穅鐙（kāng dèng）

Pronunciation: kāng dèng

Basic Meaning: a rustic and simple lifestyle

Detailed Explanation: 穅鐙 is a compound word made up of the characters 穅 (kāng) and 鐙 (dèng). 穅 refers to the husk of grain, while 鐙 refers to a wooden pestle used for pounding grain. In ancient China, people relied on manual labor to process grain and make food. The idiom 穅鐙 is used to describe a simple and rustic lifestyle, emphasizing the virtues of hard work, frugality, and contentment.

Usage Scenarios: This idiom can be used in various situations where one wants to express admiration or praise for a simple and humble lifestyle. It can also be used to encourage others to live a simple life and appreciate the value of hard work.

Story Origin: The idiom 穅鐙 originates from the story of a famous poet in ancient China named Tao Yuanming. Tao Yuanming was known for his rejection of the official career path and his pursuit of a simple life in the countryside. He wrote a famous poem called "Peach Blossom Spring," which describes an idealized utopia where people live in harmony with nature. The idiom 穅鐙 is inspired by Tao Yuanming's philosophy and his longing for a simple and contented life.

Structure of the Idiom: The idiom 穅鐙 follows the structure of a compound word, combining two characters with related meanings to create a new concept.

Example Sentences:

1. 他過著穅鐙的生活，每天種地、捕魚，過得非常滿足。

Translation: He lives a rustic and simple life, farming and fishing every day, and he is very content.

2. 她喜歡遠離城市的喧囂，選擇了穅鐙的生活方式。

Translation: She enjoys being away from the hustle and bustle of the city and chooses a simple lifestyle.

Memory Techniques: To remember the idiom 穅鐙, you can associate the character 穅 with the husk of grain and imagine a wooden pestle pounding the grain, symbolizing the hard work and simplicity associated with this idiom.

Extended Learning: To further understand the concept of a rustic and simple lifestyle, you can explore other related idioms and poems by Tao Yuanming, such as 高山流水 (gāo shān liú shuǐ) and 閑云野鶴 (xián yún yě hè).

Example Sentences from Different Age Groups:

1. Children: 我喜歡過穅鐙的生活，種花、養小動物，很開心。

Translation: I like living a rustic and simple life, planting flowers, and raising small animals. It's very enjoyable.

2. Teenagers: 在這個物質社會，很多人追求奢華，但我更向往穅鐙的生活方式。

Translation: In this materialistic society, many people pursue luxury, but I aspire to a rustic and simple lifestyle.

3. Adults: 現代社會太忙碌了，我渴望能過上穅鐙的生活，遠離喧囂，享受寧靜。

Translation: Modern society is too busy, and I long for a rustic and simple life, away from the noise, and enjoy tranquility.