三思而行
Look before you leap
Literally: Three (三) think (思) and (而) act (行)
Use this phrase to advise someone to pause and consider consequences before making a significant life decision.
In 15 Seconds
- Think three times before taking any action.
- A classic idiom for avoiding impulsive mistakes.
- Perfect for giving wise, cautious advice to others.
Meaning
It is a piece of timeless advice telling you to pause and weigh your options before making a move. It suggests that thinking things through three times will save you from future regrets.
Key Examples
3 of 6Advising a friend about a breakup
这件事关系到你的幸福，一定要三思而行。
This involves your happiness, so you must look before you leap.
A boss discussing a risky investment
市场波动很大，我们必须三思而行。
The market is volatile; we must proceed with caution.
Texting a friend about a tattoo
纹身可是永久的，你还是三思而行吧！
Tattoos are permanent, you'd better think twice!
Cultural Background
Originating from the Analects of Confucius, this idiom reflects the traditional Chinese value of 'Zhongyong' or the Golden Mean. It emphasizes deliberation and caution as virtues of a superior person (Junzi). While Confucius originally suggested thinking twice might suffice, the 'three times' rule stuck as a cultural benchmark for prudence.
The 'Three' isn't Literal
Don't actually count to three. In Chinese, 'three' often just means 'many' or 'repeatedly'. It just means 'think a lot'.
Don't Kill the Vibe
If everyone is excited about a fun, low-stakes plan, saying this makes you a 'party pooper'. Save it for real risks.
In 15 Seconds
- Think three times before taking any action.
- A classic idiom for avoiding impulsive mistakes.
- Perfect for giving wise, cautious advice to others.
What It Means
Imagine you are standing at a crossroads. One path looks fast but risky. The other is slow but safe. 三思而行 is that little voice in your head. It tells you to stop. It tells you to breathe. You should consider the consequences before you jump. It is not about being afraid. It is about being smart and prepared.
How To Use It
You can use this as a standalone piece of advice. You can also use it as a verb phrase. It fits perfectly when someone is about to quit a job. It works when a friend wants to buy an expensive car. Just say, "You should 三思而行." It sounds wise and caring. It shows you value their long-term happiness over a quick thrill.
When To Use It
Use it during big life transitions. Use it when the stakes are high. It is great for business meetings. It works well when discussing investments. You can even use it when texting a friend who is about to send an angry message. It acts as a gentle yellow light in a world of green lights. It is the verbal equivalent of a deep breath.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for tiny, trivial choices. If your friend is picking a soda flavor, don't say it. You will sound overly dramatic. Avoid it in emergencies where fast action is required. If a building is on fire, do not 三思而行—just run! Also, don't use it to mock someone's indecisiveness. It is meant to be helpful, not an insult for being slow.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the 'Analects of Confucius'. A high official named Ji Wenzi used to think three times before acting. Confucius actually joked that twice is usually enough! Over time, the 'three times' became a standard for being thorough. In Chinese culture, caution is often seen as a sign of maturity. It shows you are not a slave to your impulses.
Common Variations
You might hear people say 深思熟虑. That means to think deeply and maturely. Another one is 慎重考虑. That is a bit more formal. However, 三思而行 remains the most popular 'catch-all' idiom. It is the one everyone knows from childhood. It is the gold standard for 'look before you leap'.
Usage Notes
This idiom is highly versatile and works in almost any register. The only 'gotcha' is its weight—don't use it for trivial matters unless you are being intentionally funny.
The 'Three' isn't Literal
Don't actually count to three. In Chinese, 'three' often just means 'many' or 'repeatedly'. It just means 'think a lot'.
Don't Kill the Vibe
If everyone is excited about a fun, low-stakes plan, saying this makes you a 'party pooper'. Save it for real risks.
Confucius's Sassy Side
Confucius actually thought thinking *too* much led to indecision. If you want to sound extra smart, mention that he said 'twice is enough'!
Examples
6这件事关系到你的幸福，一定要三思而行。
This involves your happiness, so you must look before you leap.
Used here to show deep concern for a friend's future.
市场波动很大，我们必须三思而行。
The market is volatile; we must proceed with caution.
Professional tone emphasizing risk management.
纹身可是永久的，你还是三思而行吧！
Tattoos are permanent, you'd better think twice!
Friendly warning about a permanent decision.
这里的变态辣火锅，我劝你三思而行。
I suggest you think twice before trying the 'insanely spicy' hotpot here.
Playful use of a serious idiom for a funny situation.
在开发自然资源时，我们应当三思而行。
We should act with caution when developing natural resources.
High-level formal register for policy discussion.
退学不是小事，你一定要三思而行。
Dropping out is no small matter; you must think it through carefully.
Serious family advice regarding a major life choice.
Test Yourself
Choose the best context for using '三思而行'.
投资这么大的一笔钱，你一定要___。
Investing a large sum of money requires careful thought, making '三思而行' the only logical choice.
Finish the sentence to give a warning.
冲动是魔鬼，做决定前请___。
The sentence starts by saying 'impulse is the devil,' so the advice must be to think carefully.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 三思而行
Texting a friend about a bad haircut idea.
别冲动，三思而行！
Giving advice to a colleague.
我们要三思而行。
Official business strategy or speech.
面对挑战，唯有三思而行。
When to say 三思而行
Quitting a Job
Think about your savings first.
Big Purchases
Do you really need that sports car?
Marriage
It is a lifelong commitment.
Moving Cities
Consider the cost of living.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot really. It sounds too serious for lunch. Using 三思而行 for a sandwich choice would be seen as a joke.
It depends on your relationship. In a professional setting, it's better to say 我们需要三思而行 (We need to...) to make it a collective caution.
No, it's a metaphor for 'thoroughly'. In ancient Chinese, 三 (three) frequently represents the concept of 'multiple times'.
They are almost identical in meaning. However, 三思而行 carries a slightly more philosophical, 'wise elder' vibe.
Yes! It's very common in texts when giving serious advice. You can just type 三思而行 and your friend will get the point.
People sometimes just say 三思 (think three times). For example: 请三思 (Please reconsider).
It is neutral. You can hear it in a movie, read it in a book, or hear it from your grandma.
Mostly, yes. It's used to prevent a mistake. You wouldn't use it to encourage someone to do something positive and safe.
Using it after the action is already done. You can't 三思而行 if you've already 'leaped'. Use it only for future actions.
This idiom is standard across all Mandarin-speaking regions. It's one of the most 'universal' idioms in the language.
Related Phrases
深思熟虑
Deep thought and mature consideration.
慎重
Cautious and solemn.
草率
Careless or hasty (the opposite of 三思而行).
见机行事
Act as the occasion warrants (play it by ear).
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