安居乐业

Pronunciation: ān jū lè yè Literal meaning: Peaceful dwelling happy occupation

Origin & Usage

Settled in one's dwelling (安居) and content in one's work (乐业). The pairing covers the two halves of an ordinary life, house and livelihood, and Chinese political language has used it for two thousand years as the plain statement of what government is for. That is what gives it its weight: it is a modest formula and a complete one, asking for security and satisfaction rather than prosperity. It is normally paired with 国泰民安 in New Year greetings and official speech.

Examples

English: "After years of turmoil, the region finally achieved stability where families could live securely and pursue livelihoods"

Chinese: 经过多年的动荡，该地区终于实现了稳定，家庭可以安全生活并追求生计