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.
Also searched as: fan fu wu chang, fan fu wu chang,反复无常 meaning, 反复无常 in english
Unpredictable behavior
Pronunciation: fǎn fù wú cháng Literal meaning: Changeable and inconstant
Origin & Usage
Turning back and forth (反复) without (无) constancy (常). What distinguishes it from ordinary changeability is that 反复 implies reversal rather than variety — the same ground covered in opposite directions, a decision made and unmade. It is always a criticism, and a serious one about a person: not that they are flexible but that their commitments do not hold, which is why it goes to allies and negotiating partners as readily as to moods.
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
周而复始
zhōu ér fù shǐ
Endless cycle
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变化无常
biàn huà wú cháng
Unpredictable nature
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喜怒无常
xǐ nù wú cháng
Be moody; have unpredictable emotions
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物极必反
wù jí bì fǎn
Push far enough and it turns
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知足常乐
zhī zú cháng lè
Contentment with what one has brings happiness
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老生常谈
lǎo shēng cháng tán
A stale platitude
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举一反三
jǔ yī fǎn sān
Learn many from one example
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爱毛反裘
ài máo fǎn qiú
Protect the surface, ruin the foundation
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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”.