Chinese Quotes About Life

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​27. 木已成舟,生米煮成熟饭。 (Mù yǐ chéng ​

120+ Famous Chinese Sayings

​is, the sparrow has ​It means: frank criticism is ​

​buy time.​, ​war​complete') — Small as it ​bitter.​I.e. time is money, but it's difficult to ​websites: ​deception in war, or: all's fair in ​17. 麻雀虽小,五脏俱全。(Máquè suī xiǎo, wǔzàng jù quán. 'sparrow although small, five organs entirely ​

Wisdom (26 sayings)

​mouth') — Good medicine tastes ​inch of time.​Information obtained from ​be too much ​crucial.​'good medicine bitter ​not buy an ​neglect local villains.​deceitful in war, or: there can never ​

​except what is ​7. 良药苦口。 (Liángyào kǔ kǒu ​of gold may ​hardly afford to ​Master Han Fei's work "Han Feizi" (《韩非子》), it means: nothing is too ​everything is ready ​

​leap."​gold, but an inch ​This means: powerful outsiders can ​Chinese political philosopher ​Three Kingdoms" (《三国演义》), this means that ​

​From "The Analects" (《论语》), it's like: "Look before you ​an inch of ​its native haunt.​From an ancient ​From the "Romance of the ​

​you act.​time is worth ​a snake in ​zhà.) — Soldiers don't hate deceit.​the east wind.​

​after act") — Think thrice before ​buy cun time') — An inch of ​struggles to control ​26. 兵不厌诈。 (Bīng bù yàn ​wind') — Everything's ready except ​xíng. "three thoughts and ​gold, cun gold difficult ​suppress local snake') — Even a dragon ​obvious.​16. 万事俱备,只欠东风。(Wànshì jù bèi, zhǐ qiàn dōngfēng. 'all ready, only lack east ​6. 三思而后行。 (Sānsī ér hòu ​cùnguāngyīn. '1 cun [Chinese inch, 1/30 m] time 1 cun ​yā dìtóu shé. 'strong dragon difficult ​guilt still more ​

​easily remembered.​future ones.​4. 一寸光阴一寸金,寸金难买寸光阴。(Yícùn guāngyīn yícùnjīn, cùnjīn nán mǎi ​10. 强龙难压地头蛇。 (Qiáng lóng nán ​suspect, or you'll make your ​

​someone's reputation is ​mistakes to avoid ​good friend.​civil service examination.​prove what people ​of Heroes (《儿女英雄传》), it means that ​again; or: learn from past ​is like a ​

​successfully passed the ​intends to hide, i.e. don't try to ​chapter of Legend ​prevent them happening ​

​3. 好书如挚友。(Hǎoshū rú zhìyǒu. 'good book as-good-as close-friend') — A good book ​someone who has ​reveal what one ​From the 32nd ​mistakes firmly to ​old to learn." Tweet​It refers to ​It means to ​

​leaves its call.​classic "Book of Songs" (《诗经》), it means: to criticize former ​"Don't stop studying" or "you're never too ​jumped the dragon's gate.​steal it."​a reputation, as a swallow ​Zhou" (《周颂》) in the Confucian ​

​you're old.​

​gate') — A carp has ​Two did not ​sound') — A person leaves ​From "Sacrificial Odes of ​2. 活到老,学到老。(Huó dào lǎo, xué dào lǎo. 'live till old, study till old.) — Live till you're old, and study till ​

​mén. 'carp jump dragon ​sign saying: "Your neighbor King ​name, swallow passes leaves ​something.​a pocket garden.​9. 鲤鱼跳龙门。 (Lǐyú tiào lóng ​put up a ​

​15. 人过留名,雁过留声。(Rén guò liúmíng, yàn guò liúsheng. 'man passes leaves ​after from doing ​xiédài de huāyuán. 'book is at-all-times carried garden') — A book is ​fears.​

​the silver and ​another man's delight.​

​those who come ​1. 书是随时携带的花园。(Shū shì suíshí ​that he really ​Two then stole ​It means: one man's disaster is ​

​come before stops ​to promote study.​to like something ​in this ground." His neighbor King ​happy, some are anxious.​

​after') — Punishing those who ​also many idioms ​someone who pretends ​silver are not ​few families worried') — While some are ​5. 惩前毖后。 (Chéngqiánbìhòu. 'punish before prevent ​

​to study, so there are ​It refers to ​sign saying, "300 taels of ​chou. 'few families happy ​savages.​always attached importance ​

​dragons.​had done, put up a ​14. 几家欢喜几家愁。(Jǐjiā huānxǐ jǐjiā ​

​or standards; or: without rules, we're nothing but ​The Chinese have ​

​long.) — Lord Ye loves ​that's what he ​elusive under questioning.​accomplished without norms ​bound to win.​

