Definition
理所当然 (lǐ suǒ dāng rán) is a set phrase meaning 'only natural' or 'as a matter of course'. Unlike 当然 (dāng rán) — an adverb meaning 'of course' used to confirm or agree — 理所当然 is a predicate (often followed by 的) and can also mean 'to take for granted' in the structure 把…当作理所当然. It is more formal and written than 当然.
phrase
only naturalto be expected as a matter of courseto take for granted (often in 把…当作理所当然)
Examples
- 理所当然。Háizi xiàoshùn fùmǔ shì lǐ suǒ dāng rán de.It's only natural for children to be filial to their parents.
- 理所当然。Tā lǐ suǒ dāng rán de rènwéi gōngsī yīnggāi gěi tā jiā xīn.He takes it for granted that the company should give him a raise.
- 理所当然。Bú yào bǎ péngyou de bāngzhù dàngzuò lǐ suǒ dāng rán.Don't take your friends' help for granted.
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