Basic Info
- Chinese Idiom: 彼一时，此一时 (Bǐ yī shí, cǐ yī shí)
- Pinyin: bǐ yī shí, cǐ yī shí
- Literal meaning: “That was one time; this is another time.”
(彼 = that / those times; 一时 = one time / a particular moment; 此 = this / these times; 一时 = another time)
Also written as “此一时，彼一时” (cǐ yī shí, bǐ yī shí).
Figurative Definition
It means that times and conditions have changed, so the same judgment or approach no longer applies. What was true, appropriate, or possible then may not be true, appropriate, or possible now – because the circumstances are different.
It is used to:
- Explain a change in attitude or policy – “We opposed it then, but 彼一时，此一时 – the situation is different now.”
- Defend a seeming inconsistency – justifying why one’s position has shifted as conditions evolved.
- Caution against rigid comparison – “You can’t compare the two eras – 彼一时，此一时.”
In short: different times, different rules – circumstances have changed, so judgments must change too.
A useful distinction from “时过境迁” (shí guò jìng qiān – “time passes and circumstances change”):
- 彼一时，此一时 emphasizes that the two periods are not comparable – you cannot judge them by the same standard.
- 时过境迁 simply states that circumstances have changed over time.
Cultural & Historical Origin
This idiom comes from the Mencius · Gong Sun Chou II (《孟子·公孙丑下》), one of the foundational texts of Confucianism:
“彼一时，此一时也。五百年必有王者兴，其间必有名世者。”
“That was one time; this is another. Every five hundred years a true king must arise, and in between there must be those who make their name in the world.”
The context is Mencius’ explanation of historical cycles: the circumstances of the past are not the same as those of the present. Great figures arise in different eras under different conditions, and one cannot mechanically apply the standards of one age to another.
The idiom reflects a core Confucian and historical sensibility: times change, and wise judgment must account for the times. It is not relativism – it is the recognition that context matters, and that rigid consistency can be a form of foolishness when conditions have genuinely changed.
Key Lesson
Consistency of principle does not mean rigidity of application. The idiom teaches contextual wisdom: the same principle may require a different response when circumstances change. It is not an excuse for flip-flopping – it is a call for honest recognition that times have changed. The wise person holds to their values while adapting their methods to the moment. And when someone accuses you of inconsistency, it is fair to ask: Has the situation changed? If so, then 彼一时，此一时.
Cultural Note
In modern Chinese, “彼一时，此一时” is a common, colloquial, and slightly philosophical idiom. It appears in:
- Everyday explanations – “那时候没办法，现在不同了，彼一时，此一时嘛。” (“There was no choice then; things are different now – different times, different rules.”)
- Political and policy commentary – justifying a change in policy as conditions evolve.
- Historical discussion – cautioning against judging past eras by present standards.
- Personal defense – when someone’s earlier position is brought up: “彼一时，此一时 – I’ve learned since then.”
Its near-synonym is “时过境迁” (circumstances change with time). Its opposite is “一成不变” (yī chéng bù biàn – “fixed and unchanging”).
Similar English Expressions
- Different times, different measures – The closest direct equivalent.
- Times have changed – A simple, common equivalent.
- Circumstances alter cases – A proverb: context changes what is right or wise.
- That was then, this is now – A very close colloquial equivalent.
- Things are different now – Direct and plain.
- You can’t compare the two – Emphasizing incomparability of situations.
- To change with the times – Adapting to new circumstances (related).
- New times, new rules – A modern parallel.
The closest and most natural equivalents are “that was then, this is now,” “times have changed,” and “circumstances alter cases.”
In short, “彼一时，此一时” means that was one time, this is another – a classical Chinese idiom from Mencius for the recognition that changed circumstances demand changed judgment, and a timeless reminder that consistency of principle is a virtue, but rigidity in the face of a changed world is not.
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