​8. 叶公好龙。 (Yè Gōng hào ​and, because people suspected ​be vague and ​

​his students (《孟子·离娄上》), it means: nothing can be ​righteous indignation is ​subject to life.​lot of silver ​of Mencius (《孟子·梁惠王下》), it means to ​of Mencius and ​army burning with ​

​that brings the ​who buried a ​

​Liang" in the Book ​From the works ​It means an ​finishing touch; the crucial point ​about a man ​From "King Hui of ​boundaries are set.​win.​adding the vital ​

​a folk story ​deflective.​become perimeter') — Without standards no ​

​is sure to ​It refers to ​It comes from ​talk something-else') — Deliberately vague and ​chéng fāngyuán. 'no standards not ​win') — An aggrieved army ​

​eye.​taels of silver.​yán tā. 'deliberately approximate and ​4. 无规矩不成方圆。(Wú guīju bù ​21. 哀兵必胜。 (Āibīng bì sheng. 'sorrowful soldiers must ​

​and dot the ​silver 300 taels') — This ground doesn't have 300 ​13. 顾左右而言他。(Gù zuǒyòu ér ​person's character.​

​have far-reaching consequences.​eye') — Paint a dragon ​yín sānbǎi liǎng. 'this ground no ​deserves another.​a horse's strength, time reveals a ​prairie fire." Seemingly small actions ​

​7. 画龙点睛。 (Huàlóngdiǎnjīng. 'paint dragon dot ​25. 此地无银三百两。 (Cǐ dì wú ​rewards; or: one good turn ​man heart') — As distance tests ​can start a ​spot.​peace.​

​of Liang (464–549), it means: virtue has its ​

​horse strength, days old see ​Translated as: "A single spark ​a very dangerous ​

​"Huainanzi" (《淮南子·原道训》), i.e. to "bury the hatchet" and work for ​Meat" (《新酒肉文》) by Emperor Wu ​3. 路遥知马力,日久见人心。(Lùyáo zhī mǎlì, rìjiǔ jiàn rénxīn. 'road distant know ​20. 星星之火,可以燎原。 (Xīngxīng zhī huǒ, kěyǐ liáoyuan. 'star's fire, can shine far') — Starlight shines far.​

​It refers to ​chapter of the ​Dynasties work "New Wine and ​must be kept. Tweet​time.​a tiger's den.​

​From the first ​From the Southern ​back, or a promise ​sailing all the ​cave') — A dragon's pool and ​

​jade and silk.​good.​never be taken ​to have smooth ​xué. 'dragon pool tiger ​

​for jade silk') — Replace weapons with ​recompense') — Repay good with ​word spoken can ​difficulties and setbacks: it is impossible ​6. 龙潭虎穴。 (Lóng tán hǔ ​24. 化干戈为玉帛。 (Huà gāngē wéiyùbó. 'change shield spear ​

​12. 善有善报。 (Shàn yǒu shànbào. 'good have good ​Yan Yuan" (《论语·颜渊》), it means a ​fully prepared for ​very long bodies).​they come.​priority is food.​From "The Analects of ​us to be ​

​heavy traffic (Chinese dragons have ​take things as ​is his subjects; the subjects first ​a spoken word.​

​This proverb urges ​a scene of ​It means to ​

​food as heaven.' … meaning a ruler's first priority ​to chase down ​win') — Wind isn't always favorable; soldiers aren't always victorious.​It refers to ​

​receive') — When adversity comes, receive it favorably.​people as heaven, moreover people treat ​horses will struggle ​favorable; soldiers not always ​like a dragon.​shòu. 'adversity come follow ​is "王者以民人为天,而民人以食为天。" — 'Kings treat the ​produced, team-of-4-horses difficult chase') — A team of ​

​19. 风无常顺,兵无常胜。(Fēng wú chángshùn, bīng wú chángshèng. 'wind not always ​stream and horses ​23. 逆来顺受。 (Nì lái shùn ​Grand Historian" (《史记》), it means 'hunger breeds discontent', and it's full form ​

​2. 一言既出,驷马难追。(Yìyán jì chū, sìmǎ nán zhuī. 'a word already ​a moment. Don't give up!​dragon') — Carriages like a ​uneasy.​From "Records of the ​than words."​I.e. Some things aren't accomplished in ​long. 'carriage water horse ​feel tense and ​

Friendship (10 sayings)

​the people.​From Lu Xun's "Hot Wind" (鲁迅《热风题记》), it's like, "Actions speak louder ​with one mouthful.​5. 车水马龙。 (Chē shuǐ mǎ ​It means to ​first priority of ​xióngbiàn.) — Facts beat eloquence.​

​eat become fat-person') — You can't get fat ​bustling activity.​needles.​is heaven.) — Food is the ​1. 事实胜于雄辩。 (Shìshí shèng yú ​chéng pàngzi. 'can't one mouthful ​a scene of ​a carpet of ​wéi tiān. Subjects think food ​

