October 15, 2026 · 星期四
Harmony
和· to complete a set in mahjong or playing cards
Today’s episode with Jason & AmyHarmony is a guiding principle in Chinese culture, emphasizing the value of balance and unity.
寒露 marks the point when the dew turns cold and may verge on frost, signaling a sharper, deeper autumn chill. The air grows dry and brisk, migrating birds head south, and chrysanthemums come into bloom.
People climb heights to admire the autumn views, enjoy chrysanthemums, and in some places drink chrysanthemum wine for health.
Harmony
和hé
In Chinese culture, the concept of 和 (hé), meaning harmony, is deeply ingrained and celebrated. This ideal is reflected in a common saying, "harmony is precious" (和为贵), emphasizing the value of balance and unity in personal and social contexts[1]. Harmony is seen as a guiding principle that fosters peace and cooperation, whether it be within a family, community, or broader society.
In traditional Chinese philosophy, harmony is not simply about the absence of conflict but about creating a balance between different elements. The teachings of Confucius often highlight the importance of maintaining harmonious relations, suggesting that a well-ordered society depends on harmonious interactions at all levels[2]. This philosophical focus on balance and moderation can be seen in various aspects of Chinese life, from the design of gardens and architecture to the composition of music and art.
The concept of harmony extends into cultural practices such as the game of mahjong. In mahjong, the word 和 (hé) is also used to describe completing a winning set, symbolizing the achievement of balance and order in the game. This reflects the broader cultural appreciation for harmony found in many traditional Chinese activities. The pursuit of harmony encourages individuals to seek understanding and compromise, fostering a more cohesive and supportive environment.
Today, as we celebrate the idea of harmony, we are reminded of its relevance in our daily lives. Whether through a harmonious family gathering or achieving a winning hand in mahjong, the principle of 和 continues to guide and enrich Chinese culture, encouraging us to find balance and peace in all we do.
Harmony is a guiding principle in Chinese culture, emphasizing the value of balance and unity.
今天我们谈和。
Jīntiān wǒmen tán hé.
Today we talk about harmony.
- [1] Confucius, Analects (《论语》)
- [2] Confucius, Doctrine of the Mean (《中庸》)
Jason & Amy on 和
Podcast: Dragon Daily: Harmony — and the word 和
Jason & Amy on Harmony and 和
New here?
October 15, 2026
Today highlights contributions in science and the arts, featuring notable figures and technological achievements in Chinese history.
Birth of Temür Khan, Emperor Chengzong of Yuan
Temür Khan, known as Emperor Chengzong of Yuan, was born. He ruled as the second emperor of the Yuan dynasty, continuing the policies of his grandfather Kublai Khan.
His reign helped solidify Yuan rule and promote cultural and economic integration in the empire.
Read more
Will629 / Wikimedia Commons (CC0) sourcelicence Birth of Stephy Tang, Hong Kong Singer
Stephy Tang, a well-known singer and actress from Hong Kong, was born. She gained fame as a member of the Cantopop group Cookies and has had a successful solo career.
Stephy Tang has significantly influenced the Cantopop music scene and popular culture in Hong Kong.
Read more
China News Service / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0) sourcelicence Launch of Shenzhou 5, China's First Crewed Space Mission 神舟五号
China launched Shenzhou 5, its first crewed space mission, making astronaut Yang Liwei the first Chinese person in space. The spacecraft orbited Earth 14 times over 21 hours.
This event marked a major milestone in China's advancements in space exploration.
Read more
我们一起打和。
Wǒmen yīqǐ dǎ hé.
Let's play a winning set.
This shows the use of 和 in the context of a game.
这是一种和的方式。
Zhè shì yī zhǒng hé de fāngshì.
This is a way of harmony.
It describes a method or approach to achieving harmony.
和是一种重要的理念。
Hé shì yī zhǒng zhòngyào de lǐniàn.
Harmony is an important concept.
This highlights the significance of harmony as a concept.
社会的和谐需要大家的努力。
Shèhuì de héxié xūyào dàjiā de nǔlì.
Social harmony requires everyone's effort.
This uses 和 in an abstract sense to describe societal balance.
Using 和 as a conjunction
noun + 和 + noun
和 can be used as a conjunction to link two nouns, representing 'and' in English.
Use 和 to connect two nouns when listing items or subjects together.
苹果和香蕉
Píngguǒ hé xiāngjiāo
apples and bananas
你和我
Nǐ hé wǒ
you and me
猫和狗
Māo hé gǒu
cats and dogs
What does 和 mean?
How is 和 pronounced?
How do you write "harmony" in Chinese?
Listen. What does the sentence mean?
苹果和___。(Apples and ___.)
我们一起打和。 — What does this sentence mean?
What does the concept of 和 emphasize?
Arrange into a correct sentence
Who was the first Chinese astronaut in space?
Which Cantopop group did Stephy Tang originally belong to?
Frequently asked questions about the word 和
Yes, 和 can be used to connect three or more items in a list, similar to 'and' in English.
Yes, 和 is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, making it versatile in various contexts.
Generally, it's pronounced hé, but in Taiwan, it may be pronounced as hàn or huó depending on the context.
Chinese Learner’s Horoscope
Your sign’s reading for today, written for learners.
Find your sign
The Chinese zodiac assigns each birth year one of twelve animals, each paired with an element that colours its character. Yours shapes a reading written for learners.
- Your sign and its elementOne of twelve animals on a 12-year cycle
- A daily affirmationFresh every morning, never repeated
- A learning horoscopeWhat to study today, and when
- A lucky characterWith pinyin, meaning and a study tip
Your birth date
Saved on this device — used only to work out your zodiac sign.
Today's Mandarin word: 和 (hé) — to complete a set in mahjong or playing cards.
Learn it on Mandarin Temple's Dragon Daily 🐉