知足常乐

知足常樂

zhīzú-chánglè

idiom #51,261

Meanings

HSK 2

知足常乐是他的生活信条。

Zhīzúchánglè shì tā de shēnghuó xìntiáo.

'Contentment brings happiness' is his life motto.

HSK 7-9

别太贪心，知足常乐。

Bié tài tānxīn, zhīzúchánglè.

Don't be greedy - know when you have enough.

history

From Laozi 老子: 祸莫大于不知足…故知足之足常足矣 - 'no greater misfortune than not knowing what's enough; knowing enough is always enough'.

culture

Core Daoist idea, also adopted in Buddhist and Confucian ethics. Often quoted as life advice to young professionals caught in the rat race.

知 zhī

足 zú

常 cháng

乐 lè