unexpected changes occur; trouble arises
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesverb
unexpected changes occur; trouble arises; things take a bad turn
formalOften used in formal, military, or political contexts to describe situations that suddenly deteriorate or become dangerous. The phrase '急则生变' is a classical warning that haste leads to trouble.
Jí急
zé则
shēng生
biàn变
。
Haste leads to trouble.
Jūn军
zhōng中
wú无
zhǔ主
，
róng容
yì易
shēng生
biàn变
。
Without a commander in the army, mutiny is likely to occur.
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Cǐ此
shì事
ruò若
chǔ处
lǐ理
bù不
dàng当
，
kǒng恐
shēng生
biàn变
gù故
。
If this matter is not handled properly, I am afraid unexpected changes will occur.
Jú局
shì势
tū突
biàn变
，
shēng生
biàn变
zài在
jí即
。
The situation suddenly changed; trouble is imminent.