Chinese proverbs, also known as ‘cheng’ or ‘yan ge,’ are expressions with deep meaning that people of the Chinese culture use to communicate and impart wisdom. They are Chinese proverbs and sayings passed down from generation to generation and are still used in day-to-day conversations. In this blog, we’ve highlighted a few Chinese proverbs that you can use to inspire yourself and others. We’ve also included several Chinese proverbs about friendship, family, love, success, etc. And if you’re wondering what is a Chinese proverb or saying? Don’t worry – it’s just like an old saying with a twist of Chinese culture.
Chinese Proverbs About Life
- A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
- Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.
- No matter how far you have gone on the wrong road, turn back.
- No matter how much time or money is wasted, don’t delay in making amends.
- A single conversation across the table with a wise person is worth months of study of books.
These proverbs remind us that the best way to learn life lessons is by opening our minds and ears to wisdom from others.
They are golden advice for those who seek to develop their understanding of the world around them.
Chinese Proverbs About Love
- Love is a journey, not a destination.
- The best way to find love is to be open-minded and honest about who you are.
- It’s important to communicate with your loved ones every day, even if only for five minutes for each conversation.
- True love never dies – it just evolves into something greater over time!
- With love, water is enough; without love, food doesn’t satisfy.
- In a lover’s eye is the foremost Beauty.
- Birds flying in the sky as one, branches growing on the earth as one.
Some Chinese Proverbs About Success
Chinese proverbs about success are abundant. Here are some of the best ones you should know:
– “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.”
– “If you don’t want to slip up tomorrow, speak the truth today.”
– “Where there is life, there is hope.”
There are several other proverbs you can consider as well. They express different ideas, but each one of them has its unique wisdom to offer. If you’re interested in knowing more, read them and learn how to apply these proverbs in your daily life.
Chinese Proverbs About Wisdom
In today’s world, there is more and more Chinese proverb saying floating around. Some of them can be quite inspirational and inspiring.
One proverb that has been circulating for ages is, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” This proverb points out the importance of education and knowledge. No matter how much you give or take away from someone, the important thing is to teach them the value of learning to succeed on their own.
Another proverb that gives advice on life is, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” It advises us to take small steps toward our goals because nothing great can be achieved without hard work and perseverance.
Another proverb that teaches us the importance of humbleness is “Tell me, I’ll forget; show me, I may remember; involve me, I’ll understand.”
Lastly, the proverb “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you don’t stop” highlights the importance of doing things slowly but surely when achieving something big.
Here are some other examples:
- A gem is not polished without rubbing, nor is man perfected without trials.
- A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
- The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.
- To know the road ahead, ask those who have traveled it before.
These are great proverbs that have much wisdom and relevance for our lives today.
Chinese Proverbs About Friendship
A true friendship is like sound health; its value of it is seldom known until it is lost. A good friend is a treasure, hard to find, and easy to lose. You may rely on a person’s friendship, but you cannot control him or her. When friends have reunited after a long time apart, it’s like the birth of a new child. The proverb says that true friends understand each other well and turn out to be best partners in adversity.
- A single conversation across the table with a wise person is worth a month’s study of books.
- It takes wise people years of hard work to know wisdom and experience.
- A true friend is someone you can rely on no matter what situation you are in.
- A good friend understands your thoughts and feelings better than anyone else does.
- Treat your friends as you treat your best pictures and place them in their best light.
Chinese Proverbs About Family
“The family is the foundation of society” is a proverb often heard in China. A family is indeed the essential building block of any society. A family’s values, culture, and moral compass shape its character. In this respect, it impacts the country’s social development and the quality of life of its citizens.
- When children travel far, mothers worry.
- Wishing us long life, though sharing moonlight from afar.
- If a family is harmonious, everything will go well.
- Even an upright official finds it hard to settle a family quarrel.
- Where there’s a father, there’s his son.
