Definition
无常 is a Buddhist-origin term meaning 'impermanent, ever-changing' — the idea that nothing stays the same. In modern Chinese it appears in set phrases like 变化无常 ('constantly changing') and 人生无常 ('life is unpredictable'). It also functions as a euphemism for death, especially in literary or philosophical contexts (生死无常 'life and death are unpredictable').
v.p.
impermanentchangeable(euphemism) deaththe unpredictability of life
Examples
- ，。Tiānqì biànhuà wú cháng, chūmén yào dài sǎn.The weather is changeable; you should bring an umbrella when you go out.
- 无常，。Rénshēng wú cháng, wǒmen yīnggāi zhēnxī měi yì tiān.Life is impermanent; we should cherish every day.
- 无常，。Miànduì shēngsǐ wú cháng, tā xiǎnde hěn píngjìng.Facing the unpredictability of life and death, he appeared very calm.
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