C1 Expression Neutral 7 min read

戒骄戒躁

jiè jiāo jiè zào

Guard against conceit and rashness

Literally: Guard/abstain pride/arrogance guard/abstain impatient/anxious

In 15 Seconds

  • Stay humble after success.
  • Remain calm under pressure.
  • Avoid overconfidence and impulsiveness.
  • A timeless piece of advice for balance.

Meaning

This is a classic piece of advice, like your wise grandpa telling you to keep your feet on the ground. It means you should avoid getting too proud or overconfident when things go well, and equally, don't get flustered or act impulsively when facing challenges. It's all about maintaining a balanced, calm mindset, whether you're celebrating a victory or navigating a tough spot.

Key Examples

3 of 10
1

Texting a friend after they got a promotion

恭喜你升职!记得 `戒骄戒躁`,继续加油!

Congrats on your promotion! Remember to guard against conceit and rashness, keep up the good work!

2

Giving advice to a junior colleague after a successful project

这次项目很成功,这是你努力的结果。但我们还是要 `戒骄戒躁`,为下一个挑战做好准备。

This project was very successful, it's the result of your hard work. But we still need to guard against conceit and rashness and prepare for the next challenge.

3

Instagram caption for a travel vlog after a smooth trip

旅途一切顺利,风景太美了!但也要时刻 `戒骄戒躁`,保持对未知的好奇心和敬畏心。

The journey went smoothly, the scenery was beautiful! But one must also always guard against conceit and rashness, maintaining curiosity and awe for the unknown.

🌍

Cultural Background

This phrase is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese philosophy, particularly Confucianism and Taoism, which emphasize balance, moderation, and self-cultivation. It reflects a long-standing cultural value placed on maintaining inner peace and avoiding extremes in both success and failure. The concept encourages a stoic and resilient approach to life, viewing emotional stability as key to wisdom and effective action. It’s a distillation of centuries of practical wisdom on navigating the ups and downs of life with grace.

💡

The 'Double Guard'

Think of `戒骄戒躁` as guarding against *two* things: getting too proud (骄) when things are good, and getting too flustered (躁) when things are bad. It's a balanced approach!

🎯

Use it for Long-Term Success

This phrase isn't just about a single moment; it's advice for sustained achievement. It encourages the mindset needed for a marathon, not just a sprint. Use it when advising someone on their career or personal development goals.

In 15 Seconds

  • Stay humble after success.
  • Remain calm under pressure.
  • Avoid overconfidence and impulsiveness.
  • A timeless piece of advice for balance.

What It Means

This phrase is a gentle nudge to stay grounded, no matter what life throws at you. Think of it as a mental thermostat for your emotions. When you achieve something awesome, it reminds you not to get a big head. And when things get tough or you feel stressed, it tells you to take a deep breath and avoid making hasty decisions. It’s about finding that sweet spot of calm confidence and thoughtful action. It’s the wisdom of experience, telling you to ride the waves without getting tossed overboard.

How To Use It

You’ll hear this a lot from elders, teachers, or coaches. It’s a classic piece of advice that applies to almost any situation. Imagine you just aced a difficult exam. A friend might say, "Great job! But remember to 戒骄戒躁 for the next one." Or if your team won a big game, a coach might remind everyone to 戒骄戒躁 and focus on the next match. It’s a versatile saying for both personal growth and team motivation. It’s like saying, "Don't get cocky, and don't panic!"

Formality & Register

This phrase leans towards the formal side, but it's not stuffy. You can use it in semi-formal settings, like giving advice to a junior colleague or in a speech. It also works in more casual chats among friends who appreciate a bit of traditional wisdom. It's not something you'd typically use in a super casual text message unless you're being a bit playful or quoting someone. Think of it as advice you'd get from a mentor, not your bestie complaining about a bad date. It carries a weight of respect and thoughtful consideration. It's like wearing a smart casual outfit – appropriate for many occasions but not for the beach.

