由俭入奢易 由奢入俭难
“Habits of luxury are hard to unlearn.”
THE DIALOGUE REEL
我还是了解的
“I still understand a smoker's mindset.”
由俭入奢易 由奢入俭难
“Habits of luxury are hard to unlearn.”
“The suspect is definitely a chain smoker.”
Direct spoken expression in this communicative setting.
Chinese speakers frequently invoke ancient Confucian adages (this one by Sima Guang) to substantiate everyday arguments and appear culturally knowledgeable.
LEARNING CHUNKS & PARTICLES
it is easy to go from frugality to indulgence
A common paired classical adage used to remark on human nature and addiction to comfort.
it is difficult to go from luxury back to frugality
Often combined with the first half to explain why people resist downgrading their lifestyle or habits.
Parallel Spoken Cinema Scenes (语义近邻切片)
“Frugality is our tradition,”
“You need to do your best to make profits.”
“(This one lives in luxury,)”
“Quality matters more than quantity.”
“Less trouble is better than more,”
“Better to avoid trouble.”