📖 Meaning
To establish a nation and found a noble household with hereditary domain. It refers to the ancient practice of enfeoffing meritorious subjects with land and titles after founding a dynasty. The phrase captures the idea of building both state power and family legacy together.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase originates from the Book of Changes (周易), in the commentary on the Shi (师) hexagram, which reads '大君有命，开国承家，小人勿用' — when the sovereign issues decrees, states are founded and households established, but petty men should not be employed. This reflects the enfeoffment system of the Zhou dynasty, where rulers granted lands and hereditary titles to meritorious ministers and royal relatives. The saying emphasizes that founding a nation and establishing noble lineages must be entrusted to worthy, capable people rather than self-serving ones.
💡 Example Usage
古代帝王建国后，往往通过开国承家来分封功臣，巩固统治。
After founding a dynasty, ancient emperors would often enfeoff meritorious officials by establishing states and noble households, thereby consolidating their rule.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 开国承家
- Pinyin: kāi guó chéng jiā
- Literal Translation: open, state, inherit, household
- Category: Power
- Characters: 4