衣来伸手，饭来张口

yi lai shen shou, fan lai zhang kou

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§ What does it mean and when do people use it?

This Chinese idiom, 衣来伸手，饭来张口 (yī lái shēn shǒu, fàn lái zhāng kǒu), literally translates to 'clothes come, stretch out your hand; food comes, open your mouth.' It's a vivid expression that paints a clear picture: someone who doesn't lift a finger for themselves, relying entirely on others to provide for their every need. Think of a pampered child who has everything done for them, or perhaps an adult who has grown accustomed to a life of extreme luxury and idleness.

The core meaning is about being completely dependent and not having to exert any effort to obtain basic necessities or comforts. It describes a state of living in extreme comfort, often to the point of being lazy or spoiled. It carries a somewhat negative connotation, implying that the person is unmotivated, irresponsible, or perhaps even a burden on others. While it might sound appealing to some – who wouldn't want to be waited on hand and foot? – in Chinese culture, this expression is usually used to criticize or express disapproval of such a lifestyle.

DEFINITION: To live in idleness and luxury; to be waited on hand and foot.

When do people use it? This idiom is often used in conversations to describe a person's behavior or lifestyle. You might hear it when discussing someone who is excessively lazy, spoiled, or who has never had to work hard for anything. It can be applied to children, young adults, or even older individuals who have maintained a life of extreme dependency.

You might use it to describe a spoiled child who expects everything to be given to them without any effort.
It can also be used to criticize an adult who is financially dependent and contributes nothing.
Sometimes, it's used to contrast with someone who is hardworking and self-sufficient.

他从小就是衣来伸手，饭来张口，从来没做过家务。(He's been waited on hand and foot since he was little, never done any housework.)

This example clearly shows the negative connotation. The person has never done housework because everything is provided for them. It implies a lack of self-reliance and perhaps a sheltered upbringing.

有些人梦想着过衣来伸手，饭来张口的日子，但我更喜欢自力更生。(Some people dream of a life where they're waited on hand and foot, but I prefer to be self-reliant.)

Here, the idiom is used to describe a desired (though often criticized) lifestyle. The speaker expresses a preference for self-reliance over such a dependent existence.

It's a useful phrase for describing a certain type of personality or lifestyle, and understanding its nuance will greatly enhance your comprehension of spoken and written Chinese. Keep an ear out for it in TV shows, movies, or even in everyday conversations, and you'll quickly grasp the context in which it's used.