入乡随俗 (rù xiāng suí sú) — When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do
Adapting to local customs when visiting a new place
Category: Chengyu (Idioms)
The Rule
入乡随俗 literally means 'enter village, follow customs'. It's the exact equivalent of 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do' — adapt your behavior to local culture and customs when you're a guest. 入乡 (enter a village/region) + 随俗 (follow customs).
Why This Matters
This is perhaps the most practically useful chengyu for foreigners in China. Chinese people frequently use it when explaining cultural expectations or when encouraging visitors to try local customs (food, traditions, etiquette). It's also a gentle way to explain why certain behaviors are expected. For English speakers studying Chinese, using this chengyu shows both language skill and cultural sensitivity.
Examples
• 来了中国就要入乡随俗，用筷子吃饭。 — "Now that you're in China, do as the locals do — eat with chopsticks." [Encouraging adoption of local customs] • 入乡随俗嘛，入乡随俗。我来尝尝这个。 — "When in Rome, right? Let me try this." [Self-encouragement before trying something new] • 去日本要入乡随俗，进门要脱鞋。 — "Going to Japan, follow local customs — take off shoes when entering." [Applied to any culture, not just China]
Common Mistakes
❌ Using it to justify doing something wrong: 这里大家都闯红灯，入乡随俗 ✅ 入乡随俗 applies to cultural customs, not illegal or unethical behavior → Running red lights is dangerous, not a 'custom'. The chengyu is about cultural practices (food, greetings, dress code), not breaking rules. ❌ Using it to pressure someone into uncomfortable situations ✅ 入乡随俗 should be encouraging, not coercive → If someone is allergic to a food or has religious restrictions, 入乡随俗 is not a valid argument to force them. Respect trumps custom.
Quick Tip
Use this chengyu when traveling or when Chinese friends offer you unfamiliar food — 入乡随俗！It shows you're open-minded and culturally aware.
Use this chengyu when traveling or when Chinese friends offer you unfamiliar food — 入乡随俗！It shows you're open-minded and culturally aware.
Examples
Common Mistakes
Incorrect: Using it to justify doing something wrong: 这里大家都闯红灯，入乡随俗 → Correct: 入乡随俗 applies to cultural customs, not illegal or unethical behavior. Running red lights is dangerous, not a 'custom'. The chengyu is about cultural practices (food, greetings, dress code), not breaking rules.
Incorrect: Using it to pressure someone into uncomfortable situations → Correct: 入乡随俗 should be encouraging, not coercive. If someone is allergic to a food or has religious restrictions, 入乡随俗 is not a valid argument to force them. Respect trumps custom.
Quiz
What is the English equivalent of 入乡随俗?