Another proverb saying, “A single spark can start a prairie fire,” also highlights the importance of families in shaping our culture and society. It points out that small differences can turn into big ones within families if not handled properly.
As families are essential to building strong societies, we must remember to cherish our families no matter what happens around us.
Chinese Proverbs About Learning
Chinese proverbs about learning are wise words of wisdom that have been passed down through generations. They emphasize the importance of taking the time to learn and grow and to use knowledge wisely.
One proverb states, “A single conversation with a wise man is better than ten years of study,” emphasizing that it is important not only to devote oneself to learning but also to seek out guidance from those wiser than you.
Another proverb states, “If you want one year of prosperity, grow grain. If you want ten years of prosperity, grow trees”, illustrating that long-term success requires investing in knowledge and skills rather than immediate gratification.
The proverb “A single conversation across the table with a wise man is better than ten years mere study of books” conveys the importance of genuine learning experiences.
These experiences provide us with valuable insights, which help us grow as individuals. Besides, it is essential to have discussions with people who have different perspectives on life and make good judgments as they have seen it from different angles.
FAQs about Chinese Sayings or Proverbs
1. What are Chinese Sayings/Proverbs?
Chinese sayings/proverbs are wise and ancient words of wisdom that have been passed down through generations. These sayings often offer insight into Chinese culture, beliefs, and values. They can be found in literature, artwork, and everyday conversations. Additionally, they are frequently shared on social media and online forums as inspirational quotes. Talking Points:
– Chinese proverbs can be found in literature, artwork, and everyday conversations.
– They are also shared frequently on social media and online forums as inspirational quotes.
– Talking Points:
2. What are some popular Chinese Sayings for the Chinese New Year?
The New Year is celebrated throughout China with many popular sayings and proverbs. One of the most common sayings to wish prosperity and happiness during this time of the year is “Gong Xi Fa Cai,” which means “Wishing you a prosperous new year.” Another popular saying used during the New Year celebrations is “Xin Nian Kuai Le,” which means “Happiness and prosperity in the new year.” Other proverbs used during the New Year celebrations include phrases such as “Guo Nian Hao Yue,” which means “Happy New Year,” and “Man Man Li Xie Xin Nian,” which means “Slowly welcome in the new year.”
3. Which is more popular: “The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago” or “Do not count your chickens before they hatch”?
Both “The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago” and “Do not count your chickens before they hatch” are two of the most popular Chinese proverbs.
The proverb “The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago” is an encouragement to plan ahead and think of the long-term consequences of our actions. It reminds us that if we want to benefit from something, we must act early in order to reap the benefits later on.
On the other hand, the proverb “Do not count your chickens before they hatch” is an admonition against premature celebration. It is a reminder that it is wise to be cautious and take risks responsibly rather than counting your eggs before they have hatched.
Each proverb has its own subtle nuances that can be applied to many different situations. Therefore, both proverbs are equally popular and remain timeless pieces of wisdom today.
4. What are the most famous Chinese sayings and proverbs?
Some of the most famous Chinese sayings and proverbs include:
1. “A jade stone is useless before it is processed; a man is good for nothing until he is educated.” This proverb teaches us that knowledge is necessary to succeed in life.
2. “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” This proverb emphasizes the importance of teaching and helping others gain skills to achieve lasting success.
3. 问渠哪得清如许 (Wèn qú nǎdé qīng rúxǔ): This proverb can be translated to “Where does the clear stream come from?”, symbolizing the importance of hard work and dedication
4. “One generation plants the trees, and another gets the shade.” This proverb encourages us to think about future generations and take steps for the betterment of society today.
5. 一分耕耘，一分收获 (Yī fēn gēngyún, yī fēn shōuhuò): This proverb is similar to “You reap what you sow” in English, conveying the idea that hard work will eventually pay off.
Conclusion
There are a number of proverbs and sayings in Chinese that can be helpful when navigating life. We hope you will find all the wise Chinese proverbs above put forward by philosophers useful.
