每天成语
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三长两短

*The explanations on this page are generated by AI. Please note that they may contain inaccurate information.

1. Basic Information

  • Pinyin: sān cháng liǎng duǎn
  • English Translation: Three long and two short (unexpected misfortune or death)
  • Idiom Composition: 「三」（The number three）＋「长」（Long）＋「两」（The number two）＋「短」（Short）
  • Meaning: A euphemism referring to unexpected disasters, serious accidents, or death. It is most commonly used in hypothetical contexts to express concern about 'if something bad were to happen' to someone.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「三长两短」 contains the following nuances:

  • Euphemism for Death: In Chinese culture, speaking directly about death is often considered taboo or overly blunt. 三长两短 (sān cháng liǎng duǎn) functions similarly to the English phrase 'if anything should happen to me,' providing a softer way to discuss the worst-case scenario.
  • Hypothetical Usage: This idiom is rarely used to describe an event that has already occurred. Instead, it is almost always used in the conditional or hypothetical sense—expressing anxiety about a potential future tragedy.

3. Usage

「三长两短」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

  • Worry and Concern: Used when expressing fear that a family member or loved one might encounter life-threatening danger.
    • Example:「你要是出了什么三长两短，让我怎么活下去？」
      （If something happens to you, how can I go on living?）
  • Warning and Caution: Used to warn someone against dangerous behavior by highlighting the possibility of a fatal outcome.
    • Example:「那种地方太危险了，万一有个三长两短，后悔都来不及。」
      （That place is too dangerous; if an accident occurs, it will be too late for regrets.）
  • Responsibility: Used to emphasize the heavy responsibility of ensuring someone's safety while they are in one's care.
    • Example:「孩子交给你照顾，如果有三长两短，我唯你是问。」
      （I'm leaving the child in your care; if anything happens, I will hold you responsible.）

Additional Examples:

  1. 他要是真有个三长两短，这个家就完了。
    （If something fatal happens to him, this family is finished.）
  2. 别担心，手术很成功，不会有三长两短的。
    （Don't worry, the surgery was a success; nothing bad will happen.）
  3. 为了防止发生三长两短，我们必须做好安全措施。
    （To prevent unforeseen disasters, we must implement strict safety measures.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

  • The most popular theory regarding the origin of this idiom relates to the construction of traditional Chinese coffins. A coffin consists of six boards. Before the lid is placed on top, there are three long boards (the bottom and the two sides) and two short boards (the head and the foot). Thus, 'three long and two short' became a visual metaphor for a coffin, and by extension, death.
  • Another theory traces the phrase back to the legendary swordsmith Ou Yezi (欧冶子), who reportedly forged five famous swords: three long ones and two short ones. Because these were weapons of great lethality, the combination of 'three long and two short' came to symbolize danger and misfortune.
  • Because of its association with death and coffins, this idiom should never be used in lighthearted or joking contexts. It is reserved for serious situations involving genuine concern or grave warnings.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

6. Summary

The idiom 三长两短 (sān cháng liǎng duǎn) literally translates to 'three long and two short.' It is a delicate way to refer to life-threatening danger or death without using the word directly. Because it carries an ominous tone, it is primarily used when expressing deep worry for a loved one or issuing a stern warning about a dangerous situation.

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