仓廪实而知礼节

倉廩實而知禮節

cānglǐnshí'érzhīlǐjié

phrase

Meanings

1 when the granaries are full, people know etiquette — when basic needs are met, civility and propriety follow
2 literally: when granaries are full, (one) knows ritual and restraint

Characters

then / and (classical)

moderation / restraint

Examples

仓廪实而知礼节，解决温饱是基础。

Cānglǐn shí ér zhī lǐjié, jiějué wēnbǎo shì jīchǔ.

When granaries are full, people learn propriety — solving food and clothing is the starting point.

社会发展要注意仓廪实而知礼节的道理，经济和文明要一起抓。

Shèhuì fāzhǎn yào zhùyì cānglǐn shí ér zhī lǐjié de dàolǐ, jīngjì hé wénmíng yào yìqǐ zhuā.

Social development must heed the principle that full granaries bring civility — economy and civilisation must be pursued together.

Tips

history

From 《管子·牧民》 (Guanzi, 'Shepherding the People'), attributed to the Qi statesman Guan Zhong (管仲, 7th c. BCE). Couplet: 仓廪实而知礼节，衣食足而知荣辱 — 'When granaries are full, people know etiquette; when clothing and food suffice, they know honour and shame.' A cornerstone text of classical Chinese political economy: material welfare is prerequisite to moral culture.

usage

Paired couplet — regularly quoted with its mate 衣食足而知荣辱. Standard reference in writing about development, poverty alleviation, and public morals. Classical register.

Stroke Order

仓 cāng

廪 lǐn

实 shí

而 ér

知 zhī

礼 lǐ

节 jié