朝三暮四

• Pinyin: zhāo sān mù sì
• Desglose de hanzi: 朝 = morning; 三 = three; 暮 = evening; 四 = four — changing between morning and evening

Significado

Ser voluble; ser inconstante; cambiar de opinión constantemente.

From a story about a monkey trainer who offered monkeys 3 chestnuts morning and 4 evening vs 4 morning and 3 evening. Now means being indecisive or unfaithful, especially in relationships. Strongly negative connotation.

Ejemplos

1. 他朝三暮四，交往过的女朋友数都数不清。
2. 做事不能朝三暮四，要有始有终才能成功。
3. 投资者最忌朝三暮四，频繁更换投资策略。

Guía de uso

Contexto: criticism, relationships, decision-making

Tono: negative

Correcto

• 朝三暮四的人很难获得他人的信任和尊重。(People who are fickle find it hard to earn the trust and respect of others.)
• 选择职业不能朝三暮四，要根据自身特长做出稳定规划。(You can't be capricious when choosing a career; make stable plans based on your strengths.)

Incorrecto

• 朝三暮四地学习 — for inconsistent studying use 三心二意; 朝三暮四 emphasizes changing loyalties

Origen e historia

From 《庄子·齐物论》, a parable about a monkey trainer

Contexto cultural

Generación: All ages

Contexto social: Universal