思前想后

sī qián xiǎng hòu

HSK 3.0 Level 7 Rare

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Definitions

1. to consider past cause and future effect (idiom); to think over the past and future
2. to ponder over reasons and connection

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Word relationships

Related words

1 item

• 瞻前顾后 zhān qián gù hòu 瞻前顾后 zhān qián gù hòu lit. to look forward and back (idiom) Means to be cautious and consider both past and future, often with hesitation.: lit. to look forward and back (idiom)

Synonyms

1 item

• 深思熟虑 shēn sī shú lǜ 深思熟虑 shēn sī shú lǜ mature reflection Used when one thinks deeply and carefully before acting.: mature reflection

Usage notes

Common mistakes

思前想后 implies overthinking or hesitation, and is often used negatively when someone cannot decide. Avoid using it in contexts that require decisive action.

Example Sentences

1 shown

他 思前想后 ，还是不敢做决定。

He pondered over the past and future but still dared not make a decision.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 思前想后

• 前 前 qián: front
• 后 后 hòu: empress
• 想 想 xiǎng: to think (about)
• 思 思 sī: to think