Real-Life Examples

  • A company leader might tell their team after a successful product launch: "We've achieved a lot, but we must 戒骄戒躁 and continue to innovate."
  • A parent advising their child who got into a top university: "Congratulations! Now, remember to 戒骄戒躁 in your studies and social life."
  • A veteran gamer might tell a newbie who just won their first match: "Nice win! Don't get too excited, 戒骄戒躁 – there's more to learn."
  • When discussing a political leader's response to a crisis, a commentator might say they need to 戒骄戒躁.
  • After a heated debate online, someone might comment: "Let's all take a step back and 戒骄戒躁."

When To Use It

Use 戒骄戒躁 when you want to offer advice about maintaining emotional balance and humility. It's perfect when someone has achieved success and might be getting overly confident. It’s also great when someone is facing pressure or a setback and might act impulsively. Think of it as a reminder for steady performance. It’s about long-term success, not just short-term wins. It’s your go-to phrase for encouraging composure and resilience. It’s like a gentle hand on the shoulder, saying, "Steady on!"

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using 戒骄戒躁 in very casual, lighthearted banter where humor is the main goal. It might sound too serious or preachy. For instance, if your friend trips but doesn't get hurt, telling them to 戒骄戒躁 would be weird. Also, don't use it when someone is genuinely upset or grieving; it's not a phrase for deep emotional distress. It's not meant for situations requiring immediate, high-energy enthusiasm, like cheering at a concert. It's more about internal balance than external excitement. It's not the phrase you'd use to hype up a party.

Common Mistakes

  • ✗ "He is very 骄傲 and 急躁." → ✓ "He tends to get 骄傲 and 急躁." (Using adjectives instead of the full phrase).
  • ✗ "You should 戒骄 and 戒躁." → ✓ "You should 戒骄戒躁." (Breaking up the idiom).
  • ✗ "Let's 戒骄戒躁 this party!" → ✓ "Let's keep our cool during this discussion." (Misapplying the phrase to a context of excitement).
  • ✗ "My boss told me to 戒骄戒躁 the project deadline." → ✓ "My boss told me to focus diligently on the project deadline." (Using it for tasks instead of attitude).

Common Variations

While 戒骄戒躁 is the standard, you might hear slight variations or related concepts. Sometimes people might just say 戒骄 (jiè jiāo - guard against pride) or 戒躁 (jiè zào - guard against rashness) if one aspect is more relevant. More colloquially, especially among younger folks or in informal contexts, they might express the idea with phrases like "别太飘了" (bié tài piāo le - don't get too high/cocky) or "稳住" (wěn zhù - stabilize/stay calm). The core message remains the same: keep your cool and stay humble. It’s like saying “keep it real” but with more gravitas.

Real Conversations

Speaker A: 我最近工作做得特别好,老板都表扬我了! (Wǒ zuìjìn gōngzuò zuò de tèbié hǎo, lǎobǎn dōu biǎoyáng wǒ le!)

Speaker B: 那太棒了!不过,也要记得 戒骄戒躁,继续努力啊。(Nà tài bàng le! Bùguò, yě yào jìde jiè jiāo jiè zào, jìxù nǔlì a.)

Translation:

Speaker A: My work has been going really well lately, even the boss praised me!

Speaker B: That's great! But remember to guard against conceit and rashness, and keep up the good work.

N

Note

Speaker B is offering friendly advice, tempering Speaker A's excitement with a reminder of humility and continued effort.
M

Mood

Friendly
F

Focus

戒骄戒躁

Speaker A: 这次比赛我们输得太惨了,我都不想看了。(Zhè cì bǐsài wǒmen shū de tài cǎn le, wǒ dōu bù xiǎng kàn le.)

Speaker B: 别灰心,输赢乃兵家常事。我们得 戒骄戒躁,好好总结经验教训。(Bié huīxīn, shū yíng nǎi bīngjiā chángshì. Wǒmen děi jiè jiāo jiè zào, hǎohǎo zǒngjié jīngyàn jiàoxun.)

Translation:

Speaker A: We lost this match so badly, I don't even want to watch anymore.

