势在必行 (shì zài bì xíng) — it is imperative (to do something); must be carried out; unavoidable

Definition

An idiom meaning something is unavoidable and must be done — the situation itself forces action. Typically used in formal writing or speeches about reform, policy, or urgent measures.

idiom
it is imperative (to do something)must be carried outunavoidable

Examples

  • 势在必行，。
    Zhè xiàng gǎi gé shì zài bì xíng, bù néng zài tuō le.
    This reform is imperative — it can't be delayed any longer.
  • 势在必行，。
    Huán bǎo cuò shī shì zài bì xíng, fǒu zé hòu guǒ bù kān shè xiǎng.
    Environmental protection measures are imperative; otherwise the consequences would be unimaginable.
  • ，势在必行。
    Miàn duì wēi jī, gōng sī zhuǎn xíng shì zài bì xíng.
    Facing the crisis, the company's transformation is imperative.

Origin

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 勢; 势 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
力力lìpower
Sound part声符shēngfú
埶
埶yì勢shì
Same sound today

The traditional form 勢 combines 力, meaning power, with 埶 for the sound. The simplified 势 is a later shorthand, so its parts are not the original parts.

Open 势 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

The early form of 在 used 才 for its sound; a second sound part 士 was added later, and that 士 became the 土 seen in 在.

Open 在 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The shape of 必 comes from the handle on the right side of a weapon, with two extra strokes added to its sides.

Open 必 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

  • 彳彳chì
  • 亍亍chù

The shape of 行 originally showed a street intersection, even on both sides. Later it became uneven, with 彳 on the left and 亍 on the right.

Open 行 →

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