lǐ suǒ dāng rán: 理所当然 - As a matter of course; It goes without saying; Naturally
Quick Summary
Keywords: 理所当然, lisuodangran, lǐ suǒ dāng rán, Chinese idiom, as a matter of course, it goes without saying, natural and right, to take for granted, chengyu, Chinese logic, Chinese culture
Summary: Learn the meaning and use of the Chinese idiom (chengyu) 理所当然 (lǐ suǒ dāng rán). This guide explains how this term, meaning “as a matter of course” or “it goes without saying,” reflects Chinese perspectives on logic, reason, and social expectations. Discover how to use it positively to state the obvious, and negatively to criticize someone for taking things for granted, with many practical example sentences for beginner and intermediate learners.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): lǐ suǒ dāng rán
Part of Speech: Chengyu (Idiom), often functions as an adjective or adverb.
HSK Level: HSK 5
Concise Definition: Something that is proper and logical according to principle; as a matter of course.
In a Nutshell: 理所当然 describes something that is considered completely natural, correct, and obvious based on logic or social norms. It's the feeling that a certain outcome or behavior is “of course” the way it should be. It can be used neutrally, but it often carries a subtle undertone, either affirming a correct principle or criticizing someone for having an entitled attitude.
Character Breakdown
理 (lǐ): Reason; logic; principle. Think of it as the underlying order or rationale behind things.
所 (suǒ): A structural particle that can mean “that which” or “what”. Here, it helps to create a “subject” for the following verb.
当 (dāng): Should; ought to; to be fitting.
然 (rán): So; thus; correct; like that. It often appears at the end of adjectives or adverbs.
Putting them together, a literal translation is “that which, by reason, should be so” (理所当然). It describes a situation or action that perfectly aligns with logic and principle, making it feel self-evident and correct.
Cultural Context and Significance
理所当然 is deeply rooted in a worldview where many aspects of life are governed by clear principles, whether they come from logic, nature, or social hierarchy. It reflects a belief that there is a “correct” way things should unfold.
A useful comparison is the English phrase “to take something for granted.” While 理所当然 can be used to criticize this behavior, its core meaning is different. “Taking something for granted” in English almost always implies a negative sense of entitlement or a lack of gratitude.
理所当然, on the other hand, is fundamentally about logic and justification.
Positive/Neutral Use: “It is 理所当然 that the sun rises in the east.” This is a statement of logical fact.
Negative Use: “He thinks it's 理所当然 that I do his homework for him.” Here, the speaker is criticizing the other person's *flawed logic* and sense of entitlement. The implication is, “By what principle do you think you deserve this?”
This contrasts with the purely emotional or gratitude-based complaint in English. The Chinese term frames the issue through the lens of reason and propriety. This connects to Confucian-influenced values where everyone has a proper role and set of responsibilities within the social structure. When someone acts with an attitude of 理所当然, they may be overstepping their role or ignoring their own responsibilities.
Practical Usage in Modern China
This chengyu is extremely common in both spoken and written Chinese. Its connotation shifts dramatically with context.
As a Neutral Statement of Fact: Used to describe things that are obviously true or are a natural consequence of something else. It's similar to saying “naturally,” “logically,” or “it goes without saying.”
As a Positive Affirmation: Used to state that a good outcome or a moral action is just and right.
As a Negative Criticism (Very Common): This is where it aligns with “taking things for granted.” It's used to call out entitlement, ungratefulness, or arrogance. The tone is key here.
On Social Media: Netizens often use it to debate social issues, arguing that certain rights or responsibilities should be seen as 理所当然, or criticizing public figures who act with an air of entitlement.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
父母照顾孩子是理所当然的，但孩子也应该懂得感恩。
Pinyin: Fùmǔ zhàogù háizi shì lǐ suǒ dāng rán de, dàn háizi yě yīnggāi dǒngdé gǎn'ēn.
English: It's natural for parents to take care of their children, but children should also know to be grateful.
Analysis: This sentence perfectly illustrates the dual nature of the term. The first clause uses it in a neutral/positive way to state a social norm. The second clause warns against the negative side of this expectation.
Example 2:
你努力了这么久，取得好成绩是理所当然的。
Pinyin: Nǐ nǔlìle zhème jiǔ, qǔdé hǎo chéngjì shì lǐ suǒ dāng rán de.
English: You've worked so hard for so long, so it's only natural that you got good grades.
Analysis: Here, it's used as a compliment and reassurance. The good result is the logical, deserved outcome of hard work.
Example 3:
他把我的帮助看作是理所当然，连一句“谢谢”都没说。
Pinyin: Tā bǎ wǒ de bāngzhù kànzuò shì lǐ suǒ dāng rán, lián yí jù “xièxie” dōu méi shuō.
English: He took my help for granted (as a matter of course), and didn't even say a single “thank you.”
Analysis: This is a classic negative usage. The structure `把…看作是理所当然` (bǎ… kànzuò shì lǐ suǒ dāng rán) is a very common way to express “to take… for granted.”
