风云突变
风云突变 (fēng yún tū biàn) literally means “wind cloud sudden change” and expresses “sudden dramatic change”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
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Sudden dramatic change
Pronunciation: fēng yún tū biàn
Literal meaning: Wind cloud sudden change
Origin & Usage
This dramatic idiom captures the sudden (突) change (变) in wind (风) and clouds (云), drawing from ancient Chinese meteorological observations. Originated during the Tang Dynasty in military texts describing battlefield conditions, it reflects the Chinese understanding of natural forces as omens. The swift transformation of weather became a metaphor for rapid shifts in circumstances beyond human control. Contemporary usage extends to any abrupt change in situation, from political upheavals to market fluctuations, emphasizing both the unpredictability and interconnectedness of events.
Examples
English: "The market landscape changed completely after the new regulations"
Chinese: 新规定出台后，市场格局完全改变了
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 风云突变 mean in English?
风云突变 (fēng yún tū biàn) literally translates to “Wind cloud sudden change” and is used to express “Sudden dramatic change”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 风云突变 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving sudden dramatic change.
What is the pinyin for 风云突变?
The pinyin pronunciation for 风云突变 is “fēng yún tū biàn”.