​Chinese daily life.​18. 不能一口吃成胖子。(Bùnéng yīkǒu chī ​It refers to ​felt') — Like sitting on ​11. 民以食为天。 (Mín yǐ shí ​frequently used in ​

​your wit."​tigers leaping.​22. 如坐针毡。 (Rú zuò zhēnzhān. 'like sit needle ​most time-consuming.​literary quotes most ​a pit, a gain in ​leaps') — Dragons soaring and ​

​birds'), possibly of Ovid.​a life-long process or ​excellent literary devices. Here are 30 ​setback. "A fall in ​yuè. 'dragon soars tiger ​stone" (一石二鸟。Yīshíèrniǎo. 'one stone two ​

​long time,) a person's education is ​of phrase, and so make ​

​something from the ​4. 龙腾虎跃。 (Lóng téng hǔ ​birds with one ​wood is a ​a quick turn ​

​warning and learn ​with honest folk.​"to kill two ​be used as ​

​naked truth in ​one can take ​crooks mixed in ​Chinese version of ​tree that's ready to ​

​and tell the ​useful if only ​It refers to ​the World" (1624, Feng Menglong), and Lu Xun's collected letters, this is the ​to grow a ​

​Proverbs are eloquent ​wisdom, which will be ​

​dragons.​Jin" , "Stories to Caution ​(though 10 years ​fine students.​

​gained experience and ​of fish and ​Later Han Dynasty" (c. 200), "The Book of ​

​Period, it means that ​brilliant student') — Strict teachers produce ​a setback, one will have ​mix') — A muddled mix ​

​"History of the ​Spring and Autumn ​

​10. 严师出高徒。 (Yánshī chū gāotú. 'strict teacher produces ​Having gone through ​3. 鱼龙混杂。(Yú lóng hùnzá. 'fish dragons muddle ​

​Variously attributed to ​politician in the ​be rewarded.​17. 吃一堑,长一智。(Chī yīqiàn, zhǎng yízhì. 'eat a moat, grow a wisdom') — Suffer a moat, grow in wisdom.​in old age.​

Love (10 sayings)

​one action.​(《管子·权修 第三》) who was a ​way can study ​16. 逆境出人才。 (Nìjìng chū réncái. 'adversity produces talented-person') — Adversity yields flair.​a vigorous spirit ​gains') — Two benefits from ​

​of Guan Zhong ​fully understand it. Only in this ​pass.​It refers to ​

​dé. 'one move two ​From the work ​

​over before we ​a silver lining" or trouble will ​horse's spirit.​21.一举两得。(Yī jǔ liǎng ​man.​

​should be passed ​I.e. "Every cloud has ​2. 龙马精神。 (Lóng mǎ jīngshén. 'dragon horse spirit') — A dragon's and a ​happy occasion.​

​to cultivate a ​attention. No single word ​moonlight.​of content.​

​everyone likes a ​cultivate wood, a hundred years ​study requires undivided ​

​part to see ​of calligraphy, and writing devoid ​West" (《西游记》), it means that ​man') — Ten years to ​

​the fact that ​open see moonlight') — Watch till clouds ​a flamboyant style ​

​From "Journey to the ​wood, 100 years cultivate ​This proverb stresses ​

​kāi jiàn yuèmíng. 'keep-watch gain cloud ​It refers to ​gladdens the spirit.​

​10. 十年树木,百年树人。 (Shínián shù mù, bǎinián shù rén. '10 years cultivate ​fortune.​15. 守得云开见月明。 (Shǒu dé yún ​dances.​jīngshén shuǎng. 'man meet happy-occasion spirit invigorated') — A happy occasion ​is going on.​be worth a ​catches the worm."​and the phoenix ​

​20. 人逢喜事精神爽。 (Rén féng xǐshì ​grasp of what ​1,000 gold') — Reading requires concentration; a word may ​

​I.e. "the early bird ​dances') — The dragon flies ​Thought.​objective attitude, have a better ​use attention, one word worth ​

​first to succeed.​gwǔ. 'dragon flies phoenix ​

​Chinese and Western ​calmer and more ​9. 读书须用意,一字值千金。 (dúshū xū yòngyì, yīzì zhí qiānjīn. 'reading books needs ​arrive is the ​1. 龙飞凤舞。 (Lóng fēi fèn ​to themselves… see more on ​

​the details, while the onlookers, who have a ​widely enough.​get') — The first to ​

​"先到先得" (Encouragement #14 above).​keep their thoughts ​

​much concentration on ​can never read ​dé. 'first arrive first ​

​old version of ​in Chinese culture. Chinese tend to ​it, due to too ​us that we ​14. 先到先得。 (Xiān dào xiān ​

Family (10 Sayings)

​gets the worm", this is the ​well, yet says nothing… as is common ​comprehensive overview of ​This proverb reminds ​I.e. "No pain, no gain."​Records (《史记》), i.e. "first come, first served", or "the early bird ​

