随行就市

suí háng jiù shì
Literal: "follow, trade, adapt to, market"

📖 Meaning

To act according to the prevailing market conditions and prices. It describes pricing or trading behavior that adjusts flexibly to current market trends rather than sticking to fixed rates. Often used in the context of buying and selling agricultural or commercial goods.

📜 Origin Story

This idiom does not trace back to a specific classical text or historical figure. It is a colloquial commercial expression that emerged from traditional Chinese market culture, where merchants and buyers would adjust their prices according to the day's supply and demand. Over time it became a standard phrase in trade and economics. It reflects the pragmatic wisdom of flexible pricing long before modern market theory formalized the concept.

💡 Example Usage

农副产品的购销可以随行就市,灵活经营。

The buying and selling of agricultural products can follow market conditions and be managed flexibly.

🏷️ Category

➕ Similar Idioms

➖ Opposite Idioms

🔤 Quick Facts

  • Chinese: 随行就市
  • Pinyin: suí háng jiù shì
  • Literal Translation: follow, trade, adapt to, market
  • Category: Method
  • Characters: 4