Chinese proverbs: a cultural treasure trove of more than 3000 years

What is a Chinese proverb?

Chinese proverbs are short, wise expressions that reflect China's culture and philosophy. There are different types of Chinese proverbs, such as chéngyǔ (成语), súyǔ (俗语) and the yànyǔ (谚语). Below, we will explain the differences between them and see some examples of the most commonly used.

Chengyu—成语

Chengyu are four-character phraseological units that originated in classical Chinese literature. They usually have a story or an anecdote behind them that explains their meaning. Chengyu are used to express complex ideas in a concise and elegant way. Some examples of chengyu are:

• 画蛇添足 (huà shé tiān zú): It literally means "to draw a snake and add feet to it". It is used to criticize someone who does something unnecessary or who spoils something that was right.
• 亡羊补牢 (wáng yáng bǔ láo): It literally means "to repair the corral after losing the sheep". It is used to encourage someone to take corrective action after making a mistake or suffering a loss.
• 指鹿为马 (zhǐ lù wéi mǎ): It literally means "to point to a deer and say that it is a horse". It is used to describe someone who distorts the truth or deceives others for malicious purposes.

Suyu—俗语

Suyu are phraseological units of more than four characters that also originated in classical Chinese literature. They usually have a literal and a figurative meaning, and are used to express opinions, advice, or judgments. Some examples of suyu are:

• 人无远虑,必有近忧 (rén wú yuǎn lǜ, bì yǒu jìn yōu): It literally means "who does not have a long-term vision, will have problems nearby". It is used to warn someone that they should plan for the future wisely and not just think about the present.
• 一分耕耘,一分收获 (yī fēn gēng yún, yī fēn shōu huò): Literally means "a little work, a little harvest". It is used to express that success depends on effort and dedication.
• 有缘千里来相会 (yǒu yuán qiān lǐ lái xiàng huì): It literally means "those who have a destiny are thousands of kilometers away". It is used to describe the power of fate or chance in human relationships.

Yanyu—谚语

Yanyu are phraseological units that originated in folk speech and reflect the wisdom and experience of ordinary people. They usually have a colloquial and humorous tone, and are used to illustrate everyday situations or convey moral teachings. Some examples of yanyu are:

• 留得青山在,不怕没柴烧 (liú de qīng shān zài, bú pà méi chái shāo): It literally means "as long as the green mountains remain, there is no need to fear that there will be a lack of wood to burn". It is used to comfort someone who has suffered material loss or adversity, and to remind them that the important thing is to preserve life and hope.
• 三个臭皮匠,顶个诸葛亮 (sān gè chòu pí jiàng, dǐng gè zhū gě liàng): It literally means "three smelly shoemakers, they outnumber a Zhuge Liang". It is used to praise collective intelligence or the strength of the union. Zhuge Liang was a famous strategist of ancient China.
• 老鼠过街,人人喊打 (lǎo shǔ guò jiē, rén rén hǎn dǎ): It literally means "when the mouse crosses the street, everyone yells at it and hits it". It is used to describe someone who is hated or despised by everyone.

Here are some of the types of Chinese proverbs that exist. There are many more that you can explore and learn from depending on the emotions they convey. Chinese proverbs are a source of knowledge and linguistic beauty that is worth discovering.

Chinese Proverbs by Category

Here is a selection of popular Chinese proverbs, organized by categories:

Proverbs of Wisdom

1. 不鸣则已，一鸣惊人。 (Bù míng zé yǐ, yī míng jīng rén)
   • If you're not going to stand out, it's better not to make noise. But if you decide to do it, surprise everyone.
2. 授人以鱼不如授人以渔。 (Shòu rén yǐ yú bùrú shòu rén yǐ yú)
   • Giving someone a fish is inferior to teaching them how to fish.
3. 一言既出，驷马难追。 (Yī yán jì chū, sì mǎ nán zhuī)
   • Once the words are spoken, not even a chariot drawn by four horses can reach them.

Proverbs of Love

1. 执子之手，与子偕老。 (Zhí zǐ zhī shǒu, yǔ zǐ xiélǎo)
   • Take your hand and grow old together.
2. 有情人终成眷属。 (Yǒu qíng rén zhōng chéng juàn shǔ)
   • The lovers eventually get married.
3. 爱屋及乌。 (Ài wū jí wū)
   • Love for a person extends even to the magpies on the roof.

Proverbs of Happiness

1. 心花怒放。 (Xīn huā nù fàng)
   • The heart blooms with joy.
2. 满载而归。 (Mǎn zài ér guī)
   • To return full of success and happiness.
3. 高山流水遇知音。 (Gāo shān liú shuǐ yù zhī yīn)
   • Finding someone who understands your music is like a mountain stream finding its melody.

Proverbs of Overcoming

1. 青出于蓝而胜于蓝。 (Qīng chūyú lán ér shèngyú lán)
   • The disciple surpasses the master.
2. 水滴石穿，绳锯木断。 (Shuǐ dī shí chuān, shéng jù mù duàn)
   • Water droplets pierce the stone; Rope saws cut wood.
3. 一步一个脚印。 (Yībù yīgè jiǎoyìn)
   • One step, one footprint.

Proverbs of Friendship

1. 远水不救近火，远亲不如近邻。 (Yuǎn shuǐ bù jiù jìn huǒ, yuǎn qīn bùrú jìn lín)
   • Distant water does not extinguish the nearby fire; A distant relative is not as good as a close neighbor.
2. 患难见真情。 (Huànnàn jiàn zhēnqíng)
   • Adversity reveals true friendship.
3. 路遥知马力，日久见人心。 (Lù yáo zhī mǎ lì, rì jiǔ jiàn rén xīn)
   • Time reveals the heart of man.

Positive Proverbs

1. 不鸣则已，一鸣惊人。 (Bù míng zé yǐ, yī míng jīng rén)
   • If you're not going to stand out, it's better not to make noise. But if you decide to do it, surprise everyone.
2. 塞翁失马，焉知非福。 (Sài Wēng shī mǎ, yān zhī fēi fú)
   • Misfortune can be a blessing in disguise.
3. 千里之行，始于足下。 (Qiānlǐ zhī xíng, shǐ yú zú xià)
   • A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Proverbs of Life

1. 饮水思源。 (Yǐn shuǐ sī yuán)
   • When you drink water, remember the fountain.
2. 活到老，学到老。 (Huó dào lǎo, xué dào lǎo)
   • It's never too late to learn.
3. 人生如梦。 (Rénshēng rú mèng)
   • Life is like a dream.

Would you like to share your favorite Chinese proverb?

If you liked this article and want to share your favorite Chinese proverb, we encourage you to tell us about it in the comments. We would like to know which proverb has caught your attention the most, what meaning it has for you or how you apply it in your life. We'd love to hear your thoughts and read you in the comments.

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Conclusion

Chinese proverbs are truly a cultural treasure that has endured for over 3000 years, offering wisdom and teachings that are still relevant today. What's your favorite Chinese proverb? How do you think these ancient sayings can be applied to our modern lives? We would love to hear your thoughts and thoughts. Leave your comments and share your thoughts with us!