因果报应
因果报应 (yīn guǒ bào yìng) literally means “cause and effect return” and expresses “actions have consequences”. 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: yin guo bao ying, yin guo bao ying,因果报应 meaning, 因果报应 in english
Actions have consequences
Pronunciation: yīn guǒ bào yìng
Literal meaning: Cause and effect return
Origin & Usage
This idiom encapsulates the Buddhist concept that causes (因) and effects (果) inevitably return (报应) as consequences. Introduced with Buddhism during the Han Dynasty, it gained widespread acceptance during the Tang period, offering a sophisticated framework for understanding moral causation. The concept differs from simple fate by emphasizing personal responsibility and the complex interconnection of actions and consequences. During the Song Dynasty, it influenced Neo-Confucian thought, combining with traditional Chinese ethics. Modern usage extends beyond religious contexts to describe how actions inevitably have consequences, particularly in discussions of ethics, environmental responsibility, and long-term planning.
Examples
English: "His kindness to others eventually came back to benefit him"
Chinese: 他对他人的善意最终回报到了他身上
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Related Chinese Idioms
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 因果报应 mean in English?
因果报应 (yīn guǒ bào yìng) literally translates to “Cause and effect return” and is used to express “Actions have consequences”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 因果报应 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving actions have consequences.
What is the pinyin for 因果报应?
The pinyin pronunciation for 因果报应 is “yīn guǒ bào yìng”.