📖 Meaning
Literally refers to the simple, everyday meals served at home. Figuratively, it describes something that is so common or routine that it is unremarkable. It often conveys that an occurrence has become an expected, everyday matter.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase traces back to the Tang dynasty text 'Nü Lunyu' (女论语) by Song Ruohua and Song Ruozhao, which advises wives to diligently prepare 'home-style tea and meals' for their husbands. Song dynasty scholar Luo Dajing later wrote in 'Helin Yulu' (鹤林玉露) that 'ordinary officials are easy to serve, and home-style meals are easy to eat,' reinforcing the idea of simple, familiar fare. Over time, the expression evolved from describing humble household meals into a metaphor for anything commonplace or routine.
💡 Example Usage
加班到深夜对他来说早已是家常便饭了。
Working overtime until late at night has long been a matter of routine for him.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 家常便饭
- Pinyin: jiā cháng biàn fàn
- Literal Translation: home, ordinary, simple, meal
- Category: Lifestyle
- Characters: 4