居安思危
居安思危 (jū ān sī wēi) literally means “dwelling in peace think of danger” and expresses “be prepared for danger in times of safety”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving strategy and action.
Also searched as: ju an si wei, ju an si wei,居安思危 meaning, 居安思危 in english
Be prepared for danger in times of safety
Pronunciation: jū ān sī wēi Literal meaning: Dwelling in peace think of danger
Origin & Usage
This idiom advises thinking of (思) danger (危) while dwelling in (居) peace (安). It comes from 'Zuozhuan,' an ancient Chinese chronicle, warning against complacency during good times. The phrase embodies the wisdom of preparation and foresight. Chinese history provided many examples of kingdoms that fell because they grew complacent. Modern usage encourages vigilance and contingency planning even when circumstances seem favorable.
Examples
English: "Even during prosperous times, wise leaders prepare for potential crises."
Chinese: 即使在繁荣时期，明智的领导者也会居安思危。
Related Chinese Idioms
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塞翁失马
sài wēng shī mǎ
Misfortune might be a blessing
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抛砖引玉
pāo zhuān yǐn yù
Offer modest view to inspire better
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事半功倍
shì bàn gōng bèi
Less effort, better results
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未雨绸缪
wèi yǔ chóu móu
Prepare before problems arise
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三思而行
sān sī ér xíng
Think thrice before acting
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胸有成竹
xiōng yǒu chéng zhú
Have clear plan beforehand
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口蜜腹剑
kǒu mì fù jiàn
Hide evil behind sweet words
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 居安思危 mean in English?
居安思危 (jū ān sī wēi) literally translates to “Dwelling in peace think of danger” and is used to express “Be prepared for danger in times of safety”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Strategy & Action category.
When is 居安思危 used?
Situation: Even during prosperous times, wise leaders prepare for potential crises.
What is the pinyin for 居安思危?
The pinyin pronunciation for 居安思危 is “jū ān sī wēi”.
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