諺語 · a single proverb
轉危為機
Simplified: 转危为机
What does 轉危為機 (zhuǎn wēi wéi jī) mean?
轉危為機 (zhuǎn wēi wéi jī) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語). Word for word it reads "turn danger into opportunity." In use it means: The ability to find advantage inside a crisis; the same event that threatens you can also advance you. You reach for it when you want that idea in one breath, and the Fire note it carries is why we hand it to those born in the Year of the Dragon.
Literally: "turn danger into opportunity."
The reading
The Chinese word for crisis contains the possibility of opportunity, and this is not just linguistic. Every collapse rearranges the landscape, and rearranged landscapes create new positions that did not exist before. The person standing in the rubble who looks up instead of down will see doors that the earthquake just opened.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Common modern Chinese expression; rooted in classical strategic thought
Sits beside
Keep reading
Return to the Proverb Pond to draw another of the eighty-seven, or hear one read aloud. Read the rest of its chapter in Adversity & Resilience, or follow the years these lines belong to: Year of the Dragon, Year of the Rat, and Year of the Ox.
Questions
Is 轉危為機 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 轉危為機 (zhuǎn wēi wéi jī) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語), and it comes from Common modern Chinese expression; rooted in classical strategic thought. It is living Chinese heritage, given here with per-character pinyin and its source so you can trust the line, not a phrase invented in English.
How do you pronounce 轉危為機?
In Mandarin it is zhuǎn wēi wéi jī. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 轉危為機 aloud in Mandarin.