席地而坐 sit on the ground
Explanation
席地而坐指在铺了席子的地上坐。现在一般指随便地在地上坐。
Xí dì ér zuò refers to sitting on the ground that has been covered with mats. Nowadays, it generally refers to sitting on the ground casually.
Origin Story
唐朝时期，一位隐士隐居在深山，过着与世无争的生活。一日，一位官员来访，这位隐士并未摆出盛大的宴席，而是简单地准备了一些茶水和点心。官员来到隐士的住所，只见他屋内简陋，只有一张简单的床和一些日常用品。隐士热情地邀请官员席地而坐，两人便在简陋的房间里促膝长谈，畅所欲言。谈话中，隐士讲述了他在山中的生活，以及对人生的感悟。官员被隐士的淡泊名利和超然物外的态度所打动，深受启发。官员告辞离去后，他常常回忆起这次访谈，反思自己追求功名的欲望，并决心改变自己的生活方式，过着更加淡泊名利的生活。
During the Tang Dynasty, a hermit lived in seclusion in the deep mountains, leading a life free from worldly concerns. One day, an official came to visit, and the hermit didn't prepare a grand feast, but simply some tea and snacks. The official arrived at the hermit's dwelling and found his house simple, with only a plain bed and some everyday necessities. The hermit warmly invited the official to sit on the floor, and the two sat together in the simple room, chatting freely. In their conversation, the hermit talked about his mountain life and his insights into life. The official was touched by the hermit's detachment from fame and fortune and his transcendent attitude, and was deeply inspired. After the official left, he often recalled this conversation, reflected on his desire for fame, and decided to change his lifestyle and live a simpler and less worldly life.
Usage
多用于描写比较随便、轻松的场合，例如野餐、聚会等。
It is mostly used to describe relatively casual and relaxed occasions, such as picnics or gatherings.
Examples
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会议期间，大家席地而坐，气氛十分轻松。
huìyì qījiān, dàjiā xí dì ér zuò, qìfēn shífēn qīngsōng.
During the meeting, everyone sat on the ground, and the atmosphere was very relaxed.
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孩子们在草地上席地而坐，嬉戏玩耍。
háizi men zài cǎodì shang xí dì ér zuò, xīxì wánshuǎi.
The children sat on the lawn and played games.