以和为贵
以和为贵 (yǐ hé wéi guì) literally means “value harmony as precious” and expresses “value harmony above all”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
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Value harmony above all
Pronunciation: yǐ hé wéi guì
Literal meaning: Value harmony as precious
Origin & Usage
This idiom, promoting harmony (和) as precious (贵), traces back to the Zhou Dynasty classic 'Guoyu,' reflecting early Chinese diplomatic philosophy. The concept gained renewed importance during the Tang Dynasty's cosmopolitan empire, where it guided both domestic governance and international relations. The phrase suggests that harmony is more valuable than victory in confrontation, advocating for balanced solutions over dominant ones. During the Song Dynasty, Neo-Confucian philosophers expanded its meaning to include personal relationships and social order. Modern usage promotes conflict resolution through compromise and mutual understanding, particularly valuable in business negotiations and international relations.
Examples
English: "Instead of arguing, they found a compromise that benefited everyone"
Chinese: 他们没有争吵，而是找到了一个对大家都有利的折中方案
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Related Chinese Idioms
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 以和为贵 mean in English?
以和为贵 (yǐ hé wéi guì) literally translates to “Value harmony as precious” and is used to express “Value harmony above all”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 以和为贵 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving value harmony above all.
What is the pinyin for 以和为贵?
The pinyin pronunciation for 以和为贵 is “yǐ hé wéi guì”.