从容 (cóng róng) is an adverb meaning 'calmly' or 'unhurriedly'—it describes doing something with composure, confidence, and without anxiety or haste. The character 从 (cóng) suggests 'following' or 'in accordance with', while 容 (róng) means 'to accommodate' or 'to tolerate', but here evokes the idea of inner spaciousness and ease. Together, they convey a state of mental openness and steady presence, as if one’s actions naturally flow from inner calm rather than external pressure.

This word often appears in formal or literary contexts—describing someone’s demeanor during a speech, exam, crisis, or performance. It implies not just slowness, but poise rooted in preparation, self-assurance, or emotional maturity. Unlike casual synonyms like 慢慢地 (màn man de), 从容 carries a positive connotation of grace under pressure and is frequently used to praise someone’s composed conduct in challenging situations.