量入为出

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: liàng rù wéi chū
• English Translation: Live within one's means (to plan expenditure based on income)
• Idiom Composition: 「量」（To measure, calculate, or estimate）＋「入」（Income or what comes in）＋「为」（To act as, to determine, or to make (short for 以为 - yǐwéi)）＋「出」（Expenditure or what goes out）
• Meaning: To accurately estimate the amount of income and plan expenditures within that limit. It is a positive and prudent expression describing the fundamental principle of sound financial management and household budgeting.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「量入为出」 contains the following nuances:

• The Importance of Sequence: The sequence of 'first grasping income, then determining expenditure' is crucial. It emphasizes planning within a realistic framework rather than spending according to one's desires and then trying to find the funds later.
• A Prudent Attitude Toward Life: It represents the steadiness of living a life that fits one's stature without overextending. It is often cited as wisdom for avoiding debt and deficits.

3. Usage

「量入为出」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Household Management: Frequently used when discussing family finances to warn against wastefulness or to emphasize the necessity of saving.
  • Example:「为了攒钱买房，这对年轻夫妇决定量入为出，减少不必要的开销。」
    （To save money for a house, the young couple decided to live within their means and reduce unnecessary expenses.）
• Corporate and National Finance: A formal expression used not only for personal finances but also in public contexts such as corporate management or the formulation of national budgets.
  • Example:「公司今年的财务策略是量入为出，避免盲目扩张。」
    （The company's financial strategy this year is to plan expenditures based on income and avoid blind expansion.）

Additional Examples:

1. 不管赚多少钱，如果不懂得量入为出，最后还是会负债累累。
   （No matter how much money you earn, if you don't know how to live within your means, you will eventually end up heavily in debt.）
2. 理财的第一步就是要学会量入为出，做好预算。
   （The first step in financial management is learning to balance spending against income and creating a solid budget.）
3. 在这个经济不景气的时期，我们更应该量入为出。
   （During this period of economic recession, we should be even more careful to live within our means.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Origin: This idiom comes from the 'Royal Regulations' (王制 - Wángzhì) chapter of the Book of Rites (礼记 - Lǐjì). It states: 'Only after the five grains are harvested is the national expenditure determined... measuring income to determine expenditure.' It was originally a principle for national fiscal policy.
• Traditional Values: In Chinese culture, the virtue of 勤俭节约 (qín jiǎn jié yuē), or being industrious and thrifty, is highly valued. This idiom embodies that spirit and is still used today in a very positive sense.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 精打细算 (jīng dǎ xì suàn): To plan meticulously; to calculate minutely to ensure there is no waste, especially with money or resources.link
  • 量力而行 (liàng lì ér xíng): To act according to one's ability or resources; not overextending oneself.
  • 节衣缩食 (jié yī suō shí): To save money by cutting down on food and clothing.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 入不敷出 (rù bù fū chū): Income does not cover expenses; being in a state of deficit.
  • 寅吃卯粮 (yín chī mǎo liáng): Literally 'eating the food of the Year of the Rabbit in the Year of the Tiger'; to spend tomorrow's money today or live on credit.
  • 大手大脚 (dà shǒu dà jiǎo): To be extravagant or wasteful with money.link

6. Summary

量入为出 (liàng rù wéi chū) refers to the practice of grasping one's income accurately and controlling spending to stay within that range. It is widely used in contexts ranging from personal finance to national budgets, serving as a slogan for sustainable and healthy fiscal operations. It is the basic mindset required to avoid falling into a deficit, or 入不敷出 (rù bù fū chū).