Chinese idiom · 成语
识时务者
Meaning
Those who know the times; people who adapt to circumstances.
Character by character
Origin and story
Historical sayingThis entry is the opening of 识时务者为俊杰, the saying that outstanding people understand the circumstances of their time. Pei Songzhi’s commentary on the Sanguozhi (三國志), volume 35, quotes the Xiangyang Ji: Liu Bei asks Sima Hui about current affairs, and Sima replies that ordinary scholars do not necessarily grasp them; such understanding belongs to exceptional people. He points to the talents of Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong.
The later familiar wording appears in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, including a scene where it is used to urge surrender. Its tone therefore depends on context: it may praise practical judgment or pressure someone to yield. The older account is about recognizing ability, not simply obeying whoever is stronger.
In everyday life
发现原来的方案行不通后，他笑着说：识时务者为俊杰，我们换个办法吧。
When he realized the original plan wouldn't work, he smiled and said, 'A wise person adapts to circumstances—let's try another approach.'
Usually said as the full proverb; can be practical or ironic, and sometimes pressures someone to compromise.