Speaker B: Don't be discouraged, winning and losing are common in competition. We need to guard against conceit and rashness and learn from our mistakes.

N

Note

Speaker B uses the phrase to encourage a balanced perspective after a loss, focusing on learning rather than dwelling on defeat.
M

Mood

Encouraging
F

Focus

戒骄戒躁

Quick FAQ

Q. Is 戒骄戒躁 only for big achievements?

A. Not at all! While it's often used after a win, it applies to any situation where you might feel overly confident or overly anxious. It's about maintaining a steady state of mind, whether you're facing a small success or a minor setback. Think of it as a general life skill reminder.

Q. Can I use it with my close friends?

A. Absolutely! If your friend group appreciates thoughtful advice or traditional sayings, it can be a great way to offer support or encouragement. Just make sure the context feels right; it's not usually for inside jokes or super silly banter. It shows you care about their well-being and growth.

Q. What if I only want to say 'don't be arrogant'?

A. You could use 戒骄 (jiè jiāo) on its own, which specifically means 'guard against arrogance'. However, 戒骄戒躁 is more comprehensive, covering both overconfidence and excessive anxiety or impatience. It’s like the full package deal for emotional regulation!

Usage Notes

This is a classic idiom often used to impart wisdom or advice. While it can be used in semi-formal and even some casual contexts among friends who appreciate traditional sayings, it carries a certain weight and seriousness. Avoid using it in very lighthearted, slang-heavy conversations where it might sound out of place or overly preachy. It's best reserved for situations where emotional balance and thoughtful conduct are genuinely being discussed.

💡

The 'Double Guard'

Think of `戒骄戒躁` as guarding against *two* things: getting too proud (骄) when things are good, and getting too flustered (躁) when things are bad. It's a balanced approach!

🎯

Use it for Long-Term Success

This phrase isn't just about a single moment; it's advice for sustained achievement. It encourages the mindset needed for a marathon, not just a sprint. Use it when advising someone on their career or personal development goals.

⚠️

Don't Sound Like a Robot!

While `戒骄戒躁` is wise, overuse or using it in the wrong context can make you sound preachy or robotic. Mix it with other expressions and tone it down for casual chats. Nobody wants to hear it after they've just ordered pizza!

💬

Rooted in Ancient Wisdom

This phrase echoes ancient Chinese philosophies emphasizing moderation and inner balance. It's a timeless piece of advice that connects you to a rich cultural heritage of self-cultivation and resilience.

Examples

10
#1 Texting a friend after they got a promotion

恭喜你升职!记得 `戒骄戒躁`,继续加油!

Congrats on your promotion! Remember to guard against conceit and rashness, keep up the good work!

A friendly reminder to stay grounded despite the good news.

#2 Giving advice to a junior colleague after a successful project

这次项目很成功,这是你努力的结果。但我们还是要 `戒骄戒躁`,为下一个挑战做好准备。

This project was very successful, it's the result of your hard work. But we still need to guard against conceit and rashness and prepare for the next challenge.

Used in a professional context to encourage continued diligence and humility.

#3 Instagram caption for a travel vlog after a smooth trip

旅途一切顺利,风景太美了!但也要时刻 `戒骄戒躁`,保持对未知的好奇心和敬畏心。

The journey went smoothly, the scenery was beautiful! But one must also always guard against conceit and rashness, maintaining curiosity and awe for the unknown.

Adds a layer of thoughtful reflection to a seemingly perfect experience.

#4 A coach speaking to their team after a victory

大家打得很好!但别忘了,胜利是暂时的,我们要 `戒骄戒躁`,为下一场比赛继续刻苦训练。

Everyone played very well! But don't forget, victory is temporary, we must guard against conceit and rashness and continue training hard for the next match.

Emphasizes humility and continued effort after a win.

#5 Discussing a challenging situation with a mentor

我最近压力很大,感觉有点不知所措。老师,您说我该怎么做?

I'm under a lot of pressure lately and feel a bit overwhelmed. Teacher, what do you suggest I do?

