{"id":11931,"date":"2023-11-13T20:26:08","date_gmt":"2023-11-13T20:26:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.hanyuchineseschool.com\/sin-categorizar\/chinese-proverbs-a-cultural-treasure-trove-of-more-than-3000-years\/"},"modified":"2025-07-31T18:05:16","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T18:05:16","slug":"chinese-proverbs-a-cultural-treasure-trove-of-more-than-3000-years","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.hanyuchineseschool.com\/en\/chinese\/chinese-proverbs-a-cultural-treasure-trove-of-more-than-3000-years\/","title":{"rendered":"Chinese proverbs: a cultural treasure trove of more than 3000 years"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Chinese proverb?<\/h2>\n\n<p>Chinese<strong> proverbs are short, wise expressions<\/strong> that reflect China's culture and philosophy. There are different types of Chinese proverbs, such as <em>ch\u00e9ngy\u01d4<\/em> (\u6210\u8bed), <em>s\u00fay\u01d4<\/em> <strong> <\/strong>(\u4fd7\u8bed) and the <em>y\u00e0ny\u01d4<\/em> (\u8c1a\u8bed). Below, we will explain the differences between them and see some examples of the most commonly used. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chengyu\u2014\u6210\u8bed<\/h2>\n\n<p><em>Chengyu<\/em> are<strong> four-character<\/strong> phraseological units that originated in classical Chinese literature. They usually have a story or an anecdote behind them that explains their meaning. <em>Chengyu<\/em> are used to express complex ideas in a concise and elegant way. Some examples of <em>chengyu<\/em> are:   <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u753b\u86c7\u6dfb\u8db3<\/strong> (hu\u00e0 sh\u00e9 ti\u0101n z\u00fa): 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. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u4ea1\u7f8a\u8865\u7262<\/strong> (w\u00e1ng y\u00e1ng b\u01d4 l\u00e1o): 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. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u6307\u9e7f\u4e3a\u9a6c<\/strong> (zh\u01d0 l\u00f9 w\u00e9i m\u01ce): 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. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Suyu\u2014\u4fd7\u8bed<\/h2>\n\n<p><em>Suyu <\/em>are phraseological units of <strong>more than four characters<\/strong> 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 <em>suyu <\/em>are:  <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u4eba\u65e0\u8fdc\u8651,\u5fc5\u6709\u8fd1\u5fe7<\/strong> (r\u00e9n w\u00fa yu\u01cen l\u01dc, b\u00ec y\u01d2u j\u00ecn y\u014du): 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. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u4e00\u5206\u8015\u8018,\u4e00\u5206\u6536\u83b7<\/strong> (y\u012b f\u0113n g\u0113ng y\u00fan, y\u012b f\u0113n sh\u014du hu\u00f2): Literally means \"a little work, a little harvest\". It is used to express that success depends on effort and dedication. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u6709\u7f18\u5343\u91cc\u6765\u76f8\u4f1a<\/strong> (y\u01d2u yu\u00e1n qi\u0101n l\u01d0 l\u00e1i xi\u00e0ng hu\u00ec): 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. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Yanyu\u2014\u8c1a\u8bed<\/h2>\n\n<p><em>Yanyu <\/em>are phraseological units that<strong> originated in folk speech <\/strong>and <strong>reflect the wisdom and experience of ordinary people<\/strong>. They usually have a colloquial and humorous tone, and are used to illustrate everyday situations or convey moral teachings. Some examples of <em>yanyu <\/em>are:  <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u7559\u5f97\u9752\u5c71\u5728,\u4e0d\u6015\u6ca1\u67f4\u70e7<\/strong> (li\u00fa de q\u012bng sh\u0101n z\u00e0i, b\u00fa p\u00e0 m\u00e9i ch\u00e1i sh\u0101o): 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. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u4e09\u4e2a\u81ed\u76ae\u5320,\u9876\u4e2a\u8bf8\u845b\u4eae<\/strong> (s\u0101n g\u00e8 ch\u00f2u p\u00ed ji\u00e0ng, d\u01d0ng g\u00e8 zh\u016b g\u011b li\u00e0ng): 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.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u8001\u9f20\u8fc7\u8857,\u4eba\u4eba\u558a\u6253<\/strong> (l\u01ceo sh\u01d4 gu\u00f2 ji\u0113, r\u00e9n r\u00e9n h\u01cen d\u01ce): 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. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.hanyuchineseschool.com\/chino\/emociones-chino\/\">emotions<\/a> they convey. Chinese proverbs are a source of knowledge and linguistic beauty that is worth discovering.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chinese Proverbs by Category<\/h2>\n\n<p>Here is a selection of popular Chinese proverbs, organized by categories:<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Proverbs of Wisdom<\/h3>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u4e0d\u9e23\u5219\u5df2\uff0c\u4e00\u9e23\u60ca\u4eba\u3002<\/strong>&nbsp;(B\u00f9 m\u00edng z\u00e9 y\u01d0, y\u012b m\u00edng j\u012bng r\u00e9n)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>If you're not going to stand out, it's better not to make noise. But if you decide to do it, surprise everyone. <\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u6388\u4eba\u4ee5\u9c7c\u4e0d\u5982\u6388\u4eba\u4ee5\u6e14\u3002<\/strong>&nbsp;(Sh\u00f2u r\u00e9n y\u01d0 y\u00fa b\u00f9r\u00fa sh\u00f2u r\u00e9n y\u01d0 y\u00fa)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Giving someone a fish is inferior to teaching them how to fish.