Chinese Idiom: 四海为家 (Si Hai Wei Jia)
English Translation: Make one’s home in the four seas
pīn yīn: sì hǎi wéi jiā
Idiom Meaning: Originally, this idiom referred to an emperor’s dominion over the entire country, symbolized by the “four seas” surrounding China. In modern usage, it describes someone who can feel at home anywhere or establish a home in any part of the world.
Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian (《史记》), specifically from the chapter “The Annals of Emperor Gaozu” (高祖本纪)
Idiom Story:
In 201 BCE, Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, led his army eastward to suppress the remnants of the rebel forces of King Han Xin near Dongyuan (an ancient county, located in present-day southern Zhengding County, Hebei Province).
During this time, Liu Bang’s chancellor, Xiao He, was overseeing the construction of Weiyang Palace, the main palace of the Western Han Dynasty. The palace, completed in 200 BCE, was a grand and magnificent structure located in the southwestern corner of the ancient city of Chang’an (modern-day Xi’an, Shaanxi Province). It featured prominent gates in the east and north, a front hall, as well as armories and granaries.
Upon returning from his campaign, Liu Bang was displeased when he saw the opulence of the newly built palace. He rebuked Xiao He, saying, “The empire is still in turmoil, and after years of bitter fighting, the outcome is still uncertain. Why have you built such an extravagant palace?”
Xiao He responded, “Precisely because the empire is not yet settled, we should take this opportunity to complete the palace. The emperor must rule the entire nation, and without a grand and majestic palace, there would be no way to assert your authority. Moreover, this will ensure that future generations do not build anything that surpasses it.”
Xiao He’s explanation convinced Liu Bang to approve the construction of the palace.
The phrase “且夫天子以四海为家” (“the emperor makes his home in the four seas”) from Xiao He’s response was later condensed and evolved into the idiom “四海为家” (to make one’s home in the four seas). Initially, it signified the emperor’s dominion over the whole country. In modern times, it has come to mean that one can establish a home anywhere, being at ease and rooted wherever they go.
