反复无常
反复无常 (fǎn fù wú cháng) literally means “changeable and inconstant” and expresses “unpredictable behavior”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
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Unpredictable behavior
Pronunciation: fǎn fù wú cháng Literal meaning: Changeable and inconstant
Origin & Usage
Commonly used in classical Chinese, the idiom 反复无常 (fǎn fù wú cháng) describes a state of constant change and instability. The phrase combines 反复 (fǎn fù, repeat) and 无常 (wú cháng, inconstancy), painting a vivid picture of something that lacks a stable state. It is often used to characterize people whose actions or decisions are unpredictable and inconsistent. The idiom carries a negative connotation, suggesting unreliability or fickleness. In modern usage, it can describe anything from the erratic behavior of a person to the unpredictable nature of weather or markets.
Examples
English: "His decisions are often erratic, leaving everyone confused."
Chinese: 他的决定反复无常，让大家感到困惑。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 反复无常 mean in English?
反复无常 (fǎn fù wú cháng) literally translates to “Changeable and inconstant” and is used to express “Unpredictable behavior”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 反复无常 used?
Situation: His decisions are often erratic, leaving everyone confused.
What is the pinyin for 反复无常?
The pinyin pronunciation for 反复无常 is “fǎn fù wú cháng”.