仓廪实而知礼节

倉廩實而知禮節

Cānglǐn shí ér zhī lǐjié

quotation

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

HSK 3

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 cānglǐnshí'érzhīlǐjié 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.

HSK 7-9

仓廪实而知礼节，解决温饱是基础。

Cānglǐnshí'érzhīlǐjié, jiějué wēnbǎo shì jīchǔ.

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

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