国泰民安

Pronunciation: guó tài mín ān Literal meaning: Country peaceful, people safe

Origin & Usage

The state (国) in right order (泰) and the people (民) secure (安). 泰 is the Yijing hexagram of things standing in proper relation, heaven and earth in communication, so the first half claims order rather than mere quiet. The two halves are offered as a single outcome and not as a trade, which is the argument inside the phrase. It is the standard formula in blessings, on temple plaques and at new year, and it is what governments have always claimed to be delivering.

Examples

English: "Good governance should prioritize national stability and citizen welfare."

Chinese: 良好的治理应该以国泰民安为首要目标。