Chinese word

随遇而安

Pronunciation

Pinyinsuí yù ér ān

Meaning

  • idiomadapt to circumstances

Example

他到外国留学后，很快就随遇而安。tā dào wài guó liú xué hòu hěn kuài jiù suí yù ér ān

After he went abroad to study, he quickly adapted to his circumstances.

Illustration for 随遇而安 (adapt to circumstances)

More examples

退休后，他选择过着随遇而安的生活，享受简单日子。tuì xiū hòu tā xuǎn zé guò zhe suí yù ér ān de shēng huó xiǎng shòu jiǎn dān rì zi

After retiring, he chose to lead a life of taking things as they come and enjoy simple days.

Core concept

Finding peace in the situation at hand instead of being unsettled by every change.

Common phrases

  • 过着随遇而安的生活guò zhe suí yù ér ān de shēng huó

    lead a life of taking things as they come

  • 随遇而安的态度suí yù ér ān de tài dù

    an attitude of taking things as they come

Similar words

随机应变suí jī yìng biàn: Responding flexibly by quickly changing the approach when circumstances change.
见机行事jiàn jī xíng shì: Choosing an action after considering the situation and timing.

Definition in Chinese

面对变化时能调整心态，随环境安顿自己。miàn duì biàn huà shí néng tiáo zhěng xīn tài suí huán jìng ān dùn zì jǐ

Word origin

随 (suí, "follow") + 遇 (yù, "encounter") + 而 (ér, "and then") + 安 (ān, "be at ease") presents calmness as the result of moving with whatever circumstances bring.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may hear acceptance as giving up, but this idiom often carries a positive sense of practical adjustment while remaining composed.

Other meanings

  • let things take their courseidiom
  • be content with circumstancesidiom

Opposites

  • 斤斤计较jīn jīn jì jiàoquibble over every little thingidiom

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