坦荡 (tǎn dàng) is an adjective describing a person’s moral character and mental disposition—specifically, being open-minded, honest, upright, and free from hidden motives or guilt. The first character 坦 means 'flat,' 'open,' or 'unobstructed,' evoking clarity and straightforwardness; the second character 荡 means 'to sway' or 'to sweep away,' suggesting freedom from inner turmoil or concealment. Together, they paint a vivid image of a mind as clear and uncluttered as a wide, level plain—no shadows, no pretense.

This word is often used in formal or literary contexts to praise integrity, especially in moral evaluation or self-reflection. It frequently appears in phrases like 坦荡荡 (tǎn dàng dàng, reduplicated for emphasis) or in compound expressions such as 坦荡胸怀 (an open and magnanimous heart). While it carries positive ethical weight, it is not typically used to describe objects or situations directly—it centers on human virtue and psychological transparency.