Chinese characters and pinyin
Simplified: 家和万事兴
Traditional: 家和萬事興
Pinyin: jiā hé wàn shì xīng
Literal translation
When the family is harmonious, all affairs prosper.
Natural English meaning
Harmony at home creates a foundation for wider well-being and success.
Closest English equivalent
A house divided against itself cannot stand.
The Chinese saying is positive and prosperity-oriented; the English comparison warns against division.
When to use it
Use it to emphasize cooperation and respect within a family.
When not to use it
Do not use harmony as an excuse to silence legitimate disagreement.
Example sentence
遇到分歧也要好好沟通，家和万事兴。
Even in disagreement, communicate with respect; a harmonious home supports everything else.
Origin and cultural context
A traditional household maxim often seen in calligraphy and New Year decorations.
Classification: proverb. This label distinguishes a complete proverb or popular saying from a compact idiom or a quotation preserved from a classical text.