​the situation quite ​not have a ​few.​ascends.​From the Historical ​that someone knows ​matter usually does ​time just-when hate few') — When using books, you'll regret reading ​

​is how man ​climb first.​to point out ​

​involved in a ​fāng hènshǎo. 'books till use ​on man') — Enduring deepening pain ​

​climb') — The quick footed ​This is used ​that a person ​8. 书到用时方恨少。 (Shū dào yòngshí ​

​in pain, method for man ​30. 捷足先登。 (Jiézú xiān dēng. 'quick foot first ​eaten.​(《旧唐书·元行冲传》), this points out ​is perilous.​

​13. 吃得苦中苦,方为人上人。 (Chī dé kǔzhōngkǔ, fāng wéi rénshàngrén. 'eat gain pain ​who speaks least".​many he has ​Book of Tang ​is deceptive; thought without learning ​

​your dream."​"he knows most ​

​eats dumplings, he knows how ​Xingchong" in the Old ​study then dangerous') — Learning without thought ​old to live ​a situation where ​number') — When a mute ​

​From the "Biography of Yuan ​think then deceive, think but not ​

​spite of age. Or: "You're never too ​

​used to describe ​19. 哑巴吃饺子,心里有数。 (Yǎba chī jiǎozi, xīnlǐ yǒushù. 'mute eats dumplings, heart inside has ​lucid.​zé dài. 'study but not ​

​high aspirations in ​stupidity, and is sometimes ​in China.​

​lost; the watcher is ​zé wǎng, sī ér bùxué ​who still cherishes ​appear to be ​of scenic beauty ​9. 当局者迷,旁观者清。(Dāngjúzhě mí, pángguānzhě qīng. 'player confused; spectator clear') — The player is ​

​7. 学而不思则罔,思而不学则殆。(Xué ér bùsī ​This describes one ​From "Laozi" (《老子》), it means: great intelligence may ​

​become the image ​the very start.​youth.​

​li.​

Encouragement (21 sayings)

​seem foolish.​that Guilin has ​be hampered from ​I.e. don't waste your ​gallop a thousand ​stupid') — Great wisdom can ​in Chinese culture ​your progress will ​

​again.​still longs to ​29. 大智若愚。 (Dàzhì ruò yú. 'great wisdom seem ​so often quoted ​through all difficulties, whereas without it ​again; you're never young ​in the stable ​

​preach.​1201, and has been ​will see you ​youth') — Flowers may bloom ​

​stable, ambition at 1,000 li [500 km; a long way]) — An old warhorse ​From the "Huainanzi" (《淮南子·原道训》), it means: practice what you ​a poem in ​

​fact that righteousness ​open day, people no again ​

​12. 老骥伏枥,志在千里。 (Lǎojì fúlì, zhì zài qiānlǐ. 'old warhorse lie ​strength.​governor of Guilin, Wang Zhenggong (王正功,1133–1203) as part of ​

​(公孙龙), this stresses the ​shào nián. 'flower has again ​surpassed his master.​

​according to physical ​by Song Dynasty ​work "White Horse Thesis" (白马论) by Gong Sunlong ​

​kāi rì, rén wú zài ​a disciple has ​28. 身体力行。 (Shēn tǐlì xíng. 'body physical-strength acts') — A body acts ​

​It was written ​From the philosophical ​6. 花有重开日,人无再少年。 (Huā yǒu chóng ​to describe when ​be undone.​earth.​tiny step.​the best memory." Tweet​

​This is used ​It means: what's done cannot ​18. 桂林山水甲天下。(Guìlín shānshuǐ jiǎtiānxià. Guilin mountains-and-water best under-heaven) — Guilin's scenery's best on ​

​anywhere; without truth, you can't take a ​is better than ​blue.​cooked.​very comprehensive.​your side, you can go ​I.e. "The palest ink ​

​blue, and better than ​boat; the rice is ​small, its content is ​[Chinese inch; 1/30 m] step difficult walk') — With truth on ​bad pen.​surpasses blue') — Green is from ​

​into cooked rice') — The timber's already a ​although something looks ​all land-under-heaven; no truth cun ​can't beat a ​

​ér shèngyú lán. 'green come-from blue moreover ​boat;raw rice boiled ​From Qian Zhongshu's work "Fortress Besieged" (《围城》), it means that ​8. 有理走遍天下,无理寸步难行。(Yǒulǐ zǒubiàn tiānxià, wúlǐ cùnbù nánxíng. 'have truth walk ​lànbǐtóu. 'good memory not-as-good-as rotten pen') — A good memory ​

​11. 青出于蓝而胜于蓝。 (Qīng chūyú lán ​shúfàn. 'timber already become ​organs.​hard to swallow.​

​5. 好记性不如烂笔头。(Hǎojìxìng bù rú ​lái. 'evil extreme peace ​zhōu, Shēngmǐ zhǔ chéng ​all the vital ​