The mentor's advice would likely include staying calm and not rushing decisions.

#6 Job interview feedback (hypothetical)

你在面试中表现出了扎实的能力,但有时显得有些急于展示自己。在后续的职业生涯中,请记得 `戒骄戒躁`。

You demonstrated solid abilities during the interview, but at times seemed a bit too eager to showcase yourself. In your future career, please remember to guard against conceit and rashness.

Used to advise a candidate on maintaining a balanced approach to self-promotion.

Incorrect usage example Common Mistake

✗ 考试考砸了,我必须 `戒骄戒躁`。

✗ I failed the exam, I must guard against conceit and rashness.

This phrase is for when you've succeeded and might get arrogant, or when you're facing pressure and might get anxious. Failing an exam is a setback, and the advice needed is different (e.g., 'learn from mistakes').

Incorrect usage example Common Mistake

✗ 别 `戒骄戒躁`,我们一起去玩吧!

✗ Don't guard against conceit and rashness, let's go play together!

This phrase is about inner attitude, not about joining fun activities. It sounds nonsensical in this context.

#9 Humorous advice to a friend who won a small online game

哇,你居然赢了!赶紧 `戒骄戒躁`,别以为自己是电竞大神了啊,哈哈!

Wow, you actually won! Quickly guard against conceit and rashness, don't think you're an esports god now, haha!

Used playfully to tease a friend about a minor victory.

#10 Reflecting on a past mistake

当年年轻气盛,以为自己无所不能,结果碰了一鼻子灰。现在想来,真该好好 `戒骄戒躁`。

Back then, full of youthful vigor, I thought I was invincible, but ended up getting a black eye. Thinking back now, I really should have guarded against conceit and rashness.

Expresses regret and acknowledges the importance of the advice in hindsight.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 戒骄戒躁

`戒骄戒躁` means to guard against conceit and rashness, which fits the context of staying humble after making progress.

Choose the sentence that uses `戒骄戒躁` correctly.

Which sentence correctly uses `戒骄戒躁`?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 在成功面前,我们应该 `戒骄戒躁`,继续努力。

The phrase `戒骄戒躁` is used to advise someone to remain humble after success and avoid rashness. The second option fits this context perfectly.

Find and fix the error in the sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

`戒骄戒躁` is a fixed idiom and should be written together as one phrase.

Translate the sentence into English.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

The phrase `戒骄戒躁` advises against both overconfidence (conceit) and impulsiveness (rashness), which are relevant when facing challenges.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Formality Spectrum of '戒骄戒躁'

Very Casual

Rarely used, might sound out of place.

Nah, you wouldn't say this after stubbing your toe.

Casual

Can be used playfully or with friends who appreciate wisdom.

Congrats on the game win! But remember to `戒骄戒躁`... 😉

Neutral

Commonly used in advice, mentorship, or reflection.

After a success, it's important to `戒骄戒躁`.

Formal

Appropriate for speeches, official advice, or written contexts.

We must `戒骄戒躁` to ensure sustainable growth.

Very Formal

Might be too traditional for some modern formal settings.

The leadership urged all members to `戒骄戒躁`.

Where You'll Hear '戒骄戒躁'

Advice for Emotional Balance
🎓

Graduation Ceremony

Congrats! Now remember to `戒骄戒躁` in your new career.

Sports Team Huddle

Great win! But `戒骄戒躁`, focus on the next game.

🤝

Mentorship Meeting

You've handled that client well. Keep that composure, `戒骄戒躁`.

📈

Business Strategy Session

Our profits are up, but we must `戒骄戒躁` and plan ahead.

🏡

Parent-Child Talk

Got into your dream school? Wonderful! Now, `戒骄戒躁`.

💬

Online Forum Advice

Dealing with trolls requires you to `戒骄戒躁`.

