三思而行
三思而行 (sān sī ér xíng) literally means “think three times then act” and expresses “think thrice before acting”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: san si er xing, san si er xing,三思而行 meaning, 三思而行 in english
Think thrice before acting
Pronunciation: sān sī ér xíng
Literal meaning: Think three times then act
Origin & Usage
First recorded in the Analects of Confucius, where the Master responded to Zengzi's interpretation of reflection (思) three times (三) before action (行). The number three held significance in Confucian thought, representing completeness. During the Song Dynasty, philosophers expanded this concept into a systematic approach to decision-making: examining a matter's past precedent, present circumstances, and future implications. This methodical approach influenced Chinese bureaucratic practices for centuries. Today, it advocates for careful deliberation in an age of rapid decisions, particularly in professional and personal life-changing choices.
Examples
English: "She carefully considered all implications before making the decision"
Chinese: 她在做决定之前仔细考虑了所有影响
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 三思而行 mean in English?
三思而行 (sān sī ér xíng) literally translates to “Think three times then act” and is used to express “Think thrice before acting”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 三思而行 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving think thrice before acting.
What is the pinyin for 三思而行?
The pinyin pronunciation for 三思而行 is “sān sī ér xíng”.