​I.e. all nightmares end.​

​9. 千里之行,始于足下。(Qiānlǐ zhī xíng, shǐyú zúxià. 1,000-li [500 km or ​I.e. make your plans ​but through persistence."​Patience and persistence ​duàn. 'water drop stone ​

​This proverb encourages ​become needle') — It just needs ​zhī mǔ. 'failure is success's mother') — Failure is the ​start.​

​3. 人心齐,泰山移。(Rénxīn qí, Tàishān yí. 'people heart together, Mount Tai move') — When people work ​2. 机不可失,时不再来。(Jī bùkě shī, shí búzài lái. 'Opportunity can't lose, time not again ​a meter deep.​hán. 'freeze 3 chi ​old sayings to ​I.e. "East, west, home is best."​

​a family knows ​rice precious') — If you don't run the ​I.e. "Do not wash ​I.e. "Like father, like son."​official finds it ​Or: "There're skeletons in ​

​5. 家家有本难念的经。 (Jiājiā yǒu běn ​It's like the ​from afar.​2. 儿行千里母担忧。 (Er xíng qiānlǐ ​family reunion festivals, like Mid-Autumn, the harvest moon ​

​is brightest; every festival homesickness ​

​doesn't satisfy.​"tough love".​the beholder."​Four Legendary Chinese ​I.e. love will find ​

​7. 有情人终成眷属。 (Yǒuqínɡrén zhōnɡ chénɡ ​the earth as ​

​wéi liánlǐzhī. 'in sky wish ​I.e. "one man's meat is ​love encompasses everything ​4. 爱屋及乌。(Ai wū jí ​you, grow old with ​

​person heart, white head not ​for people, but you can ​or commitment to ​

​in China. Here are some ​

​principles don't work well ​

​everybody is a ​is hard to ​Similar to: "A friend in ​Romans do."​sú 'enter district follow ​dàn rú shuǐ ​This proverb espouses ​4. 有缘千里来相会。(Yǒuyuán qiānlǐ lái ​appearance, sea water can't cup measure') — Man cannot be ​books for ten ​2. 听君一席话,胜读十年书。(Tīng jūn yīxíhuà, shèng dú shíniánshū ​

​'Expanding Virtue Literature' (增广贤文) teaches that to ​fish go to ​1. 近水知鱼性, 近山识鸟音。 (Jìn shuǐ zhī ​rarer. Chinese people have ​

​do the same ​"The Analects of ​

​26.欲速则不达。 (Yù sù zé ​one's actions; good for good, and evil for ​beans') — You reap what ​

​This refers to ​time.​repayment; again loan not ​shoe." i.e. A righteous man ​straight doesn't fear a ​are unified, any goal can ​of one heart, even loess can ​

​careless talk.​

​bliss, it's folly to ​from the novel ​boat.​18. 宰相肚里好撑船。 (Zǎixiànɡ dùlǐ hǎo ​

​general.​percent pure gold.I.e. "no-one's perfect".​It is as ​worth than two ​

​shuāng niǎo zài ​to burn.​zài, búpà méi chái ​dispensable.​

Education (10 sayings)

​make solid progress.​mundane business.​This proverb advises ​eye; small points apply ​shànzhōng. 'not good starter ​

​měimào. 'beautiful name beats ​1,000 worries') — A smile dispels ​one bucket of ​

​spoil the broth.​I.e. 'doing beats reading' or 'experience beats theory'.​

​as walking 10,000 li road') — It's better to ​18th century novel ​

​Similar to "what comes up ​time saves nine."​a trivial problem ​

​hardship') — If small holes ​man and brought ​people came to ​book "Huainanzi — Lessons of the ​mǎ, yān zhī fēi ​saying is recorded ​sǐ. 'Not do not ​wisdom or a ​common wisdom sayings ​traditionally been good ​

​learn and enjoy ​Here's a great ​

​10. 否极泰来。 (Pǐ jí tài ​day/undertaking.​done at dawn.​out stone, not through force ​

​wood.​chuān, shéng jù mù ​needle.​

​deep, iron rod grind ​5. 失败是成功之母。(Shībài shì chénggōng ​difficult at the ​once.​goal.​river to freeze ​1. 冰冻三尺,非一日之寒。 (Bīngdòng sān chǐ, fēi yīrì zhī ​

​foundation of morale. In Chinese, there are many ​nests can't beat one's family kennel.​

​He who heads ​ɡuì. 'Not manage household, not know firewood ​abroad.​son') — Where there's a father, there's his son.​household affairs.) — Even an upright ​its problems.​stand."​

​will go well.​life, though sharing moonlight ​in Mid-Autumn Festival's Traditions.​on its traditional ​

​homesick') — The harvest moon ​is enough; without love food ​Chinese proverb for ​the eye of ​

​appears Xishi [name; foremost of the ​the end.​bliss.​one; branches growing on ​zuò bǐyìniǎo, zài dì yuàn ​

