安步当车
安步当车 (ān bù dāng chē) literally means “peaceful walking substitutes carriage” and expresses “choose simpler pleasures over status displays”. 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: an bu dang che, an bu dang che,安步当车 meaning, 安步当车 in english
Choose simpler pleasures over status displays
Pronunciation: ān bù dāng chē Literal meaning: Peaceful walking substitutes carriage
Origin & Usage
This idiom originated from the 'Eastern Han Records' biography of Cui Yuan, an official who declined the emperor's gift of a carriage, preferring to walk and appreciate nature's beauty. During the Tang Dynasty, it became emblematic of the scholarly ideal of finding joy in simplicity. The contrast between walking (步) peacefully (安) as a substitute for (当) riding in carriages (车) was particularly meaningful in pre-modern China where vehicle ownership signified status. Unlike terms simply meaning 'humble,' it celebrates the deliberate choice of simpler alternatives for their inherent rewards rather than mere status rejection. Modern usage spans lifestyle choices to leisure activities, describing voluntary simplification that sacrifices convenience for more authentic engagement, particularly when slowing down enhances appreciation of surrounding beauty.
When to Use
Situation: Rather than rushing between appointments, she chose to walk and enjoy the scenery
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Related Chinese Idioms
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bié yǒu dòng tiān
A hidden paradise; unexpected inner beauty
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大同小异
dà tóng xiǎo yì
Essentially the same with minor differences
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Explode in extreme anger or rage
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gōng bù yìng qiú
Demand exceeds available supply
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Deeply entrenched and difficult to change
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 安步当车 mean in English?
安步当车 (ān bù dāng chē) literally translates to “Peaceful walking substitutes carriage” and is used to express “Choose simpler pleasures over status displays”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 安步当车 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving choose simpler pleasures over status displays.
What is the pinyin for 安步当车?
The pinyin pronunciation for 安步当车 is “ān bù dāng chē”.