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u4e00\u8a00\u65e2\u51fa\uff0c\u9a77\u9a6c\u96be\u8ffd\u3002<\/strong>&nbsp;(Y\u012b y\u00e1n j\u00ec ch\u016b, s\u00ec m\u01ce n\u00e1n zhu\u012b)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Once the words are spoken, not even a chariot drawn by four horses can reach them.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Proverbs of Love<\/h3>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u6267\u5b50\u4e4b\u624b\uff0c\u4e0e\u5b50\u5055\u8001\u3002<\/strong>&nbsp;(Zh\u00ed z\u01d0 zh\u012b sh\u01d2u, y\u01d4 z\u01d0 xi\u00e9l\u01ceo)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Take your hand and grow old together.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u6709\u60c5\u4eba\u7ec8\u6210\u7737\u5c5e\u3002<\/strong>&nbsp;(Y\u01d2u q\u00edng r\u00e9n zh\u014dng ch\u00e9ng ju\u00e0n sh\u01d4)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>The lovers eventually get married.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u7231\u5c4b\u53ca\u4e4c\u3002<\/strong>&nbsp;(\u00c0i w\u016b j\u00ed w\u016b)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Love for a person extends even to the magpies on the roof.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Proverbs of Happiness<\/h3>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u5fc3\u82b1\u6012\u653e\u3002<\/strong>&nbsp;(X\u012bn hu\u0101 n\u00f9 f\u00e0ng)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>The heart blooms with joy.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u6ee1\u8f7d\u800c\u5f52\u3002<\/strong>&nbsp;(M\u01cen z\u00e0i \u00e9r gu\u012b)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>To return full of success and happiness.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u9ad8\u5c71\u6d41\u6c34\u9047\u77e5\u97f3\u3002<\/strong>&nbsp;(G\u0101o sh\u0101n li\u00fa shu\u01d0 y\u00f9 zh\u012b y\u012bn)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Finding someone who understands your music is like a mountain stream finding its melody.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Proverbs of Overcoming<\/h3>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u9752\u51fa\u4e8e\u84dd\u800c\u80dc\u4e8e\u84dd\u3002<\/strong>&nbsp;(Q\u012bng ch\u016by\u00fa l\u00e1n \u00e9r sh\u00e8ngy\u00fa l\u00e1n)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>The disciple surpasses the master.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u6c34\u6ef4\u77f3\u7a7f\uff0c\u7ef3\u952f\u6728\u65ad\u3002<\/strong>&nbsp;(Shu\u01d0 d\u012b sh\u00ed chu\u0101n, sh\u00e9ng j\u00f9 m\u00f9 du\u00e0n)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Water droplets pierce the stone; Rope saws cut wood.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u4e00\u6b65\u4e00\u4e2a\u811a\u5370\u3002<\/strong>&nbsp;(Y\u012bb\u00f9 y\u012bg\u00e8 ji\u01ceoy\u00ecn)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>One step, one footprint.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Proverbs of Friendship<\/h3>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u8fdc\u6c34\u4e0d\u6551\u8fd1\u706b\uff0c\u8fdc\u4eb2\u4e0d\u5982\u8fd1\u90bb\u3002<\/strong>&nbsp;(Yu\u01cen shu\u01d0 b\u00f9 ji\u00f9 j\u00ecn hu\u01d2, yu\u01cen q\u012bn b\u00f9r\u00fa j\u00ecn l\u00edn)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Distant water does not extinguish the nearby fire; A distant relative is not as good as a close neighbor.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u60a3\u96be\u89c1\u771f\u60c5\u3002<\/strong>&nbsp;(Hu\u00e0nn\u00e0n ji\u00e0n zh\u0113nq\u00edng)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Adversity reveals true friendship.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u8def\u9065\u77e5\u9a6c\u529b\uff0c\u65e5\u4e45\u89c1\u4eba\u5fc3\u3002<\/strong>&nbsp;(L\u00f9 y\u00e1o zh\u012b m\u01ce l\u00ec, r\u00ec ji\u01d4 ji\u00e0n r\u00e9n x\u012bn)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Time reveals the heart of man.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Positive Proverbs<\/h3>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u4e0d\u9e23\u5219\u5df2\uff0c\u4e00\u9e23\u60ca\u4eba\u3002<\/strong>&nbsp;(B\u00f9 m\u00edng z\u00e9 y\u01d0, y\u012b m\u00edng j\u012bng r\u00e9n)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>If you're not going to stand out, it's better not to make noise. But if you decide to do it, surprise everyone. <\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u585e\u7fc1\u5931\u9a6c\uff0c\u7109\u77e5\u975e\u798f\u3002<\/strong>&nbsp;(S\u00e0i W\u0113ng sh\u012b m\u01ce, y\u0101n zh\u012b f\u0113i f\u00fa)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Misfortune can be a blessing in disguise.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u5343\u91cc\u4e4b\u884c\uff0c\u59cb\u4e8e\u8db3\u4e0b\u3002<\/strong>&nbsp;(Qi\u0101nl\u01d0 zh\u012b x\u00edng, sh\u01d0 y\u00fa z\u00fa xi\u00e0)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Proverbs of Life<\/h3>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>\u996e\u6c34\u601d\u6e90\u3002<\/strong>&nbsp;(Y\u01d0n shu\u01d0 s\u012b yu\u00e1n)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>When you drink water, remember the fountain.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u6d3b\u5230\u8001\uff0c\u5b66\u5230\u8001\u3002<\/strong>&nbsp;(Hu\u00f3 d\u00e0o l\u01ceo, xu\u00e9 d\u00e0o l\u01ceo)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>It's never too late to learn.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u4eba\u751f\u5982\u68a6\u3002<\/strong>&nbsp;(R\u00e9nsh\u0113ng r\u00fa m\u00e8ng)\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Life is like a dream.