事与愿违
事与愿违 (shì yǔ yuàn wéi) literally means “events contrary to wishes” and expresses “things turn out contrary to expectations”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: shi yu yuan wei, shi yu yuan wei,事与愿违 meaning, 事与愿违 in english
Things turn out contrary to expectations
Pronunciation: shì yǔ yuàn wéi
Literal meaning: Events contrary to wishes
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes when events (事) go contrary (违) to one's wishes (愿). It captures the frustration when reality diverges from intentions despite best efforts. The phrase appears in Tang Dynasty poetry expressing disappointment and the gap between aspiration and outcome. It reflects the philosophical recognition that the world operates independently of human desires. Modern usage describes situations where results contradict plans or expectations, acknowledging the limits of human control over circumstances.
Examples
English: "Despite careful planning, things didn't turn out as hoped."
Chinese: 尽管精心计划，结果却事与愿违。
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 事与愿违 mean in English?
事与愿违 (shì yǔ yuàn wéi) literally translates to “Events contrary to wishes” and is used to express “Things turn out contrary to expectations”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 事与愿违 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving things turn out contrary to expectations.
What is the pinyin for 事与愿违?
The pinyin pronunciation for 事与愿违 is “shì yǔ yuàn wéi”.