居安思危
Be prepared for danger in times of peace
Wörtlich: Live (居) in peace (安), think (思) of danger (危)
Use this to praise or advise foresight and preparation during successful or stable periods.
In 15 Sekunden
- Stay alert even when things are going well.
- Prepare for future trouble during peaceful times.
- Avoid complacency to ensure long-term success and safety.
Bedeutung
It means staying alert and prepared for potential problems even when things are going perfectly. It is the wisdom of building a roof before it rains so you are never caught off guard.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Giving career advice to a successful friend
虽然你现在工作很稳定，但也要居安思危，多学点新技能。
Even though your job is stable now, you should be prepared for danger and learn new skills.
A CEO addressing the company during a profitable year
公司今年利润创新高，但我们必须居安思危，关注市场变化。
The company hit record profits this year, but we must stay vigilant for potential risks.
Texting a friend about saving money
趁现在赚得多，存点钱吧，居安思危嘛！
Save some money while you're earning a lot; gotta be prepared for a rainy day!
Kultureller Hintergrund
Originating from the 'Zuo Zhuan' over 2,000 years ago, this idiom reflects the cyclical view of history in Chinese philosophy. It emphasizes that stability is fragile and requires constant vigilance to maintain. It is a foundational concept in Chinese statecraft and personal financial management.
Pair it with Action
In a sentence, you often see `居安思危` followed by `未雨绸缪`. One is the thought, the other is the action. Using them together makes you sound like a pro.
Don't be a Buzzkill
Avoid using this at a wedding or a birthday party unless you're making a very specific, wise toast. It can come off as a bit pessimistic if the timing is wrong.
In 15 Sekunden
- Stay alert even when things are going well.
- Prepare for future trouble during peaceful times.
- Avoid complacency to ensure long-term success and safety.
What It Means
居安思危 is all about foresight. It suggests that when life is smooth, you shouldn't get lazy. You should imagine potential risks ahead. It is like checking your spare tire before a long road trip. You are fine now, but you might need it later. It is a mindset of constant, quiet preparation.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb or a standalone wisdom. You can say someone is 居安思危. It sounds very wise and strategic. Use it when discussing career moves or savings. It shows you are a responsible, forward-thinking person. It is not about being paranoid. It is about being smart and steady.
When To Use It
Use it in business meetings to suggest backup plans. Use it with friends who just got a big promotion. It is great for financial advice. If your friend spends their whole paycheck, remind them to 居安思危. It works well in graduation speeches too. It adds a layer of maturity to your conversation. Even texting a teammate about a project deadline fits perfectly.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it during a literal disaster. If the boat is sinking, don't say 居安思危. At that point, the danger is already there! Avoid using it for tiny, trivial things. Don't say it because you bought extra napkins for a snack. It might sound a bit too dramatic. Also, don't use it to ruin a happy moment. Use it to protect the happiness, not kill the vibe.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the 'Zuo Zhuan', an ancient history book. It reflects a core Confucian and Taoist value: balance. Chinese culture deeply respects the cycle of highs and lows. History shows that empires often fall when they become too comfortable. By 'thinking of danger,' you actually extend the time of peace. It is a survival strategy that has lasted thousands of years.
Common Variations
A common partner phrase is 未雨绸缪. That one means 'repairing the house before the rain.' While 居安思危 is the mental state, 未雨绸缪 is the physical action. You can also hear 防患于未然. This means stopping trouble before it even starts. They all share the same 'prepper' energy that is highly valued in Chinese society.
Nutzungshinweise
This is a formal idiom (Chengyu) but widely used in professional and adult social contexts. It functions as a verb phrase or an adjective to describe a proactive mindset. Avoid using it in purely casual or trivial settings to prevent sounding overly dramatic.
Pair it with Action
In a sentence, you often see `居安思危` followed by `未雨绸缪`. One is the thought, the other is the action. Using them together makes you sound like a pro.
Don't be a Buzzkill
Avoid using this at a wedding or a birthday party unless you're making a very specific, wise toast. It can come off as a bit pessimistic if the timing is wrong.
The 'Safety' Culture
Chinese culture values 'stability' (稳定) above almost everything. This phrase is the secret sauce to that stability. It's why you'll see even young people being very cautious with their savings.
Beispiele
6虽然你现在工作很稳定，但也要居安思危，多学点新技能。
Even though your job is stable now, you should be prepared for danger and learn new skills.
Encouraging a friend to stay competitive.
公司今年利润创新高，但我们必须居安思危，关注市场变化。
The company hit record profits this year, but we must stay vigilant for potential risks.
Setting a strategic tone in a professional setting.
趁现在赚得多，存点钱吧，居安思危嘛！
Save some money while you're earning a lot; gotta be prepared for a rainy day!
Using the idiom as a casual justification for being frugal.
只有居安思危，国家才能长治久安。
Only by being prepared for danger in peace can a nation enjoy long-term stability.
High-level political or social commentary.
你再这么吃下去，就不怕居安思危，以后买不到码数？
If you keep eating like this, aren't you worried about 'future danger'—like not finding your size later?
Playfully applying a serious idiom to a lighthearted situation.
孩子，生活总有起伏，你要学会居安思危。
Child, life has ups and downs; you must learn to be prepared for the hard times.
Passing down life wisdom with emotional weight.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about financial planning.
虽然现在生活富裕了，但我们仍要___，不能挥霍无度。
The sentence contrasts current wealth with the need to be careful, making 'preparing for danger' the logical choice.
Which idiom fits a business strategy context?
在市场竞争中，优秀的管理者总是能够___。
A good manager looks ahead and prepares for risks, which is exactly what this idiom describes.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality and Usage Context
Used jokingly with friends about small risks.
Saving a snack for later.
Common advice for career or finances.
Telling a sibling to save money.
Standard in business and political speeches.
A CEO's annual report.
When to think '居安思危'
Financial Planning
Saving during a bonus month
Career Growth
Learning AI while employed
Relationships
Addressing small issues early
Health
Exercising while feeling fit
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenActually, it's the opposite! You use it specifically when things are *good* to ensure they don't turn bad. For example, 在顺境中要居安思危 (In prosperity, one must be prepared for adversity).
Yes, but it's a bit 'heavy.' It's better for serious advice or when you want to sound like a supportive, wise friend. Use it like: 别忘了居安思危哦！ (Don't forget to stay alert!).
It's a 'Chengyu,' so it has a formal polish, but it's very common in daily adult conversations about work and money. It's not 'old-fashioned' at all.
It's pronounced 'jū ān sī wēi.' Focus on the flat first tone for the first two words to sound more natural.
They are very similar! However, 居安思危 is broader—it's about a mental state of vigilance, not just about money.
Yes, you can say 他是一个居安思危的人 (He is a person who is always prepared for danger). It's a high compliment for a leader.
Not really, as it's a four-character idiom. However, the concept of 思危 (thinking of danger) is the core part people focus on.
In Chinese culture, it's seen as 'rational' rather than 'pessimistic.' It's considered a sign of high emotional intelligence (EQ).
It's rare, but you could use it if you're talking about protecting a relationship from future conflicts. It might sound a bit intense, though!
The opposite would be 高枕无忧 (to sleep on a high pillow without worries), which implies being totally relaxed and perhaps a bit too careless.
Verwandte Redewendungen
未雨绸缪 (Repair the house before the rain)
有备无患 (Where there is preparation, there is no calamity)
防患未然 (Prevent trouble before it happens)
高枕无忧 (To sleep without any anxiety/worry)
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