Social Rules
Easy
以牙还牙
yǐ yá huán yá
Natural meaning
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
Literal translation
With tooth return tooth.
What it means
This means responding to an attack or insult with equal force. It advocates proportional retaliation rather than turning the other cheek.
Cultural context
This phrase appears in ancient legal and moral codes across cultures. In Chinese usage, it reflects a practical, sometimes harsh view of justice—if someone hurts you, you hurt them back equally.
When Chinese people say this
Someone might say this when discussing revenge, or when advising a friend to stand up to a bully rather than back down.
Why Chinese people say this
It signals toughness and a refusal to be taken advantage of. In a culture that values face, responding in kind is sometimes seen as necessary to maintain dignity.
💬 Real-life example
A:He insulted me in front of everyone. I should just let it go?
B:No, sometimes you have to stand your ground. 以牙还牙.
C:But be careful not to escalate things unnecessarily.
Tone
🟢 Assertive · Retaliatory
⚠️ Don't take it literally
It does not mean physically exchanging teeth; it's a metaphor for equivalent retaliation.
📖 Story example
After being unfairly criticized by a competitor, Mr. Lin decided to respond with a counter-argument in the meeting. He believed in 以牙还牙, ensuring that his side was heard without overreacting.
❓ Frequently asked questions
What does 以牙还牙 mean in English?
It means 'An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,' advocating for responding to attacks with equal measure.
When do Chinese people say 以牙还牙?
The saying reflects situations where justice or fairness is sought, often in conflicts or disputes where retaliation is considered.
Is 以牙还牙 still used today?
Yes, it's used in legal, personal, and competitive contexts to describe proportional response.
What is the English equivalent of 以牙还牙?
The direct equivalent is 'An eye for an eye,' a common phrase in English for retributive justice.
💕 Related Chinese sayings