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March 24, 2026
一帆风顺(一帆風順)yìfānfēngshùn(yi4fan1feng1shun4)
一帆风顺 (yī fān fēng shùn) is an idiom that expresses the wish for things to go smoothly, especially during a journey or new endeavor. It literally means 'with a sail and favorable winds', indicating a journey that encounters no obstacles and proceeds without difficulty.
Frequency#15056DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, wishing someone 一帆风顺 is a common practice during events such as graduations or new job beginnings, reflecting a cultural emphasis on smooth progress and auspicious beginnings.
Memory Tip
Imagine a boat with a single sail (一帆) gliding effortlessly across a calm sea, propelled by a gentle breeze (风顺). Visualize the sailor smiling, knowing that the winds are perfectly in their favor, making the journey smooth and enjoyable.
Meanings of 一帆风顺
yìfānfēngshùn(yi4fan1feng1shun4)
1propitious wind throughout the journey (idiom)
2plain sailing
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About 一帆风顺
一帆风顺Simplified
一帆風順Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
成语chéngyǔidiom (id.)Part of Speech
#15056Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 一帆风顺
Podcast: 一帆风顺
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AI Study Notes for 一帆风顺
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a boat with a single sail (一帆) gliding effortlessly across a calm sea, propelled by a gentle breeze (风顺). Visualize the sailor smiling, knowing that the winds are perfectly in their favor, making the journey smooth and enjoyable.
Usage Notes
This idiom is often used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when wishing someone success in their endeavors. A common mistake is to use it inappropriately for situations that are not about journeys; it should be reserved for contexts where success and ease are desired.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 idiom, 一帆风顺 connects well with other expressions of good wishes and success. Focus on understanding its usage in context, and practice incorporating it into conversations about travel or new ventures.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, wishing someone 一帆风顺 is a common practice during events such as graduations or new job beginnings, reflecting a cultural emphasis on smooth progress and auspicious beginnings.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse this idiom's usage by applying it to situations that involve difficulties. For instance, saying '一帆风顺' after a setback would be incorrect; rather, it should be used in positive contexts only.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 一帆风顺
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Grammar Patterns of 一帆风顺
一帆风顺 functions as a four-character idiom (成语). Treat it as a fixed unit; it usually plays the role of a single adjective, adverb, or noun phrase inside the larger sentence. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Pregnancy wasn't all plain sailing and once again there were problems.
2
我想不起我的生活中有任何一帆风顺的事情。
wǒ xiǎng bù qǐ wǒ de shēng huó zhōng yǒu rèn hé yī fān fēng shùn de shì qíng。
I can't think of anything in my life that's going right.
Cultural Notes for 一帆风顺
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, wishing someone 一帆风顺 is a common practice during events such as graduations or new job beginnings, reflecting a cultural emphasis on smooth progress and auspicious beginnings.
Frequently Asked Questions about 一帆风顺
Yes, you can use 一帆风顺 to wish someone success in any endeavor, including personal projects.
While it's often used to wish good luck, it can also describe a situation that is currently going smoothly.
The literal translation is 'one sail, favorable winds', symbolizing a smooth journey.
