理所当然

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: lǐ suǒ dāng rán
• English Translation: To be natural, obvious, or justified; something that is to be expected as a matter of course
• Idiom Composition: 「理」（Reason, principle）＋「所」（Place or aspect of an action）＋「当」（Proper, ought to, justly）＋「然」（So, thus, correct）
• Meaning: It means that something should naturally happen according to reason. It expresses that a matter is reasonable and beyond doubt.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「理所当然」 contains the following nuances:

• In accordance with reason: Indicates that something is a natural result based on reason or common sense.
• Inevitability: Expresses that something inevitably happens due to certain causes or conditions.
• Sense of acceptance: Shows that something is accepted by everyone as natural and reasonable.
• Legitimacy: Implies that an action or judgment is legitimate and appropriate.

3. Usage

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

• Stating an expected result: Used to explain that a certain outcome is natural or expected.
  • Example:「他每天努力学习，考上大学是理所当然的。」
    （He studied hard every day, so it is only natural that he got into university.）
• Asserting natural rights or duties: Used to assert that a certain action is a natural right or duty.
  • Example:「作为公民，纳税是理所当然的义务。」
    （As a citizen, paying taxes is a natural duty.）
• Explaining natural judgments or actions: Used to explain that a judgment or action is natural under certain circumstances.
  • Example:「看到有人落水，他理所当然地跳下去救人。」
    （Seeing someone drowning, he naturally jumped in to save them.）

Additional Examples:

1. 努力就会成功是理所当然的。
   （It is only natural that effort leads to success.）
2. 作为团队的领导者，他承担责任是理所当然的。
   （As the team leader, it is only natural that he takes responsibility.）
3. 遵守承诺是理所当然的事。
   （Keeping promises is only natural.）
4. 对顾客提供礼貌的服务是服务业理所当然的事情。
   （Providing polite service to customers is only natural in the service industry.）
5. 关于这件事，由他来负责是理所当然的。
   （Regarding this matter, it is only natural to think that he should take responsibility.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Emphasis on '理' (reason): In traditional Chinese culture, '理' is a very important concept referring to reason, principles, or laws that guide people's actions and judgments. The idiom '理所当然' reflects this way of thinking based on reason.
• Objectivity and subjectivity: '理所当然' expresses something as natural based on objective reason, but what is considered 'reason' can vary depending on era, culture, and individual values. Therefore, what is deemed '理所当然' may not be accepted by everyone.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 顺理成章 (shùn lǐ chéng zhāng): Logical and reasonable; in accordance with reason.
  • 天经地义 (tiān jīng dì yì): In accordance with the laws of heaven and earth; an absolute and unchangeable truth.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 出人意料 (chū rén yì liào): Unexpected, surprising.
  • 不可思议 (bù kě sī yì): Inconceivable, beyond understanding.

6. Summary

'理所当然' is an idiom rooted in the traditional Chinese value of '理' (reason), expressing that something is natural and justified according to reason. It is used to judge the appropriateness of matters from a more objective perspective. When using this idiom, it is important to understand what is considered 'reason' and carefully evaluate its validity.