Comparing '戒骄戒躁' with Similar Phrases

戒骄戒躁 (jiè jiāo jiè zào)
戒骄戒躁 Guard against conceit and rashness
得意忘形 (dé yì wàng xíng)
得意忘形 Get carried away by success (lose one's head)
心浮气躁 (xīn fú qì zào)
心浮气躁 Impatient and restless (opposite of calm)

Usage Scenarios for '戒骄戒躁'

🏆

Personal Achievement

  • After winning an award
  • Getting a promotion
  • Acing an exam
🌧️

Facing Adversity

  • After a business loss
  • Dealing with project setbacks
  • Handling criticism
🗣️

Interpersonal Advice

  • Mentoring a junior
  • Parental guidance
  • Team motivation
🧘

Self-Reflection

  • Reviewing past mistakes
  • Maintaining long-term goals
  • Cultivating inner peace

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase. Fill Blank beginner

每次取得进步后,都要记得 __________,保持谦虚。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 戒骄戒躁

`戒骄戒躁` means to guard against conceit and rashness, which fits the context of staying humble after making progress.

Choose the sentence that uses `戒骄戒躁` correctly. Choose intermediate

Which sentence correctly uses `戒骄戒躁`?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 在成功面前,我们应该 `戒骄戒躁`,继续努力。

The phrase `戒骄戒躁` is used to advise someone to remain humble after success and avoid rashness. The second option fits this context perfectly.

Find and fix the error in the sentence. Error Fix intermediate

Find and fix the mistake:

你这次考试得了满分,真厉害!但也要 戒骄 戒躁。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 你这次考试得了满分,真厉害!但也要 `戒骄戒躁`。

`戒骄戒躁` is a fixed idiom and should be written together as one phrase.

Translate the sentence into English. Translate advanced

面对挑战时,保持冷静,切勿 `戒骄戒躁`。

Hints: Consider the nuance of '切勿'., Think about the opposite of the phrase's meaning.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: When facing challenges, stay calm and do not become conceited or rash.

The phrase `戒骄戒躁` advises against both overconfidence (conceit) and impulsiveness (rashness), which are relevant when facing challenges.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

20 questions

Literally, (jiè) means to guard against or abstain from. (jiāo) means pride or arrogance, and (zào) means impetuous, hasty, or anxious. So, it translates to guarding against pride and haste/anxiety. It's a concise way to remind someone to maintain a balanced state of mind.

The best time is when someone has experienced success and might become arrogant, or when someone is facing pressure and might act rashly. It's a piece of advice for maintaining composure and humility in the face of both good fortune and adversity. Think of it as a reminder for steady performance.

It leans more towards neutral to formal. You'd hear it from teachers, elders, or in more serious discussions. While it can be used among friends who appreciate traditional wisdom, it's generally not something you'd use in very casual slang or during lighthearted banter.

Certainly! Imagine your team just landed a major client. Your manager might say, 'This is a great achievement, but we must 戒骄戒躁 and continue to focus on delivering excellent service.' This advises the team not to get complacent after the win.

You could use it playfully or sincerely. For example, if your friend shares great news, you might text: 'Wow, congrats! 🎉 Remember to 戒骄戒躁 though! 😉' The emojis add a casual touch, making the advice friendly rather than stern.

If your main concern is arrogance, you can use 戒骄 (jiè jiāo) on its own, which specifically means 'guard against pride'. Similarly, 戒躁 (jiè zào) means 'guard against rashness/impatience'. However, 戒骄戒躁 is more comprehensive and commonly used as the full phrase.

For 'not getting too cocky' after success, younger people might say 别太飘了 (bié tài piāo le - don't float too high) or 稳住 (wěn zhù - stay steady/calm). These are more colloquial but capture a similar sentiment in specific contexts.

This phrase embodies traditional Chinese values of humility, self-control, and moderation. It reflects a philosophical emphasis on maintaining inner equilibrium amidst life's fluctuations, encouraging resilience and wisdom over emotional extremes. It's a cornerstone of personal cultivation advice.

Yes, absolutely. While it strongly advises against arrogance after success, 戒躁 specifically addresses the tendency to become anxious, impulsive, or discouraged when facing difficulties or failures. It's about maintaining a calm and rational mindset regardless of the outcome.

