有备无患
有备无患 (yǒu bèi wú huàn) literally means “preparedness averts disaster” and expresses “be prepared”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving success and perseverance.
Also searched as: you bei wu huan, you bei wu huan,有备无患 meaning, 有备无患 in english
Be prepared
Pronunciation: yǒu bèi wú huàn Literal meaning: Preparedness averts disaster
Origin & Usage
The idiom 有备无患 (yǒu bèi wú huàn) originates from the ancient Chinese text 《尚书》 (Shang Shu), specifically from the section 《说命中》 (Shuo Ming Zhong). The phrase emphasizes the importance of preparation, suggesting that being well-prepared (有备, yǒu bèi) can prevent potential troubles or disasters (无患, wú huàn). A related story from the Spring and Autumn period involves the statesman Wei Jiang of the Jin state, who advised his ruler to always consider future dangers even during peaceful times. This advice reflects the idiom's core message: foresight and preparation are essential for avoiding misfortune. In modern usage, this idiom is often employed to encourage proactive planning in various aspects of life, from personal endeavors to professional projects.
Examples
English: "By planning ahead, she ensured that potential problems would not derail her project."
Chinese: 有备无患的原则让她的计划顺利进行。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about success & perseverance
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 有备无患 mean in English?
有备无患 (yǒu bèi wú huàn) literally translates to “Preparedness averts disaster” and is used to express “Be prepared”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Success & Perseverance category.
When is 有备无患 used?
Situation: By planning ahead, she ensured that potential problems would not derail her project.
What is the pinyin for 有备无患?
The pinyin pronunciation for 有备无患 is “yǒu bèi wú huàn”.