寄人篱下

寄人籬下

jìrén-líxià

idiom

Meanings

HSK 7-9

他从小寄人篱下，养成了谨慎的性格。

Tā cóngxiǎo jìrén-líxià, yǎngchéng le jǐnshèn de xìnggé.

Growing up dependent on others, he developed a cautious personality.

HSK 7-9

与其寄人篱下，不如自己租间小屋。

Yǔqí jìrén-líxià, bùrú zìjǐ zū jiān xiǎowū.

Rather than living off others, it's better to rent a small place of your own.

history

From 《南史·张融传》: 丈夫当删诗书，制礼乐，何至因循寄人篱下 - a rebuke of imitating others rather than creating anew.

usage

Carries a tone of loss of independence or dignity, not just physical dependency. Often used for orphans, exiles, or poor relatives.

寄 jì

人 rén

篱 lí

下 xià