# 天真烂漫

tiān zhēn làn màn

Be open, unaffected, and naturally cheerful

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Innocent and brightly spontaneous

**Traditional Chinese:** 天真爛漫

**Register:** General · spoken & written

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Describe a fresh, unselfconscious manner.

Do not assume that openness means a lack of intelligence.

## The image & its use

The expression joins an uncomplicated outlook with lively natural expression. It often describes children enjoying an activity or someone whose enthusiasm feels spontaneous rather than arranged for an audience. The warmth comes from sincerity and an absence of pretension. It need not claim that the person understands nothing difficult. When used about an adult, consider the tone: it can be affectionate, but may sound patronizing if it dismisses their judgment.

## Examples

孩子们天真烂漫地谈着梦想。

### Traditional Chinese

孩子們天真爛漫地談著夢想。

hái zi men tiān zhēn làn màn dì tán zhe mèng xiǎng 。

The children spoke about their dreams with natural openness.

她画里的小动物天真烂漫。

### Traditional Chinese

她畫裡的小動物天真爛漫。

tā huà lǐ de xiǎo dòng wù tiān zhēn làn màn 。

The little animals in her drawings look cheerful and unaffected.

这首歌保留了天真烂漫的气息。

### Traditional Chinese

這首歌保留了天真爛漫的氣息。

zhè shǒu gē bǎo liú le tiān zhēn làn màn de qì xī 。

The song keeps a fresh and innocent spirit.

他喜欢这种天真烂漫的笑容。

### Traditional Chinese

他喜歡這種天真爛漫的笑容。

tā xǐ huan zhè zhǒng tiān zhēn làn màn de xiào róng 。

He likes that natural, unguarded smile.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 7, 2026.

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=1094&webMd=1&la=0)

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%A4%A9%E7%9C%9F%E7%88%9B%E6%BC%AB)

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