It describes a person who is so spoiled they do nothing for themselves.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to a life of complete dependence on others.
- Often used to criticize those who are spoiled.
- Highlights a lack of self-reliance and effort.
Overview
- 1概述：'衣来伸手，饭来张口'是一个经典的汉语成语，形象地描绘了一个人不需要动手，衣服就有人给穿，饭菜就有人送到嘴边。它不仅是一种生活状态的描述，更常被用于一种带有贬义的批评，指代那些缺乏独立生活能力、习惯于坐享其成的人。
- 1使用模式：该短语通常在句子中充当谓语或定语。例如，可以说某人'过着衣来伸手，饭来张口的生活'，或者形容某人'习惯了衣来伸手，饭来张口'。它常用于教育子女、社会评论或职场评价中，强调个人独立性的重要性。
常见语境：这个成语最常出现在描述家庭教育的讨论中，批评父母对孩子过度溺爱。此外，在讨论社会公平或奋斗精神时，人们也会用这个词来反思那种不劳而获的惰性心理。
- 1近义词比较：与其相近的词汇包括'养尊处优'。'养尊处优'侧重于生活环境的优越和地位的高贵，而'衣来伸手，饭来张口'更侧重于个人缺乏独立劳动能力、完全依赖他人的行为表现。两者都带有一定的警示意味，但在具体语境下，'衣来伸手，饭来张口'的批评色彩往往更浓。
Examples
他从小被父母宠坏了，过着衣来伸手，饭来张口的生活。
everydayHe has been spoiled by his parents since childhood, living a life where everything is done for him.
我们不应培养衣来伸手，饭来张口的下一代。
formalWe should not raise a generation that is completely dependent on others.
离开家后，他才发现自己不能再衣来伸手，饭来张口了。
informalAfter leaving home, he realized he could no longer rely on others for everything.
过度保护往往会导致子女形成衣来伸手，饭来张口的依赖心理。
academicOver-protection often leads children to develop a dependent mentality where they expect everything to be done for them.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
拒绝衣来伸手
Refuse to be pampered
改变衣来伸手的生活
Change the pampered lifestyle
告别衣来伸手
Say goodbye to dependency
Often Confused With
Refers to living in a high position with comfort and luxury. It emphasizes social status more than just the lack of self-care.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This idiom is primarily used in a critical or warning register. It is highly expressive and should be used when you want to emphasize the negative consequences of over-dependence. It is not suitable for formal business reports unless discussing social issues.
Common Mistakes
Some learners use it as a neutral description of a wealthy person, which is incorrect. It specifically targets the behavior of not doing things for oneself. Ensure the context implies laziness or lack of independence.
Tips
Use it for criticism
Use this idiom when you want to highlight that someone is too dependent on others. It is very effective in parenting discussions.
Avoid using it for praise
Never use this to describe a comfortable life in a positive way. It will sound like you are calling the person lazy.
Focus on independence
In Chinese culture, self-reliance is a highly valued virtue. This phrase serves as a warning against losing that essential trait.
Word Origin
The phrase comes from traditional descriptions of wealthy households where servants performed all physical tasks for the masters. It has evolved to criticize the lack of self-sufficiency in modern society.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, diligence is a core value. This phrase is frequently used by older generations to warn children that relying on others will prevent them from becoming successful or independent adults.
Memory Tip
Visualize a baby who just opens their mouth to eat and stretches their arms to be dressed. That is exactly what this idiom means.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions这是一个典型的贬义词。它通常用来批评一个人懒惰、缺乏独立生活能力，或者指责父母对子女的溺爱。
可以，但语气较重。如果用来形容下属或同事，意味着对方工作态度懒散，缺乏主动性和独立解决问题的能力。
“养尊处优”侧重于生活状态的富贵舒适，不一定包含懒惰的意思；而“衣来伸手，饭来张口”强调的是由于懒惰或被照顾过度而导致的缺乏自理能力。
需要通过培养独立意识，主动承担家务和工作责任，通过实践锻炼自己的生存技能来摆脱对他人的依赖。
Test Yourself
现在的年轻人不能总是___，要学会独立生活。
句子语境是劝导年轻人要学会独立，因此应选择表示依赖他人的词汇。
老师在评价班里一个什么都不做的学生？
该成语用于形容缺乏动手能力、依赖性强的人。
过着 / 那个人 / 生活 / 衣来伸手，饭来张口 / 的
正确的句子结构为主语+谓语+定语+宾语。
Score: /3
Summary
It describes a person who is so spoiled they do nothing for themselves.
- Refers to a life of complete dependence on others.
- Often used to criticize those who are spoiled.
- Highlights a lack of self-reliance and effort.
Use it for criticism
Use this idiom when you want to highlight that someone is too dependent on others. It is very effective in parenting discussions.
Avoid using it for praise
Never use this to describe a comfortable life in a positive way. It will sound like you are calling the person lazy.
Focus on independence
In Chinese culture, self-reliance is a highly valued virtue. This phrase serves as a warning against losing that essential trait.
Examples
4 of 4他从小被父母宠坏了，过着衣来伸手，饭来张口的生活。
He has been spoiled by his parents since childhood, living a life where everything is done for him.
我们不应培养衣来伸手，饭来张口的下一代。
We should not raise a generation that is completely dependent on others.
离开家后，他才发现自己不能再衣来伸手，饭来张口了。
After leaving home, he realized he could no longer rely on others for everything.
过度保护往往会导致子女形成衣来伸手，饭来张口的依赖心理。
Over-protection often leads children to develop a dependent mentality where they expect everything to be done for them.
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