A Collection of Chinese Proverbs and Their English Translations22

This collection compiles a variety of renowned Chinese proverbs and their English translations, showcasing the wisdom and cultural nuances embedded within the Chinese language. These sayings, passed down through generations, offer insightful perspectives on life, relationships, and society. The translations aim to capture the essence of the original Chinese, while acknowledging that a direct, word-for-word translation might not always convey the full meaning or cultural context.

On Life and Perseverance:

1. 有志者，事竟成。(Yǒu zhì zhě, shì jìng chéng.) Translation: Where there is a will, there is a way. This classic proverb emphasizes the importance of determination and perseverance in achieving one's goals. It highlights the power of a strong will to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

2. 锲而不舍，金石可镂。(Qiè ér bù shě, jīn shí kě lòu.) Translation: If you persevere, even the hardest stone can be carved. This proverb underscores the power of consistent effort. It implies that even seemingly insurmountable challenges can be overcome with persistent dedication and hard work.

3. 失败乃成功之母。(Shībài nǎi chénggōng zhī mǔ.) Translation: Failure is the mother of success. This proverb acknowledges that setbacks and failures are inevitable parts of the journey towards success. It encourages resilience and learning from mistakes.

4. 路漫漫其修远兮，吾将上下而求索。(Lù màn màn qí xiū yuǎn xī, wú jiāng shàng xià ér qiú suǒ.) Translation: The road ahead is long and arduous, but I will search high and low for what I seek. This famous line from Qu Yuan's poem emphasizes the persistent pursuit of knowledge and ideals, even in the face of great difficulty.

On Relationships and Morality:

5. 己所不欲，勿施于人。(Jǐ suǒ bù yù, wù shī yú rén.) Translation: Do not do unto others what you do not want done to yourself. This is the Confucian Golden Rule, emphasizing empathy and compassion in interpersonal relationships.

6. 仁者爱人。(Rén zhě ài rén.) Translation: The benevolent love others. This proverb highlights the importance of kindness, compassion, and love in human relationships, a core tenet of Confucianism.

7. 海内存知己，天涯若比邻。(Hǎi nèi cún zhījǐ, tiān yá ruò bǐ lín.) Translation: Though separated by thousands of miles, true friends are as close as neighbors. This proverb emphasizes the enduring nature of true friendship, transcending geographical boundaries.

8. 退一步海阔天空。(Tuì yī bù hǎi kuò tiān kōng.) Translation: Take a step back, and the ocean and sky will open up before you. This proverb advocates for compromise and understanding in resolving conflicts, suggesting that flexibility can lead to broader perspectives and solutions.

On Wisdom and Observation:

9. 尺有所短，寸有所长。(Chǐ yǒu suǒ duǎn, cùn yǒu suǒ cháng.) Translation: A foot has its shortcomings, an inch has its advantages. This proverb acknowledges that everyone has strengths and weaknesses, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and utilizing individual talents.

10. 当局者迷，旁观者清。(Dāng jú zhě mí, páng guān zhě qīng.) Translation: Those involved are confused, while bystanders see clearly. This proverb highlights the limitations of perspective, suggesting that outsiders often have a clearer understanding of a situation.

11. 眼见为实。(Yǎn jiàn wèi shí.) Translation: Seeing is believing. A straightforward proverb that emphasizes the importance of direct observation and evidence.

12. 塞翁失马，焉知非福。(Sài wēng shī mǎ, yān zhī fēi fú.) Translation: A blessing in disguise. This proverb illustrates how what initially seems like a misfortune can unexpectedly turn out to be beneficial in the long run.

On Time and Change:

13. 时光飞逝。(Shí guāng fēi shì.) Translation: Time flies. A simple yet universally understood proverb emphasizing the fleeting nature of time.

14. 江山易改，本性难移。(Jiāng shān yì gǎi, běn xìng nán yí.) Translation: Mountains and rivers can be changed, but one's nature is hard to alter. This proverb highlights the difficulty of changing ingrained personality traits and habits.

15. 活到老，学到老。(Huó dào lǎo, xué dào lǎo.) Translation: Live and learn. This proverb emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and continuous self-improvement.

This collection provides only a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Chinese proverbs. Each proverb holds a depth of meaning that can be explored further through study and reflection. Their enduring popularity speaks to the timeless wisdom and universal relevance of their underlying messages.

2025-04-02

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