日理万机
日理万机 (rì lǐ wàn jī) literally means “manage myriad affairs daily” and expresses “diligent governance”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: ri li wan ji, ri li wan ji,日理万机 meaning, 日理万机 in english
Diligent governance
Pronunciation: rì lǐ wàn jī Literal meaning: Manage myriad affairs daily
Origin & Usage
Governing measured in volume: ten thousand (万) matters (机) handled (理) in a day (日). The construction is ancient, from the language of early statecraft about a ruler's daily burden, and it has stayed at that altitude. It is applied to heads of state and very senior officials, and its most common use in ordinary life is apologetic and slightly flattering — a preface to asking a busy person for something, acknowledging that they have ten thousand things and this is one more.
Examples
English: "As a manager, she handles countless responsibilities every day, ensuring everything runs smoothly."
Chinese: 作为经理，她每天都要处理日理万机的事务，确保一切顺利进行。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
理所当然
lǐ suǒ dāng rán
Naturally; as a matter of course
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心安理得
xīn ān lǐ dé
Feel at ease with a clear conscience
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随机应变
suí jī yìng biàn
Adapt to circumstances; think on one's feet
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当机立断
dāng jī lì duàn
Make a prompt decision
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万事如意
wàn shì rú yì
May everything go the way you want
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万象更新
wàn xiàng gēng xīn
Everything starts fresh with the new year
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万马奔腾
wàn mǎ bēn téng
Powerful unstoppable momentum
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与日俱增
yǔ rì jù zēng
Steadily increasing as time passes
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 日理万机 mean in English?
日理万机 (rì lǐ wàn jī) literally translates to “Manage myriad affairs daily” and is used to express “Diligent governance”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 日理万机 used?
Situation: As a manager, she handles countless responsibilities every day, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
What is the pinyin for 日理万机?
The pinyin pronunciation for 日理万机 is “rì lǐ wàn jī”.