Introduction
The Chinese idiom 按兵不動 (àn bīng bù dòng) is rich in meaning and symbolism. As a phrase commonly used in various contexts, understanding its significance can greatly enhance one’s comprehension of the Chinese language and culture. In this article, we will delve deeply into the meaning of this idiom, its grammatical structure, and provide illustrative example sentences.
What Does 按兵不動 Mean?
按兵不動 (àn bīng bù dòng) literally translates to “holding the troops still” or “keeping troops at ease.” In a broader sense, it means to remain inactive or not to take action in a situation where one is expected to act. This can refer to both military contexts as well as more everyday scenarios where one decides to wait rather than take immediate action.
Historical Context
The phrase originates from ancient military strategy. In times of conflict, commanders might decide to not deploy their soldiers, opting instead to wait for a more favorable opportunity, demonstrating patience and strategic thinking. This idiom reflects a valuable lesson on the importance of timing and decision-making.
Grammatical Structure of 按兵不動
To better understand the phrase, let’s break down its components:
- 按 (àn) – This character means “to press” or “to hold.” It implies control or restraint.
- 兵 (bīng) – Translating to “soldiers” or “troops,” this character reflects a military context.
- 不 (bù)
– A negation word meaning “not.” It conveys the absence of action.
- 動 (dòng) – This character means “to move” or “to act.” Combined with 不, it refers to the action of not moving.
In summary, the structure of 按兵不動 highlights a situation of paused action, where the speaker emphasizes a deliberate choice to refrain from taking steps forward.
Example Sentences Using 按兵不動
Understanding idioms often requires contextual examples. Here are some sentences incorporating 按兵不動 to illustrate its usage:
Sentence 1
在这次商谈中,他选择了按兵不动,静静观察对手的反应。
Translation: In this negotiation, he chose to remain inactive and quietly observe the opponent’s reactions.
Sentence 2
面对市场的不确定性,公司决定按兵不动,等待时机更成熟再做投资。
Translation: In the face of market uncertainty, the company decided to hold off and wait for a more opportune time to invest.
Sentence 3
虽然有机会出击,他还是决定按兵不动,以避免不必要的损失。
Translation: Although there was an opportunity to strike, he decided to stay put to avoid unnecessary losses.
Conclusion
In summary, 按兵不動 (àn bīng bù dòng) is a powerful idiom that conveys the concept of patience and strategic waiting. It draws from military themes but applies to numerous contexts in daily life. Understanding its meaning and grammatical structure not only enriches language skills but also offers valuable insight into Chinese cultural values surrounding decision-making and timing.
By incorporating idioms like 按兵不動 into your vocabulary, you can communicate more effectively and appreciate the nuances of the Chinese language.

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