每天成语
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朝三暮四

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

1. Basic Information

  • Pinyin: zhāo sān mù sì
  • English Translation: Three in the morning and four in the evening (fickle/changeable)
  • Idiom Composition: 「朝」（Morning）＋「三」（Three (referring to the number of chestnuts)）＋「暮」（Evening or dusk）＋「四」（Four (referring to the number of chestnuts)）
  • Meaning: Originally referring to a trick used to deceive others by changing the appearance of something without changing its essence, this idiom now describes someone who is fickle, constantly changes their mind, or is unfaithful in romantic relationships.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「朝三暮四」 contains the following nuances:

  • Evolution of Modern Usage: While the original fable from the Zhuangzi (庄子) was about using tricks to deceive others, this meaning is rarely used today. Instead, the modern meaning focuses on the literal image of 'changing between morning and evening,' signifying a lack of stability or consistency.
  • Criticism of Infidelity: In modern colloquial Chinese, especially among younger generations, this idiom is a very common way to describe a 'player' or someone who is 'two-timing' in a romantic context.

3. Usage

「朝三暮四」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

  • Relationships and Romance: Used to criticize someone who is not faithful to their partner, frequently changes their mind about who they love, or dates multiple people at once.
    • Example:「他对待感情总是朝三暮四，没有一个女朋友能超过三个月。」
      （He is always unfaithful in relationships; none of his girlfriends have lasted more than three months.）
  • Lack of Willpower or Consistency: Used to criticize a lack of persistence in hobbies, studies, or work, where someone constantly switches their focus.
    • Example:「学外语需要坚持，不能朝三暮四，今天学这个明天学那个。」
      （Learning a foreign language requires persistence; you can't keep switching your focus by studying one thing today and another tomorrow.）
  • Inconsistent Policies or Rules: Used to criticize management or organizations when their rules and policies change so frequently that employees are left confused.
    • Example:「公司的制度总是朝三暮四，搞得员工们无所适从。」
      （The company's policies are always inconsistent, leaving the employees at a loss as to what to do.）

Additional Examples:

  1. 你既然决定了要做这件事，就不要朝三暮四了。
    （Since you've decided to do this, don't keep changing your mind.）
  2. 我不喜欢那种朝三暮四、见异思迁的人。
    （I don't like people who are fickle and always looking for something new.）
  3. 这种朝三暮四的态度，注定让你一事无成。
    （With such a capricious attitude, you are destined to achieve nothing.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

  • Source: This idiom comes from the chapter 'Adjustment of Controversies' (齐物论 - Qí Wù Lùn) in the Zhuangzi (庄子). It tells the story of a monkey trainer 狙公 (jū gōng) who told his monkeys they would get three chestnuts in the morning and four in the evening. The monkeys were angry, so he changed it to four in the morning and three in the evening. The monkeys were happy, even though the total was the same.
  • Shift from Philosophy to Personality: Originally, the story was a philosophical metaphor about how people are easily fooled by superficial changes while the essence remains the same. Today, it has shifted to describe a person's fickle character.
  • Comparison with Similar Idioms: While 朝令夕改 (zhāo lìng xī gǎi) is specifically used for inconsistent laws or government orders, 朝三暮四 (zhāo sān mù sì) is more versatile and is used for personal character, romantic habits, and general indecisiveness.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

6. Summary

朝三暮四 (zhāo sān mù sì) has evolved from its original meaning of 'deception' to a negative term describing someone who is 'fickle' or 'indecisive.' In modern Chinese, it is frequently used to criticize someone who is unfaithful in relationships or someone who lacks the persistence to stick to a plan.

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