What Does 千钧一发 Mean?

Pinyin: qiān jūn yī fà

English Translation: “a thousand jūn hanging by a single hair” (figuratively: a situation that is extremely precarious or dangerous)

The Chinese idiom 千钧一发 (also known as Chinese idiom Qian Jun Yi Fa) literally describes “a thousand jūn (an ancient weight unit) hanging by a single hair.” Metaphorically, it describes a situation or circumstance that is extremely critical or dangerous. This idiom is an important concept in Chinese culture, literature, and education, making it an excellent example for anyone learning Chinese idioms, practicing idiom study, or improving their Learn Chinese idioms skills.

At RPL, we use Qian Jun Yi Fa story to teach Chinese study and explore the cultural significance of idioms. Students can learn both the literal and figurative meanings, as well as the historical and cultural background. This is also a useful resource for Qian Jun Yi Fa meaning, Qian Jun Yi Fa explanation, and related Chinese idiom story study.

In the Western Han Dynasty, the famous writer Mei Cheng (枚乘), skilled in writing rhapsodies, served as an advisor to King Liu Pi (刘濞) of Wu. Mei Cheng opposed Liu Pi’s rebellion against the imperial court. He warned the king: “Imagine a thousand jūn (an ancient weight unit of roughly 30 jin, or 15 kg each) hanging from a single hair above a deep abyss. If that hair breaks, you cannot hope to retrieve the heavy load. Your rebellion is as dangerous as that hair.”

However, Liu Pi ignored the advice. He proceeded with the rebellion, and ultimately, his forces were crushed by the imperial army. This story provides an example of Qian Jun Yi Fa idiom origin and can be cited in Qian Jun Yi Fa idiom background, Qian Jun Yi Fa idiom in history, and famous Chinese idioms about crisis.

Character Introduction

Mei Cheng (枚乘): A renowned writer and poet of the Western Han Dynasty, famous for his mastery of rhapsodies. He was also a political advisor who warned against dangerous rebellions. Studying his story at RPL helps learners integrate Chinese study with idiom study, improving Learn Chinese idioms skills.

Liu Pi (刘濞): King of Wu, who ignored wise counsel and rebelled against the Han court. Understanding his role provides context for Qian Jun Yi Fa idiom usage, Qian Jun Yi Fa idiom example sentence, and Qian Jun Yi Fa story meaning.

The idiom 千钧一发 can be applied today to describe situations like critical business decisions, life-or-death moments, or emergencies. For example:

Chinese: 火灾发生时，消防员的行动关系到全楼人的生命，真是千钧一发。

Pinyin: Huǒzāi fāshēng shí, xiāofángyuán de xíngdòng guānxi dào quán lóu rén de shēngmìng, zhēn shì qiān jūn yī fà.

English: When the fire broke out, the firefighters’ actions determined the fate of everyone in the building—it was truly a situation hanging by a thread.

Practicing idiom study at RPL helps students understand idioms like Qian Jun Yi Fa idiom, use them in writing, conversation, and professional contexts, and explore Qian Jun Yi Fa story meaning.

The idiom 千钧一发 teaches a profound lesson: in extremely dangerous or precarious situations, careful judgment and timely action are critical. In Chinese culture, it symbolizes vigilance, prudence, and the high stakes of decision-making. Exploring idioms like Qian Jun Yi Fa through RPL helps students deepen their Chinese study, Learn Chinese idioms skills, and understand the rich cultural context behind Chinese idioms. It also serves as a valuable resource for Qian Jun Yi Fa moral lesson, Qian Jun Yi Fa idiom cultural lesson, and learning the Qian Jun Yi Fa idiom for education.