知足

• Pinyin: zhī zú
• Hanzi breakdown: 知 = 矢 + 口 (know); 足 = foot/enough (sufficient to stand on)

Meaning

Content; satisfied with what one has. Finding happiness in one's current situation rather than constantly craving more.

A core concept in Chinese philosophy, particularly Daoism. The proverb 知足常乐 (contentment brings lasting joy) is widely quoted. Contrasted with 贪婪 (greed) and 不知足 (insatiable).

Examples

1. 知足常乐，他从不羡慕别人拥有的财富。 Content with what he has, he never envies other people’s wealth.
2. 虽然生活简朴，但她很知足，每天都过得充实快乐。 Even though her life is simple, she’s content, and every day feels full and happy.
3. 老人常教导子女要知足感恩，不可贪得无厌。 The elderly man often taught his children to be content and grateful, and not endlessly greedy.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, life advice, personal values

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 做人要学会知足，不要总是和别人攀比。(One should learn to be content — don't always compare yourself to others.)
• 知足者富，懂得珍惜当下才是真正的智慧。(Those who are content are wealthy — true wisdom lies in cherishing the present.)

Don't Say

• 我对这顿饭很知足 — for single meals, use 满意 (satisfied) or 吃饱了; 知足 describes an overall life attitude, not momentary satisfaction

Origin & History

知 (know/understand) + 足 (enough/sufficient) — knowing when one has enough

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal