Definition
偷安 (tōu ān) is a verb-object compound meaning 'to seek temporary ease while ignoring long-term dangers'. It is often used in formal or historical contexts to criticize a ruler, government, or organization that chooses short-term comfort over necessary reform. As a separable verb, you can insert elements between 偷 and 安 — for example, aspect particles (偷了安, 偷过安) or time durations (偷了几天安).
v.o.
to seek temporary ease at the expense of long-term stabilityto be complacent in a precarious situation
Examples
- 偷安，。Cháotíng bù néng tōu ān, bìxū jiāqiáng biānfáng.The court cannot seek temporary ease; it must strengthen border defenses.
- ，。Zhège zhèngfǔ zhǐgù tōu yìshí zhī ān, búgù chángyuǎn fāzhǎn.This government only cares about temporary ease, ignoring long-term development.
- ，。Tāmen tōu le jǐ nián ān, zuìzhōng fùchū le dàijià.They sought ease for a few years, and ultimately paid the price.
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