📖 Meaning
Every household has ample food and clothing, and every person lives in comfort and prosperity. It describes a society of widespread abundance and well-being. Traditionally used to praise eras of good governance and peace.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the Han dynasty text Huainanzi (《淮南子》), compiled by Liu An and his scholars in the 2nd century BCE. In the chapter 'Benjing Xun' (Fundamental Teachings), it depicts an ideal society where food and clothing are plentiful, every household is well-supplied, and all people are content. The work was written during the early Western Han as a philosophical treatise advising rulers on virtuous governance. Later writers frequently cited it to describe golden ages of peace and prosperity.
💡 Example Usage
连年风调雨顺，五谷丰登，百姓家给人足，安居乐业。
With favorable weather year after year and abundant harvests, the people lived in comfort and prosperity, peacefully settled in their occupations.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 家给人足
- Pinyin: jiā jǐ rén zú
- Literal Translation: family, sufficient, people, satisfied
- Category: Condition
- Characters: 4