居安思危

jū'ān-sīwēi

idiom #88,302

Meanings

1 to think of danger even when at peace
2 to stay vigilant in times of safety
3 be prepared for adversity in times of plenty

Characters

to reside; to dwell in

Examples

HSK 4

作为领导，他始终保持居安思危的态度。

Zuòwéi lǐngdǎo, tā shǐzhōng bǎochí jū'ān-sīwēi de tàidù.

As a leader, he has always maintained an attitude of vigilance in times of peace.

HSK 7-9

公司虽然效益很好，但我们要居安思危。

Gōngsī suīrán xiàoyì hěn hǎo, dàn wǒmen yào jū'ān-sīwēi.

Although the company is doing well, we must stay alert to potential risks.

HSK 7-9

居安思危，才能防患于未然。

Jū'ān-sīwēi, cáinéng fánghuàn-yúwèirán.

Only by thinking of danger in peacetime can you prevent trouble before it arises.

Tips

history

From 《左传·襄公十一年》: 居安思危，思则有备，有备无患 'think of danger while at peace; such thought brings preparation, and preparation avoids disaster.' Quoted for millennia as a classic of strategic thought.

usage

Apostrophe needed before 安 (a-initial syllable) under Hanyu Pinyin rules: jū'ān not jūān. Very common in political and business speech.

Stroke Order

居 jū

安 ān

思 sī

危 wēi