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Would you like to share your favorite Chinese proverb?<\/h2>\n\n<p>If you liked this article and want to share your favorite Chinese proverb, <strong>we encourage you to tell us about it in the comments<\/strong>. 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.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Want to learn more about Chinese proverbs and Chinese culture?<\/h2>\n\n<p>If you want to learn more about Chinese proverbs and Chinese culture, we invite you to take Chinese classes and courses with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hanyuchineseschool.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hanyu Chinese School<\/a><\/strong>. Here you will find: <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hanyuchineseschool.com\/sobre-nosotros\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Native and qualified teachers<\/a><\/strong> who will teach you Chinese in an enjoyable and effective way.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hanyuchineseschool.com\/curso\/chino\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Courses tailored to your level<\/a><\/strong>, goals, and interests, from beginner to advanced, from conversation to business, from culture to literature.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flexible and personalized online classes<\/strong>, which you can take from anywhere and at any time (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hanyuchineseschool.com\/sobre-nosotros\/#metodo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MED Method<\/a>).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Quality teaching materials<\/strong>, including audio, video, text, exercises and games.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cultural and social activities<\/strong>, which will allow you to practice Chinese with other students and learn more about the history, gastronomy, art and customs of China.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>Don't hesitate any longer and sign up for <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hanyuchineseschool.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hanyu Chinese School<\/a><\/strong>, the best online Chinese school.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"\u00bfPor que\u0301 estudiar con Hanyu?\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VctSE8RHmlA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n<p>Do you like listening to podcasts? So, you'll be happy to know that we have numerous podcasts available for you to continue learning Chinese at your preferred time. Listen to one now!  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-block-embed-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/open.spotify.com\/episode\/7q4EoDnTTGAvolgBrmi5j5?si=F3VUifGOQQ2d_3WUBsAFRw\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n<p>Access all the podcasts <a href=\"https:\/\/campus.hanyuchineseschool.com\/podcast\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<p>Do you like world languages? Then be sure to visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trainlang.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Trainlang.com<\/a>, a unique place to learn languages and culture of the world. We are waiting for you!  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n<p>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!    <\/p>\n<div style='text-align:center' class='yasr-auto-insert-visitor'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the different types of Chinese proverbs, their origin, their meaning, and their examples. Learn about the wisdom of China. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":11328,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"yasr_overall_rating":0,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1638,1658],"tags":[1763],"class_list":["post-11931","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chinese","category-chinese-proverbs-phrases","tag-chinese-culture"],"acf":[],"yasr_visitor_votes":{"stars_attributes":{"read_only":false,"span_bottom":false},"number_of_votes":0,"sum_votes":0},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.hanyuchineseschool.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11931","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.hanyuchineseschool.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.hanyuchineseschool.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.hanyuchineseschool.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.hanyuchineseschool.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11931"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blog.hanyuchineseschool.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11931\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11933,"href":"https:\/\/blog.hanyuchineseschool.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11931\/revisions\/11933"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.hanyuchineseschool.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11328"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.hanyuchineseschool.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11931"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.hanyuchineseschool.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11931"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.hanyuchineseschool.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11931"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}