习惯成自然...
Habit becomes nature...
Littéralement: Habit (习惯) becomes (成) nature (自然)
Use this to explain that repetition makes any difficult or strange task feel completely normal over time.
En 15 secondes
- Habits eventually become as effortless as breathing.
- Used to explain why repetitive actions feel natural.
- Applies to both good routines and bad tendencies.
Signification
This phrase describes how doing something repeatedly makes it feel like a natural part of who you are. It is the Chinese way of saying that habits eventually become second nature.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Talking about a new exercise routine
刚开始跑步很累，坚持一个月就习惯成自然了。
Running was tiring at first, but after a month, it became second nature.
Explaining a work habit to a boss
我每天早上都会先检查邮件，已经习惯成自然了。
I check my emails first thing every morning; it's just second nature now.
Texting a friend about a funny mistake
我又走错路了，以前住这附近，习惯成自然。哈！
I took the wrong turn again; I used to live here, so habit took over. Ha!
Contexte culturel
The phrase originates from the 'Book of Han,' reflecting the ancient Chinese belief that environment and repetition shape a person's soul. It emphasizes that virtue is not just born, but practiced until it becomes effortless. Today, it is a staple of 'common sense' wisdom used by parents and CEOs alike.
The 'Neutral' Power
This phrase is a double-edged sword. You can use it to praise a good habit or gently criticize a bad one without being too direct.
Don't over-explain
The phrase itself is the explanation. You don't need to say 'because I did it a lot.' Just say the phrase and people will understand the history.
En 15 secondes
- Habits eventually become as effortless as breathing.
- Used to explain why repetitive actions feel natural.
- Applies to both good routines and bad tendencies.
What It Means
This phrase is all about the power of repetition. It suggests that any action, good or bad, becomes effortless over time. Think of it like your morning coffee routine. At first, you have to think about it. Now, you do it while half-asleep. That is 习惯成自然 in action. It is a neutral observation of human psychology.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone comment. You can also use it to explain why someone does something weirdly specific. It often follows an observation of a recurring behavior. Just drop it at the end of a sentence to add a touch of wisdom. It works like a verbal shrug that says, 'Well, that is just how they are now.'
When To Use It
Use it when praising someone’s new healthy routine. Use it when you realize you accidentally drove to your old house. It is perfect for workplace efficiency or learning a new skill. If you see a friend effortlessly using chopsticks, this is your line. It fits perfectly in casual chats and professional development meetings alike.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for one-time accidents or random coincidences. It requires a history of repeated action to make sense. Avoid using it if someone is genuinely upset about a deep-seated trauma. It might sound a bit too dismissive in very tragic situations. Also, do not use it for things that are actually biological instincts. Breathing is not a habit; it is just biology!
Cultural Background
This expression has roots in ancient Chinese philosophy regarding self-cultivation. Confucius and other scholars believed character is built through small, daily actions. It reflects a culture that values discipline and long-term consistency. In China, 'nature' (自然) isn't just trees and rivers. It refers to the 'way things naturally are.' By building good habits, you are literally reshaping your own nature.
Common Variations
You might hear people say 少成若天性，习惯成自然. This means habits formed in youth become like innate character. Sometimes people just say 习惯了 (Got used to it) for short. However, the full four-character version sounds much more polished and insightful. It gives your observation a bit more 'oomph' during a conversation.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any social register. It is most commonly used as a concluding remark to explain a consistent behavior.
The 'Neutral' Power
This phrase is a double-edged sword. You can use it to praise a good habit or gently criticize a bad one without being too direct.
Don't over-explain
The phrase itself is the explanation. You don't need to say 'because I did it a lot.' Just say the phrase and people will understand the history.
The 'Nature' Connection
In Chinese culture, 'Nature' (Ziran) is the ultimate state of being. Achieving a habit that feels 'natural' is considered a high level of mastery.
Exemples
6刚开始跑步很累，坚持一个月就习惯成自然了。
Running was tiring at first, but after a month, it became second nature.
Encouraging someone to keep going with a new habit.
我每天早上都会先检查邮件，已经习惯成自然了。
I check my emails first thing every morning; it's just second nature now.
Showing reliability and a consistent workflow.
我又走错路了，以前住这附近，习惯成自然。哈！
I took the wrong turn again; I used to live here, so habit took over. Ha!
Using the phrase to laugh off a mindless mistake.
从小让他自己收拾玩具，久而久之就习惯成自然了。
If you make him tidy his toys from a young age, it will become second nature.
Discussing the long-term benefits of parenting choices.
你帮我剥虾都习惯成自然了，真好！
You've made a habit of peeling shrimp for me, it's so natural now. How nice!
Teasing a partner about a sweet, repetitive service they do.
离开家乡多年，说这里的方言已经习惯成自然了。
After leaving home for years, speaking the local dialect has become second nature.
Expressing a sense of adaptation and belonging.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about learning Chinese.
每天听半小时中文，坚持下去就能___。
The sentence suggests that daily practice will lead to the skill becoming effortless.
Which phrase fits a situation where someone automatically does something without thinking?
他每天早上五点准时起床，不需要闹钟，已经是___了。
Waking up without an alarm due to a long-term routine is the definition of a habit becoming nature.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum
Used with friends to explain quirks.
别在意，我习惯成自然了。
Common in daily conversation and workplace.
我们要让安全检查习惯成自然。
Used in speeches or educational writing.
教育的本质是培养习惯成自然的美德。
Where to use 习惯成自然
Learning a Skill
Typing without looking at the keys.
Bad Habits
Biting your nails when nervous.
Daily Routine
Drinking water right after waking up.
Cultural Adaptation
Bowing or greeting in a new language.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. It can describe a great habit like 早起 (waking up early) or a bad one like 迟到 (being late).
Absolutely! It is perfect for things like playing piano or sports where muscle memory takes over.
Not at all. It is very common in texts to explain why you did something automatically, like 我又走错路了，习惯成自然.
习惯了 just means 'I'm used to it.' 习惯成自然 is more descriptive, implying the habit has become part of your character.
Yes, you can use it to describe a company culture or a family tradition that has become effortless.
Yes, 'Second nature' is the closest equivalent. 'Old habits die hard' is similar but usually more negative.
Often you don't need one. You can just say 这叫习惯成自然 (This is called habit becoming nature).
Yes, it shows you have disciplined routines. For example: 我对工作流程已经习惯成自然了.
Yes, it suggests the behavior is now deeply ingrained and happens without conscious thought.
Yes, it has been used for nearly 2,000 years, appearing in historical texts like the 'Book of Han'.
Expressions liées
习以为常
To be accustomed to something (often something unusual).
顺其自然
To let nature take its course.
熟能生巧
Practice makes perfect.
司空见惯
A common sight; nothing new.
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