理所当然

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

1. Basic Information

Pinyin: lǐ suǒ dāng rán
English Translation: As a matter of course (to go without saying)
Idiom Composition: 「理」（Reason, logic, or principle）＋「所」（A particle indicating the object of the following verb (that which)）＋「当」（Should, ought to, or must）＋「然」（To be so, or in such a manner）
Meaning: To be natural and right according to reason or logic. It describes a situation that is expected, justifiable, or inevitable. Depending on the context, it can be used positively to state a fact or negatively to criticize someone for taking something for granted.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「理所当然」 contains the following nuances:

Logical Inevitability: It emphasizes that a result is the natural consequence when measured against 理 (lǐ), meaning reason or logic.
Social and Moral Correctness: It carries a normative meaning, suggesting that something "should" be a certain way according to social common sense or ethics.
The "Entitlement" Nuance: It is often used to describe a negative attitude where one assumes they are entitled to someone else's effort or kindness without needing to show appreciation.

3. Usage

「理所当然」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

Objective facts and truths: Used when describing a clear cause-and-effect relationship that everyone agrees with. The tone is neutral or positive.
- Example:「犯了错误就要承担责任，这是理所当然的。」
  （Taking responsibility after making a mistake is only natural.）
Justifying rights or claims: Used to emphasize that a demand or action is reasonable and justified by logic or duty.
- Example:「父母抚养未成年的子女是理所当然的义务。」
  （It is a right and proper duty for parents to raise their minor children.）
Critical context (lack of gratitude): Frequently used to warn against treating someone's kindness as a given. It often appears in the structure "Don't think... is lǐ suǒ dāng rán."
- Example:「不要把别人的帮助当作理所当然，要学会感恩。」
  （Do not take for granted the help of others; you must learn to be grateful.）

Additional Examples:

既然你答应了，去履行诺言就是理所当然的事。
（Since you promised, fulfilling that promise is the natural thing to do.）
他在这个领域耕耘多年，获得成功是理所当然的。
（He has worked hard in this field for many years, so his success is a foregone conclusion.）
很多孩子习惯了父母的付出，觉得一切都是理所当然。
（Many children get used to their parents' sacrifices and feel that everything is taken for granted.）
没有什么幸福是理所当然的，我们需要用心经营。
（No happiness is guaranteed as a matter of course; we need to nurture it with care.）
大家认为理所当然的常识，有时也需要重新审视。
（Common sense that everyone considers self-evident sometimes needs to be re-examined.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

Wide Register: This is an extremely common idiom used in everything from casual daily conversation to formal legal or academic writing.
Dual Nuance: Unlike the English phrase "take for granted," which is almost always negative, 理所当然 (lǐ suǒ dāng rán) can be used neutrally to describe objective truths, such as "It is only natural that the sun rises in the east."
Contextual Importance: Because it can mean both "justifiable" and "entitled/ungrateful," the surrounding context is crucial for determining the speaker's intent.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

Similar Idioms:
Opposite Idioms:
- 岂有此理 (qǐ yǒu cǐ lǐ): Preposterous or outrageous; literally "How can such a logic exist!" Used to express anger at something irrational.link
- 匪夷所思 (fěi yí suǒ sī): Unthinkable or bizarre; something that goes beyond common sense or normal imagination.
- 不可思议 (bù kě sī yì): Beyond imagination or comprehension; inconceivable.link

6. Summary

理所当然 (lǐ suǒ dāng rán) is a highly common idiom used to describe something that is "only natural" or "goes without saying" based on logic or social norms. It can describe an objective result or a subjective attitude where one fails to show gratitude because they feel entitled.