隔岸观火
隔岸观火 (gé àn guān huǒ) literally means “watch fire from opposite shore” and expresses “observe troubles from safe distance”. 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: ge an guan huo, ge an guan huo,隔岸观火 meaning, 隔岸观火 in english
Observe troubles from safe distance
Pronunciation: gé àn guān huǒ
Literal meaning: Watch fire from opposite shore
Origin & Usage
This evocative idiom describes watching (观) a fire (火) from the opposite (隔) shore (岸), originating from Tang Dynasty accounts of riverside village fires. Historical records tell how those safely across the river could observe disasters without personal risk. The phrase gained moral dimensions during the Song Dynasty when Neo-Confucian scholars used it to criticize those who remained detached from community problems. The image draws power from ancient Chinese riverside settlements, where water created both protection and division. Modern usage often carries negative connotations, describing cynical detachment or strategic non-intervention in others' difficulties, particularly in business competition or international relations.
Examples
English: "The competing company observed their rival's crisis without offering assistance"
Chinese: 竞争公司隔岸观火，看着对手的危机而不提供帮助
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 隔岸观火 mean in English?
隔岸观火 (gé àn guān huǒ) literally translates to “Watch fire from opposite shore” and is used to express “Observe troubles from safe distance”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 隔岸观火 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving observe troubles from safe distance.
What is the pinyin for 隔岸观火?
The pinyin pronunciation for 隔岸观火 is “gé àn guān huǒ”.