入乡随俗
rù xiāng suí sú
Follow local customs
Literally: Enter (入) village (乡) follow (随) customs (俗)
In 15 Seconds
- Adapt to local habits when you are in a new place.
- The Chinese version of 'When in Rome, do as Romans do.'
- A polite way to show respect for different cultural traditions.
Meaning
It means adapting to the lifestyle and habits of the people around you. It is the Chinese equivalent of 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do.'
Key Examples
3 of 6Trying a local delicacy at a street market
虽然这个菜有点奇怪，但我们要入乡随俗。
Although this dish is a bit strange, we should follow local customs.
Explaining why you are participating in a local festival
既然来到了这里，就入乡随俗吧。
Since we are here, let's just do as the locals do.
A business dinner where specific etiquette is required
在中国的商务晚宴上，入乡随俗是非常重要的。
At a Chinese business dinner, following local customs is very important.
Cultural Background
Originating from the philosophical works of Zhuangzi, this idiom reflects the Confucian and Taoist emphasis on social harmony and adaptability. It highlights the historical reality of China as a vast land with diverse regional cultures, where 'following the village' was essential for survival and trade.
The 'Get Out of Jail Free' Card
If you make a small social mistake, jokingly saying 'I'm trying to 入乡随俗' will usually get you a friendly laugh and a pass.
Don't Overdo It
You don't need to change your entire personality. People appreciate the effort, but they still want to see the real you!
In 15 Seconds
- Adapt to local habits when you are in a new place.
- The Chinese version of 'When in Rome, do as Romans do.'
- A polite way to show respect for different cultural traditions.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as your social passport. It is about blending in. When you travel or move, you respect local ways. You eat what they eat. You do what they do. It shows you are open-minded. It shows you are not a stubborn tourist.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone advice. You can also use it to explain your own actions. If you are eating spicy food you usually hate, say it. It makes people smile. It shows you are trying your best to fit in. Use it like a verb or a philosophy.
When To Use It
Use it when trying a weird local snack. Use it when learning a new greeting. It is great for business dinners. If your Chinese host asks you to drink, say this. It shows you respect their culture. It is perfect for social media captions too. Just add a photo of you doing something local.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for serious legal matters. It is for social customs, not breaking laws. Avoid using it if someone is pressuring you uncomfortably. It should feel like a choice, not a burden. Also, do not use it to mock people. It is a phrase of respect, not sarcasm. Keep the tone light and appreciative.
Cultural Background
This phrase is ancient but still very cool. It comes from the 'Zhuangzi', a classic text. China is huge with many different provinces. Each place has its own 'village' rules. Even Chinese people use this when they travel internally. It is a core value of harmony. It helps avoid conflict in new places.
Common Variations
You might hear 入境随俗 (rù jìng suí sú). It means the same thing. 境 means border or territory. Both are very common. Some people just say 随俗 for short. But the four-character version sounds much more polished. It makes you sound like a pro.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and versatile. It works in business, travel, and casual settings without sounding too stiff or too slangy.
The 'Get Out of Jail Free' Card
If you make a small social mistake, jokingly saying 'I'm trying to 入乡随俗' will usually get you a friendly laugh and a pass.
Don't Overdo It
You don't need to change your entire personality. People appreciate the effort, but they still want to see the real you!
Regional Pride
In China, people are very proud of their local 'village' customs (like spice levels in Sichuan). Using this phrase shows you acknowledge their unique identity.
Examples
6虽然这个菜有点奇怪，但我们要入乡随俗。
Although this dish is a bit strange, we should follow local customs.
Shows an adventurous and respectful attitude toward food.
既然来到了这里，就入乡随俗吧。
Since we are here, let's just do as the locals do.
A common way to encourage others to join in the fun.
在中国的商务晚宴上，入乡随俗是非常重要的。
At a Chinese business dinner, following local customs is very important.
Highlights the professional importance of cultural awareness.
穿上当地的衣服，感觉真的入乡随俗了！
Wearing local clothes, I really feel like I'm following the customs!
Used to express excitement about a cultural experience.
我正在努力入乡随俗，虽然筷子很难用。
I'm trying to follow the local customs, even though chopsticks are hard to use.
Self-deprecating humor that builds rapport.
感谢您的邀请，我会入乡随俗，尊重您的家规。
Thank you for the invitation; I will follow your customs and respect your house rules.
Shows high level of respect and sincerity.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence about traveling to a new city.
去旅游的时候，我们应该___，尊重那里的生活方式。
The sentence says we should respect the lifestyle of the place we visit, which matches the meaning of '入乡随俗'.
Which phrase fits best when you are trying to fit in with a new group of friends?
为了和新朋友打成一片，我决定___。
To get along with new friends, adapting to their group 'customs' or habits is the best approach.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 入乡随俗
Chatting with friends about travel
随俗吧！
Standard everyday conversation
我们要入乡随俗。
Speeches or business writing
秉持入乡随俗的原则。
Where to use 入乡随俗
Eating local food
Trying spicy tofu
Local Festivals
Setting off fireworks
Business Etiquette
Exchanging business cards
Social Greetings
Learning local slang
Practice Bank
2 exercises去旅游的时候，我们应该___，尊重那里的生活方式。
The sentence says we should respect the lifestyle of the place we visit, which matches the meaning of '入乡随俗'.
为了和新朋友打成一片，我决定___。
To get along with new friends, adapting to their group 'customs' or habits is the best approach.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt literally means 'enter village, follow customs.' It suggests that every place has its own unique rules.
Not at all! Chinese people use it when traveling between provinces, like a Beijinger visiting Guangdong. It applies to anyone in a new environment.
Yes, it is very common in texts. You can say 入乡随俗嘛 (rù xiāng suí sú ma) to sound more casual.
It is a 'Chengyu' (idiom), which usually sounds a bit formal, but this specific one is very common in daily life. It sits right in the middle of formal and informal.
Yes, it is often used exactly then! It shows you are doing something out of respect, even if it's not your favorite thing.
Sometimes people just say 随俗 (suí sú), but the full four-character version is much more recognizable and rhythmic.
They are nearly identical. 乡 means village, while 境 means border/territory. 入境随俗 sounds slightly more like you are entering a new country.
No, it is about temporary adaptation and showing respect to your hosts, not losing your identity.
Don't use it for things that are just 'rules' like traffic lights. Use it for 'customs' like taking off shoes or drinking tea.
Usually no. It's for when you are the guest or the newcomer. You wouldn't tell a guest to 入乡随俗 at your house; that might sound a bit bossy.
Related Phrases
随遇而安
Feel at home wherever you are
因地制宜
Act according to local conditions
客随主便
A guest should suit the convenience of the host
顺其自然
Go with the flow
