Chinese Idiom: 千变万化 (Qian Bian Wan Hua)
English Translation: Ever-Changing and Varied
pīn yīn: qiān biàn wàn huà
Idiom Meaning: Refers to things that are ever-changing and complex, with countless variations.
Historical Source: Liezi: King Mu of Zhou (《列子·周穆王》).
Idiom Story:
During the Western Zhou period, King Mu of Zhou, accompanied by his entourage, traveled from the capital Haojing (near modern Xi’an, Shaanxi) to the western regions for inspection and hunting. Upon crossing the Kunlun Mountains and arriving at Mount Yan, they encountered a skilled craftsman named Master Yan.
King Mu inquired about Master Yan’s skills, and the craftsman responded, “Your Majesty, I can create anything you ask for. I have already made some items; would you like to see them?” The king suggested they visit another day to examine these creations together.
The next day, Master Yan brought his mechanical figures to King Mu. To the king’s amazement, the figures began to move under Master Yan’s control: they sang melodiously and danced rhythmically and gracefully. The more King Mu observed, the more delighted he became. He even invited the palace’s singing girls to watch. Everyone marveled at the wondrous display of “ever-changing and varied” movements, praising Master Yan’s craftsmanship. King Mu admired the craftsman’s skill, comparing it to the divine creativity of the heavens.
From this story, the idiom “千变万化” (Ever-Changing and Varied) evolved, reflecting the idea of things that are constantly changing and full of intricate variations.
