xīwàng zhè jiàn shì zǎodiǎn jiéshù, dàjiā dōu néng ān shēng xiē.I hope this matter ends soon so everyone can be a bit more at ease.
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