# 如鱼得水

rú yú dé shuǐ

Thrive in a fitting environment

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** A fish obtains water

**Traditional Chinese:** 如魚得水

**Register:** Appreciative · general

[Change & possibility](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/change)

## When to use it

Describe finding the right setting or support.

Requires a useful fit, not simply good luck.

## Understanding the expression

Water gives a fish the conditions needed to move and live freely. The expression describes a person finding an environment, role, or partner that suits their abilities. Modern use often concerns work, study, or cooperation where obstacles diminish because the fit is good. It conveys ease and renewed energy. The person may still work hard, but effort now has the support and conditions needed to become effective and rewarding.

## Examples

她进入乐团后如鱼得水。

### Traditional Chinese

她進入樂團後如魚得水。

tā jìn rù yuè tuán hòu rú yú dé shuǐ 。

She thrived after joining the orchestra.

有了好搭档，他如鱼得水。

### Traditional Chinese

有了好搭檔，他如魚得水。

yǒu le hǎo dā dàng ， tā rú yú dé shuǐ 。

With a good partner, he works with ease.

这份工作让她如鱼得水。

### Traditional Chinese

這份工作讓她如魚得水。

zhè fèn gōng zuò ràng tā rú yú dé shuǐ 。

This job is an excellent fit for her.

在熟悉的实验室，他如鱼得水。

### Traditional Chinese

在熟悉的實驗室，他如魚得水。

zài shú xī de shí yàn shì ， tā rú yú dé shuǐ 。

He feels fully in his element in the familiar laboratory.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%A6%82%E9%AD%9A%E5%BE%97%E6%B0%B4)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=187&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [如愿以偿 rú yuàn yǐ cháng Have one’s wish fulfilled ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ru-yuan-yi-chang)

- [塞翁失马 sài wēng shī mǎ A setback may turn out to be a blessing ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/sai-weng-shi-ma)

- [姗姗来迟 shān shān lái chí Arrive noticeably late ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/shan-shan-lai-chi)

- [事过境迁 shì guò jìng qiān Circumstances have changed since the event ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/shi-guo-jing-qian)

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