Example 4:
在我们公司，按时完成工作是理所当然的要求。
Pinyin: Zài wǒmen gōngsī, ànshí wánchéng gōngzuò shì lǐ suǒ dāng rán de yāoqiú.
English: At our company, finishing work on time is a basic, self-evident requirement.
Analysis: This is a neutral, formal use in a business context. It establishes a baseline expectation based on professional principles.
Example 5:
很多人理所当然地认为经济会一直增长。
Pinyin: Hěn duō rén lǐ suǒ dāng rán de rènwéi jīngjì huì yìzhí zēngzhǎng.
English: Many people naturally assume that the economy will always grow.
Analysis: This shows the adverbial usage (`理所当然地 + verb`). It points out a common, perhaps naive, assumption.
Example 6:
保护环境，人人有责，这是理所当然的。
Pinyin: Bǎohù huánjìng, rén rén yǒu zé, zhè shì lǐ suǒ dāng rán de.
English: Protecting the environment is everyone's responsibility; this goes without saying.
Analysis: A strong, righteous use of the term to advocate for a moral principle.
Example 7:
不要把任何事情都想得理所当然，生活充满了变数。
Pinyin: Búyào bǎ rènhé shìqing dōu xiǎng de lǐ suǒ dāng rán, shēnghuó chōngmǎnle biànshù.
English: Don't take anything for granted; life is full of uncertainties.
Analysis: A piece of philosophical advice. Here `想得理所当然` means “to think of… as a matter of course.”
Example 8:
别人的善意不是理所当然的，我们应该珍惜。
Pinyin: Biérén de shànyì búshì lǐ suǒ dāng rán de, wǒmen yīnggāi zhēnxī.
English: Other people's kindness is not a given (not a matter of course); we should cherish it.
Analysis: Using the negative form `不是理所当然的` is a powerful way to remind someone to be grateful and not entitled.
Example 9:
他那种理所当然的态度让我很反感。
Pinyin: Tā nà zhǒng lǐ suǒ dāng rán de tàidù ràng wǒ hěn fǎngǎn.
English: His entitled (lit: “as a matter of course”) attitude really annoys me.
Analysis: This shows 理所当然 used as an adjective modifying a noun (`态度` - attitude). It directly describes a person's entitled mindset.
Example 10:
难道你认为别人为你付出都是理所当然的吗？
Pinyin: Nándào nǐ rènwéi biérén wèi nǐ fùchū dōu shì lǐ suǒ dāng rán de ma?
English: Do you really think that it's a matter of course for others to make sacrifices for you?
Analysis: A powerful rhetorical question used in an argument or confrontation to challenge someone's entitlement.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
While `当然 (dāngrán)` means “of course,” 理所当然 is much stronger and more formal. Use `当然` for simple agreement (“Can you help me?” “当然!”). Use 理所当然 to talk about an underlying principle. Saying `理所当然` in response to a simple request would sound overly dramatic and strange.
The biggest mistake is ignoring the context. Without context, the phrase is neutral. When you say someone else's action or belief is 理所当然, you are often criticizing them. When you say your own principle is 理所当然, you are asserting its correctness.
Incorrect Usage Example:
Incorrect: 我今天不想上班，这是理所当然的。 (Wǒ jīntiān bùxiǎng shàngbān, zhè shì lǐ suǒ dāng rán de.)
Why it's wrong: This means “I don't want to go to work today, which is logically justified.” This is incorrect because not wanting to work is a personal feeling, not a universal principle (理). It sounds lazy and entitled. A native speaker would just say “我今天不想上班 (I don't want to go to work today).” Using 理所当然 here makes the speaker sound like they believe they are logically entitled to not work, which is absurd.
当然 (dāngrán) - “Of course,” “certainly.” The simple, everyday version. 理所当然 is the formal, four-character idiom version with a deeper meaning of “according to principle.”
天经地义 (tiānjīngdìyì) - “Unquestionable, unalterable principle.” A much stronger synonym, implying something is as correct and natural as the laws of heaven and earth. Used for deeply held moral or social truths.
合情合理 (héqínghélǐ) - “Fair and reasonable.” This term emphasizes that something aligns with both human feeling/empathy (`情`) and logic (`理`). It's less about self-evidence and more about fairness.
想当然 (xiǎngdāngrán) - “To take something for granted,” “to assume.” This term is almost always negative. It specifically means to make an assumption based on what you
think should be logical, without any actual evidence. It highlights a subjective and often mistaken assumption.
顺理成章 (shùnlǐchéngzhāng) - “To logically follow,” “to naturally fall into place.” Describes a process or development that proceeds smoothly and logically from one step to the next.
自然 (zìrán) - “Natural,” “naturally.” A broad term. While 理所当然 describes something that is naturally logical, 自然 can describe anything from nature itself to a person's relaxed demeanor.
应该 (yīnggāi) - “Should,” “ought to.” A basic modal verb expressing obligation or suggestion. 理所当然 provides the deep
reason why something should be.