Definition
休养生息 is a four-character idiom meaning 'to recuperate and rebuild' — originally used for a country or society recovering after war or disaster by reducing burdens and allowing the population to rest and restore vitality. It can also be used figuratively for an individual taking a break to recharge. The literal components are 'rest, nourish, life, breath', but the idiom specifically denotes a period of recovery and reconstruction.
idiom
to recuperate and recover strength (for a country or group after hardship)to rest and rebuild
Examples
- ,休养生息。Zhànzhēng jiéshù hòu, zhège guójiā kāishǐ le xiū yǎng shēng xī.After the war ended, this country began to recuperate and rebuild.
- ,休养生息。Jīngjì wēijī shíqī, zhèngfǔ cǎiqǔ xiū yǎng shēng xī zhèngcè.During the economic crisis, the government adopted a recuperate-and-rebuild policy.
- ,,休养生息。Gōngzuò tài lèi le, wǒ juédìng cíqù gōngzuò, hǎohǎo xiū yǎng shēng xī.Work was too tiring; I decided to quit my job and properly recuperate.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.