物极必反
物极必反 (wù jí bì fǎn) literally means “things at extreme reverse” and expresses “extremes lead to reversal”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: wu ji bi fan, wu ji bi fan,物极必反 meaning, 物极必反 in english
Extremes lead to reversal
Pronunciation: wù jí bì fǎn
Literal meaning: Things at extreme reverse
Origin & Usage
This idiom captures a fundamental principle of Chinese philosophy: when things (物) reach their extreme (极), they inevitably (必) reverse (反). First articulated in the I Ching, it reflects observations of natural cycles like the changing seasons. During the Warring States period, strategists applied this principle to military and political planning, warning against pushing advantages too far. The concept gained renewed significance during the Song Dynasty as Neo-Confucian scholars integrated it into their understanding of social and moral dynamics. Modern usage serves as a reminder about the dangers of extremes in any context - from business cycles and social movements to personal behavior patterns.
Examples
English: "After the market peaked, a correction was inevitable"
Chinese: 市场达到顶峰后，调整是不可避免的
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 物极必反 mean in English?
物极必反 (wù jí bì fǎn) literally translates to “Things at extreme reverse” and is used to express “Extremes lead to reversal”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 物极必反 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving extremes lead to reversal.
What is the pinyin for 物极必反?
The pinyin pronunciation for 物极必反 is “wù jí bì fǎn”.