In Chinese culture, there's a deep-seated appreciation for fleeting moments of good fortune and happiness. Nándé is a key term that expresses this value. It reflects a mindset of cherishing what you have, especially when it's uncommon. It encourages a “count your blessings” attitude. A useful comparison is to the English word “rare.” In English, “rare” can be a neutral, factual descriptor (e.g., “a rare stamp,” “a rare-cooked steak”) or even negative (“a rare disease”). Nándé, however, is almost exclusively positive. It carries an inherent sense of appreciation. You would never describe a disease as nándé because that would imply it's a valuable, positive thing. Instead, nándé is reserved for things that bring a sense of quiet joy and gratitude: a beautiful sunset, a moment of peace, or an act of kindness. Using it is a way of verbally acknowledging and treasuring good fortune.
Nándé is extremely common in everyday conversation. It can be used in several ways:
The most common mistake for English speakers is to use nándé for anything that is statistically “rare.” Remember, nándé implies value and appreciation.
The key is to ask yourself: “Is this rare thing a good thing? Is it something to be cherished?” If the answer is yes, nándé is likely the right word.