You could, but it requires careful delivery and context. If someone is boasting excessively about a minor achievement, you might say it with a smirk. However, sarcasm can easily be misunderstood, so it's generally safer to use it sincerely or playfully.

A frequent error is separating the phrase, like saying '戒骄 and 戒躁'. 戒骄戒躁 functions as a single unit, an established idiom. Another mistake is applying it incorrectly, for instance, telling someone to ' 戒骄戒躁 ' after they failed an exam, when the advice needed is likely about learning from mistakes, not about arrogance.

Yes, 骄傲 (jiāo'ào) can mean pride (positive) or arrogance (negative), depending on context. 傲慢 (àomàn) almost always refers to arrogance or haughtiness, implying looking down on others. 戒骄 in 戒骄戒躁 primarily targets the negative aspect of pride that leads to complacency or arrogance.

There's a strong parallel. Both concepts advocate for emotional resilience and rational control over one's reactions to external events. 戒骄戒躁 encourages maintaining inner balance, similar to how Stoicism teaches focusing on what you can control (your judgments and actions) rather than external outcomes.

Definitely! A veteran gamer might tell a newbie who just won their first match: 'Nice win, but remember to 戒骄戒躁. Don't get too cocky, there's still a lot to learn.' It's perfect for advising against overconfidence after a small victory in a game.

The vibe is typically wise, experienced, and calm. The person using it is often trying to offer sound advice, encouraging stability and thoughtful action. It carries a sense of maturity and good intention, like a mentor guiding someone.

Yes, it's quite fitting for speeches, especially those addressing achievements, challenges, or future goals. For example, a CEO might say, 'As we celebrate this milestone, let us 戒骄戒躁 and remain focused on our mission.' It adds a touch of gravitas and traditional wisdom.

While 戒骄戒躁 advises against rashness, in a situation of feeling overwhelmed, you might also need phrases like 深呼吸 (shēn hū xī - take a deep breath) or 一步一步来 (yī bù yī bù lái - take it step by step). 戒骄戒躁 is more about the *attitude* you adopt when facing the task, rather than the immediate action plan.

Yes, it can be used ironically or humorously, especially among friends. If someone is bragging about something trivial, you might jokingly say, 'Whoa there, 戒骄戒躁!' This implies they are getting a bit too proud over something minor. Context and tone are key!

'Keep your chin up' is solely for encouragement during difficult times. 戒骄戒躁 is broader; it applies to both successes (guarding against pride) and failures/challenges (guarding against rashness/anxiety). It's about maintaining balance in both scenarios.

While not tied to one single event, the phrase reflects enduring philosophical principles from thinkers like Confucius and Lao Tzu, emphasizing moderation and self-discipline. Its prevalence grew through classical literature and educational traditions, becoming a widely accepted piece of moral guidance.

Related Phrases

↔️

得意忘形

antonym

To get carried away by success; to lose one's head.

This phrase describes the negative outcome that `戒骄` (guarding against conceit) aims to prevent.

↔️

心浮气躁

antonym

Impatient and restless; agitated.

This describes the state of being rash or anxious that `戒躁` (guarding against rashness) seeks to correct.

🔗

稳如泰山

related topic

As stable as Mount Tai; very steady.

This phrase describes the ideal state of calmness and stability that `戒骄戒躁` helps one to achieve and maintain.

🔄

谦虚谨慎

synonym

Humble and prudent.

This phrase describes the virtues that are cultivated by practicing `戒骄戒躁`, focusing on humility and carefulness.

🔗

戒急用忍

related topic

Control impatience and use forbearance.

This phrase is similar to the `戒躁` aspect, emphasizing patience and control when facing difficulties or urges to act hastily.

🔗

不卑不亢

related topic

Neither humble nor arrogant; balanced in attitude.

This describes the ideal demeanor achieved through practicing `戒骄戒躁`, reflecting a state of balanced self-assurance.

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