# 顺其自然

shùn qí zì rán

Let things follow their natural course

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Follow what is natural

**Traditional Chinese:** 順其自然

**Register:** Reflective · conversational

[Change & possibility](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/change)

## When to use it

Use when allowing an outcome to develop without forcing it.

It need not mean neglecting responsibilities or avoiding necessary action.

## Behind the words

The expression joins following with the natural course of events. It describes an approach that avoids unnecessary forcing.

其 refers to the course of the situation, while 自然 suggests an unforced development. The idiom can express acceptance after reasonable effort or a choice not to interfere unnecessarily. It is not automatically permission to neglect a responsibility. Context determines whether the attitude is calm trust, practical restraint, or an excuse for passivity.

## Examples

该做的都做了，剩下的就顺其自然吧。

### Traditional Chinese

該做的都做了，剩下的就順其自然吧。

gāi zuò de dōu zuò le ， shèng xià de jiù shùn qí zì rán ba 。

We’ve done what we can; let the rest take its course.

植物已经得到适当照顾，剩下的就顺其自然。

### Traditional Chinese

植物已經得到適當照顧，剩下的就順其自然。

zhí wù yǐ jīng dé dào shì dàng zhào gù ， shèng xià de jiù shùn qí zì rán 。

The plant has received appropriate care; let the rest develop naturally.

他认真准备了面试，对结果决定顺其自然。

### Traditional Chinese

他認真準備了面試，對結果決定順其自然。

tā rèn zhēn zhǔn bèi le miàn shì ， duì jié guǒ jué dìng shùn qí zì rán 。

He prepared carefully for the interview and decided to accept how the result unfolded.

孩子交朋友的事，我们愿意适当支持，也顺其自然。

### Traditional Chinese

孩子交朋友的事，我們願意適當支持，也順其自然。

hái zi jiāo péng yǒu de shì ， wǒ men yuàn yì shì dàng zhī chí ， yě shùn qí zì rán 。

We will offer appropriate support as our child makes friends and let the relationships develop naturally.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 4, 2026.

- [Wiktionary · usage cross-check](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E9%A0%86%E5%85%B6%E8%87%AA%E7%84%B6)

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E9%A0%86%E5%85%B6%E8%87%AA%E7%84%B6)

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