​who love them.​It means that ​(what you have).​shǒu, yǔ zǐ xiélǎo. 'grasp your hand, with you grow-old-together) — Hold hands with ​2. 愿得一人心,白首不相离。(Yuàndé yīrénxīn, báishǒu bùxiānglí. 'wish get a ​It's generally used ​usually espouse love ​sayings, and it's no different ​schemes') — Men of different ​

​Similar to: "A friend to ​find') — An intimate friend ​see true friendship.​

Literature (30 sayings)

​Like: "When in Rome, do as the ​6. 入乡随俗。 (Rù xiāng suí ​5. 君子之交淡如水。 (Jūnzǐ zhī jiāo ​apart.​appearances".​dòuliàng. 'mortals can't judge by ​better than reading ​home.​This verse from ​

​bird sound') — To know a ​about it.​

​love is, true friendship is ​right result, where trying to ​

​This saying from ​also reap."​just returns for ​melons; sow beans reap ​itself.​

​borrow a second ​huán, zài jiè bùnán. Have loan have ​of a crooked ​fear shadow slanting') — One who stands ​long as people ​gold') — If people are ​

​exits') — Disaster comes from ​Or: "Where ignorance is ​person. The saying is ​for poling a ​leader.​

​find a good ​to find 100 ​sufficiently bare.​the hand is ​

​shǒu shèng guò ​green hills, there'll be wood ​14. 留得青山在,不怕没柴烧。 (Liú dé qīngshān ​own task, and nobody is ​Work steadily and ​our hands to ​

​tasks.​11. 大处着眼,小处着手。(Dàchù zhuó yǎn, xiǎochù zhuó shǒu. 'big points apply ​10. 不善始者不善终。 (Bú shànshǐzhě bù ​9. 美名胜过美貌。 (Měimíng shèng guò ​qiānchou. 'one smile undoes ​trying to carry ​

​drink') — Too many cooks ​books.​rú xíng wànlǐlù. 'reading 10,000 books, not as good ​extremes. It's from the ​out.​knotty one. Similar to: "A stitch in ​us that if ​mend; big hole eat ​

​returned to the ​his horse and ​According to the ​2. 塞翁失马,焉知非福。(Sài Wēng shī ​

​This Chinese web ​1. 不作不死。(Bù zuò bù ​

​Chinese sayings present ​of the most ​Chinese people have ​and explanations, to help you ​

​Mar. 18, 2022​with a footfall.​

​affect the whole ​in dawn') — A day's planning is ​great the difficulty. Similar to Ovid's "Dripping water hollows ​stone; rope saws cut ​7. 水滴石穿,绳锯木断。 (Shuǐ dī shí ​rod into a ​

​gzhēn. 'just need effort ​persevere.​4. 万事开头难。(Wànshì kāitóu nán. 'everything start difficult') — All things are ​Opportunity knocks but ​working you'll achieve your ​day for a ​life.​success are the ​ɡǒuwō. 'gold nest, silver nest, not-as-good-as own family's kennel') — Gold and silver ​

​and rice.​9. 不当家,不知柴米贵。 (Bù dānɡjiā,bù zhī cháimǐ ​not be spread ​

​7. 有其父,必有其子。 (Yǒuqífù,bìyǒuqízǐ. 'have his father, must have his ​jiāwùshì. 'honest-official difficult judge ​difficult remembered experience.') — Every family has ​itself, that house cannot ​is harmonious everything ​3. 但愿人长久,千里共婵娟。(Dànyuàn rénchángjiǔ, qiānlǐ gòngchánjuān. 'Yet wish personlong-time, 1,000 li [a long way; 500 km] share moon[beauty]') — Wishing us long ​saying is revealed ​greatest in China ​bèi sīqīn. 'moon reach Mid-Autumn exceptionally bright, every holiday multiply ​food hungry') — With love water ​This is the ​"Beauty is in ​xīshī. 'lover eye inside ​become spouses in ​wish for conjugal ​the sky as ​

​6. 在天愿作比翼鸟,在地愿为连理枝。 (Zài tiān yuàn ​ài. 'radishes greens, each have that-which loves') — Radishes and greens, each have those ​and its crow.​zhànyǒu, ér shì xīnshǎng. 'love isn't having, but is appreciating') — Love isn't about having, it's about enjoying ​3. 执子之手,与子偕老。 (Zhí zǐ zhī ​things/activities... Tweet​

​sight.​These old sayings ​eternal theme for ​móu. 'principles different, not harmonious for ​no deep friendship.​8. 知音难觅。 (Zhīyīn nánmì. 'soul mate hard ​situation') — In hardship we ​local customs.​insipid as water.​fate.​together from far ​In short: "don't judge by ​màoxiàng, hǎishuǐ bù kě ​lord's remarks is ​

​his or her ​to the mountains.​fish shape, near mountain know ​many old sayings ​Rare as true ​

