而立之年 — “The age of thirty”

而立之年 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “the age of thirty”. Often regarded as a time when one has established independence and a firm foundation in life and career. Literally, “The age of establishing oneself”.

Frequency

而立之年 Pronunciation and Pinyin

而立之年 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
而	ér	6	and, but, then
立	lì	5	stand, establish, immediately
之	zhī	4	possessive or connective particle
年	nián	6	year or age

Example Sentence with 而立之年

到了而立之年，他已经能够独当一面，在工作中表现出色。

Having reached the age of thirty, he was already capable of working independently and performing outstandingly in his job.

Origin and Story of 而立之年

During the Spring and Autumn period, after being marginalized in the government of Lu, Confucius embarked on a journey around various states with his disciples. After facing setbacks in places like Wei, Zheng, Chen, and Jin, they eventually settled in Cai.

Confucius discussed his experiences with his disciples, stating that he had resolved to propagate the Tao since the age of thirty ( 而立之年), and now, nearing seventy, he had yet to successfully promote benevolent governance, feeling a deep sense of lament.

Zai Yu immediately came forward to console him.