yīn因according todì地placezhì制makeyí宜suitable
To adapt to local conditions; to act according to circumstances.
Literal meaning
according to (因) — place (地) — make (制) — suitable (宜)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase emphasizing the importance of adapting to specific local conditions.
Examples
Zài fāzhǎn nóngyè shí, wǒmen yīnggāi yīndì-zhìyí, xuǎnzé shìhé dāngdì qìhòu de zuòwù.在发展农业时，我们应该因地制宜，选择适合当地气候的作物。
When developing agriculture, we should adapt to local conditions and choose crops suitable for the local climate.
Zhège zhèngcè xūyào yīndì-zhìyí de jìnxíng tiáozhěng, cáinéng gèng hǎo de fúwù yú dāngdì rénmín.这个政策需要因地制宜地进行调整，才能更好地服务于当地人民。
This policy needs to be adjusted according to local conditions in order to better serve the local people.
Usage & nuances
Emphasizes the importance of flexibility and adaptation to specific circumstances.
Learn idioms by speaking them
Idioms are most useful when they land in a real conversation. Practice them out loud in Kango — get instant feedback on tone and timing.
Download Kango on iOS