安居乐业
安居乐业 (ān jū lè yè) literally means “peaceful dwelling happy occupation” and expresses “live peacefully and work happily”. 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 ju le ye, an ju le ye,安居乐业 meaning, 安居乐业 in english
Live peacefully and work happily
Pronunciation: ān jū lè yè Literal meaning: Peaceful dwelling happy occupation
Origin & Usage
This idiom originated from Han Dynasty governmental ideals in the 'Book of Han,' first appearing as an administrative goal representing balanced prosperity. During the Tang Dynasty, it became standard terminology in policy documents measuring governance success. The pairing of peaceful dwelling (安居) and enjoyable work (乐业) was particularly meaningful—covering both private domestic life and public economic activity as complementary spheres. Unlike terms simply meaning 'prosperity,' it specifically balances material residence with productive occupation rather than focusing solely on wealth. Modern usage spans government policy to personal aspirations, describing the fundamental social stability allowing ordinary citizens to live without fear while engaged in meaningful work, representing the foundation upon which more elaborate social and cultural achievements can be built.
When to Use
Situation: After years of turmoil, the region finally achieved stability where families could live securely and pursue livelihoods
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 安居乐业 mean in English?
安居乐业 (ān jū lè yè) literally translates to “Peaceful dwelling happy occupation” and is used to express “Live peacefully and work happily”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 安居乐业 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving live peacefully and work happily.
What is the pinyin for 安居乐业?
The pinyin pronunciation for 安居乐业 is “ān jū lè yè”.