​method achieves the ​want speed don't succeed.​soweth, that shall he ​that one receives ​25. 种瓜得瓜, 种豆得豆。 (Zhòngguā dé guā, zhòngdòu dé dòu. 'sow melons reap ​others and consumes ​it easier to ​

​23. 有借有还,再借不难。(Yǒu jiè yǒu ​is not afraid ​xié. 'body straight not ​

​us that as ​heart; yellow earth become ​chū. 'disaster from mouth ​19. 难得糊涂。 (Nándé hútu. 'hard get confusion') — Ignorance is bliss.​someone a magnanimous ​be broad enough ​

​finding an outstanding ​thousand soldiers, but hard to ​as it is ​a perfect man; no gold is ​

​birds in forest') — A bird in ​15. 一鸟在手胜过双鸟在林。 (Yī niǎo zài ​firewood burn') — While there are ​its lid".​hole') — Each has his ​

​a footprint.​situation in mind, and be far-sighted, while we set ​while tackling daily ​ending.​

​a good face.​best cosmetic.​

​7. 一笑解千愁。 (Yī xiào jiě ​do something, like three monks ​no water to ​read thousands of ​5. 读万卷书不如行万里路。 (Dú wànjuànshū bù ​

​they reach their ​only to flow ​a serious and ​This proverb tells ​3. 小洞不补,大洞吃苦。(Xiǎodòng bù bǔ, dàdòng chī kǔ.'small hole not ​

​disguise, who knows?" Indeed, the horse later ​border region lost ​disguise​

​bear."​in tragedy.​four Chinese characters.​The most time-honored and popular ​things of life. Below are some ​

​deeply.​with Chinese characters, pinyin pronunciation, and English translations ​By Candice SongUpdated ​evil.​down.) — A thousand-li journey starts ​

​early, as this will ​zàiyú chén. 'a day's plan lies ​anything, no matter how ​sever') — Water drops pierce ​

​to succeed.​grind an iron ​

​6. 只要功夫深,铁杵磨成针。 (Zhǐyào gōngfū shēn, tiěchǔ mó chén ​easier if you ​move Mount Tai.​again.​a day." I.e. If you keep ​than one cold ​continue (to work hard) despite (or because of) the trials of ​make us visualize ​10. 金窝,银窝,不如自家的狗窝。 (Jīnwō, yínwō, bùrú zìjiā de ​value of fuel ​in public."​

​wài yánɡ. 'family shame can't outside propagate') — Family shames must ​a family quarrel.​6. 清官难断家务事。 (Qīnɡɡuān nán duàn ​jīnɡ. 'Every-family has own ​be divided against ​

​prospers') — If a family ​far, mothers worry.​meaning behind this ​Familial longing is ​fènwài míng, měi féng jiājié ​water full; no affection eat ​zé zhī qiē. 'love's deep, discipline's cutting') — Love deep, chastise deep.​the foremost Beauty.​8. 情人眼里出西施。 (Qínɡrén yǎnlǐ chū ​become spouses') — People in love ​

​This is a ​be grow-together branches.) — Birds flying in ​own". Tweet​

​5. 萝卜青菜,各有所爱。 (Luóbo qīngcài, gè yǒu suǒ ​crow') — Love the house ​爱不是占有,而是欣赏。 (Ai bú shì ​heart, never be apart.​

​for other physical ​1. 一见钟情。 (Yíjiàn zhōngqíng. 'one look fall-in-love') — Love at first ​love and romance.​Love is an ​

​10. 道不同,不相为谋。 (Dào bùtóng, bù xiāng wéi ​9. 广交友,无深交。 (Guǎng jiāoyǒu, wú shēnjiāo. 'widely make friends, no deep friendship') — Numerous friends means ​friend indeed."​'Hardship see true ​locality follow the ​like water') — A gentleman's friendship is ​are decreed by ​way] together meet') — Fate brings people ​measured by cup.​3. 凡人不可貌相, 海水不可斗量。 (Fánrén bù kě ​

​year books') — Listening to a ​should go to ​bird's song go ​niǎoyīn. 'near water know ​

​highly of friendship, so there are ​(by cutting corners) does not. It's similar to: "More haste, less speed." Tweet​and the right ​

​not attain.') — Those who just ​the Biblical: "…whatsoever a man ​This proverb warns ​

​benefit of others.​zìjǐ. 'candle illuminates others, yet destroys itself') — A candle lights ​a loan makes ​

​to seem unrighteous.​Similar to: "A straight foot ​22. 身正不怕影子斜。(Shēnzhèng búpà yǐngzi ​

​This proverb tells ​jīn. 'three people one ​20. 祸从口出。 (Huò cóng kǒu ​(李宝嘉1867–1906)​

​used to praise ​inside good-to pole boat') — A prime minister's mind should ​the difficulty of ​to find a ​

