百年大计
百年大计 (bǎi nián dà jì) literally means “hundred-year great plan” and expresses “long-term plan; matter of lasting importance”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: bai nian da ji, bai nian da ji,百年大计 meaning, 百年大计 in english
Long-term plan; matter of lasting importance
Pronunciation: bǎi nián dà jì
Literal meaning: Hundred-year great plan
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes a great (大) plan (计) spanning a hundred (百) years (年). It emphasizes long-term thinking and planning that extends beyond immediate concerns to future generations. The phrase appeared in texts discussing governance and national development. It reflects the Chinese cultural value of considering consequences across extended timeframes. Modern usage commonly describes education, infrastructure, and other investments whose benefits unfold over generations.
Examples
English: "Education is a long-term investment in the nation's future."
Chinese: 教育是国家的百年大计。
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about strategy & action
万无一失
wàn wú yī shī
Absolutely sure; foolproof
Learn more →
密不透风
mì bù tòu fēng
Airtight; impenetrable
Learn more →
天罗地网
tiān luó dì wǎng
Inescapable net; dragnet
Learn more →
势在必行
shì zài bì xíng
Be imperative; must be done
Learn more →
稳扎稳打
wěn zhā wěn dǎ
Proceed steadily; consolidate before advancing
Learn more →
欲擒故纵
yù qín gù zòng
Give slack before tightening; let go to catch
Learn more →
围魏救赵
wéi wèi jiù zhào
Relieve pressure by attacking the source
Learn more →
以退为进
yǐ tuì wéi jìn
Strategic retreat for ultimate victory
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 百年大计 mean in English?
百年大计 (bǎi nián dà jì) literally translates to “Hundred-year great plan” and is used to express “Long-term plan; matter of lasting importance”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 百年大计 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving long-term plan; matter of lasting importance.
What is the pinyin for 百年大计?
The pinyin pronunciation for 百年大计 is “bǎi nián dà jì”.