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
The Zuo Zhuan records Wei Jiang declining half the musicians and gifts Zheng had sent, and offering advice instead, in words the Book of Documents had already supplied: 居安思危，思则有备，有备无患 — in safety think of danger, thinking brings preparation, and with preparation there is no calamity. The three clauses are a chain, and the middle one is the part usually dropped: thinking is not the point, it is what the thinking produces. It is standard in Chinese writing about risk, reserves and succession planning.
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
Similar idioms about strategy & action
安步当车
ān bù dàng chē
Choose simpler pleasures over status displays
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安居乐业
ān jū lè yè
Live peacefully and work happily
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安如泰山
ān rú tài shān
Absolutely stable and unshakable
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若有所思
ruò yǒu suǒ sī
Lost in thought with a contemplative expression
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坐立不安
zuò lì bù ān
Extremely restless and anxious
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朝思暮想
zhāo sī mù xiǎng
Think about constantly; yearn for
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临危不惧
lín wēi bù jù
Courage under pressure
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乘人之危
chéng rén zhī wēi
Exploit others during their vulnerability
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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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