​a perfect man ​16. 人无完人,金无足赤。(Rén wú wánrén, jīn wú zúchì. 'man lackperfect man; gold lack enoughred') — No man is ​hand beats pair ​life, there is hope."​present, not fear no ​own", "horses for courses", or "every kettle has ​kēngr. 'one turnip one ​footprint') — Every step makes ​keep the overall ​goal in sight ​makes a bad ​is better than ​8. 笑一笑,十年少。 (Xiào yī xiào, shínián shào. 'laugh,ten years younger') — Happiness is the ​mess of it.​people try to ​méi shuǐ hē. 'three monks have ​miles than to ​

​Red Mansions".​out that: things reverse when ​overflows') — Water flows in ​in time, it will become ​will bring hardship.​horse.​a blessing in ​

​living in a ​blessing'.) — Blessings come in ​

​Dictionary. It's like: "Don't poke the ​things you won't end up ​pithy idiom. Many have just ​life advice.​from the ordinary ​people's attitudes, life, and values more ​sayings and idioms ​

​Chinese language​come') — Peace replaces extreme ​a long way] journey, start with foot ​early, or get up ​8. 一日之计在于晨。 (Yīrì zhī jì ​can break through ​pierce, rope saw wood ​

​us to persevere ​hard work to ​

​mother of success.​I.e. Things always get ​with one heart, they can even ​

​come') — Don't miss opportunities: time doesn't come round ​This means: "Rome wasn't built in ​

​[3 chi = 1 meter], not one day's cold') — It takes more ​encourage others to ​Positive phrases that ​

​the responsibility involved.​family, you don't know the ​your dirty linen ​8. 家丑不可外扬。 (Jiāchǒu bù kě ​hard to settle ​every family's closet."​nán niàn de ​

​Biblical: "if a house ​4. 家和万事兴。 (Jiāhé wànshìxīnɡ. 'family harmonious everything ​mǔ dānyōu. 'son travels 1,000 li [a long way; 500 km] mother worries') — When children travel ​

​festival. More of the ​multiplies.​1. 月到中秋分外明,每逢佳节倍思亲。 (Yuè dào zhōngqiū ​10. 有情饮水饱,无情食饭饥。 (Yǒuqínɡ yínshuǐbǎo, wúqínɡ shífànjī. 'Have affection drink ​9. 爱之深,责之切。(Ài zhī shēn ​

Dragons (10 sayings)

​Beauties]) — In a lover's eye is ​a way.​juànshǔ. 'in-love people finally ​one.​be fly-wing-to-wing birds; on earth wish ​

​another man's poison" or "each to his ​connected with somebody: "Love me, love my dog." Tweet​wū. 'love house and ​you.​

​one-another apart) — Long for a ​also use it ​

​love.​Chinese idioms about ​together.​

​friend to nobody." Tweet​find.​need is a ​7. 患难见真情。 (Huànnàn jiàn zhēnqíng ​

​custom') — When entering a ​'gentleman's friendship bland ​that human relationships ​

​xiānghuì. 'Have fate 1,000 li [or a long ​judged by looks; seas cannot be ​years.​'hear gentleman remarks, beats reading ten ​

​know someone you ​the water; to know a ​yúxìng; jìn shān shí ​

​always thought very ​thing too quickly ​Confucius" teaches that patience ​bùdá. 'Desire speed but ​evil. It's similar to ​

​you sow.​self-sacrifice for the ​24. 蜡烛照亮别人,却毁灭了自己。 (Làzhú zhàoliàng biérén, què huǐmiè le ​hard.) — Timely return of ​

​is not afraid ​crooked shadow.​be achieved.​become gold.​

​21. 三人一条心,黄土变成金。(Sānrén yìtiáoxīn, huángtǔ biàn chéng ​be wise."​"Officialdom Unmasked" (官场现形记) by Li Baojia ​

​This can be ​chēnɡchuán. 'prime minister stomach ​This proverb notes ​It is easy ​

​impossible to find ​in the bush.​lín 'one bird in ​I.e. "Where there is ​shāo. 'remain green hills ​

​I.e. "each to his ​13. 一个萝卜一个坑儿。 (Yīgè luóbo yīgè ​12. 一步一个脚印。 (Yībù yīgè jiǎoyìn. 'one step one ​

​us to always ​hand') — Keep the general ​not good end') — A bad beginning ​beautiful looks') — A good name ​many worries.​

​water, they make a ​I.e. if too many ​6. 三个和尚没水喝。 (Sān gè héshàng ​walk thousands of ​

​"A Dream of ​must come down", this proverb points ​4. 水满则溢。(Shuǐmǎn zé yì. 'water full but ​is not solved ​

​aren't fixed, then big holes ​him a better ​comfort him. But he said, "This may be ​Human World", an old man ​fú. 'Sai Weng [legendary old man's name] lost horse, how know not ​in the Urban ​

​die.') — If you don't do stupid ​concept in short ​that give practical ​



​at drawing lessons ​the Chinese language, while understanding Chinese ​
​collection of Chinese ​
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