三思而后行

三思而後行

sānsī'érhòuxíng

idiom #20,043

Meanings

1 think three times before acting
2 look before you leap
3 consider carefully before taking action

Characters

three (figuratively: multiple times)

to think / to reflect

and then (conjunction)

after / afterwards

Examples

HSK 5

遇到大事，一定要三思而后行。

Yùdào dàshì, yīdìng yào sānsī'érhòuxíng.

When facing major matters, you must think carefully before acting.

HSK 6

他总是三思而后行，从不冲动。

Tā zǒngshì sānsī'érhòuxíng, cóngbù chōngdòng.

He always thinks before acting and never acts impulsively.

Tips

history

This phrase originates in the Analects (论语). Confucius's student 季文子 was known for deliberating three times before every action. When asked about this, Confucius replied that twice is sufficient (再，斯可矣), suggesting over-thinking can also be a flaw. The idiom is thus a nuanced reminder to reflect - not obsess.

Stroke Order

三 sān

思 sī

而 ér

后 hòu

行 xíng