{"id":182095,"date":"2023-02-20T17:14:11","date_gmt":"2023-02-20T22:14:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/proverbs\/"},"modified":"2025-02-26T00:58:54","modified_gmt":"2025-02-26T05:58:54","slug":"proverbs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/chinese\/proverbs\/","title":{"rendered":"50 Chinese Proverbs to Express Yourself like Natives Do"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you\u2019re a beginner in Mandarin Chinese or have been studying it for a long time, learning Chinese proverbs<\/a> is key to truly mastering the language.<\/p>\n

Below you will find 50 concise Mandarin Chinese proverbs to help you not only improve your vocabulary, but also give you deeper insight into Chinese culture and mentality.<\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]<\/p>\n

1. \u4eba\u7a77\u5fd7\u4e0d\u7a77 (r\u00e9n qi\u00f3ng zh\u00ec b\u00f9 qi\u00f3ng)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English<\/strong> translation:<\/strong> \u201cPeople are poor and their ambitions are endless.\u201d<\/p>\n

People do not lose their ambition even if they are in poverty.<\/p>\n

2. \u8eab\u6b63\u4e0d\u6015\u5f71\u5b50\u659c (sh\u0113n zh\u00e8ng b\u00fa p\u00e0 y\u01d0ng zi xi\u00e9)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cIf you stand straight, do not fear a crooked shadow.\u201d<\/p>\n

As long as you do things correctly and well, there is nothing to be afraid of.<\/p>\n

3. \u6c42\u4eba\u4e0d\u5982\u6c42\u5df1 (qi\u00fa r\u00e9n b\u00f9 r\u00fa qi\u00fa j\u01d0)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cSelf-help is better than help from others.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s better to do things for yourself rather than begging others to do them for you.<\/p>\n

4. \u6709\u773c\u4e0d\u8bc6\u6cf0\u5c71 (y\u01d2u y\u01cen b\u00f9 sh\u00ed t\u00e0i sh\u0101n)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cTo have eyes but fail to recognize Tai Shan.\u201d<\/p>\n

This is used to describe someone who is too ignorant to identify an important or skilled person such as Tai Shan, who was a famous carpenter in ancient China.<\/p>\n

5. \u9a74\u5507\u4e0d\u5bf9\u9a6c\u5634 (l\u01d8 ch\u00fan b\u00fa du\u00ec m\u01ce zu\u01d0)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cA donkey\u2019s lips do not match a horse\u2019s mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n

This is similar to \u201ca square peg cannot fit into a round hole.\u201d It can also be used to describe something that is beside the point.<\/p>\n

6. \u9971\u5e26\u9965\u7cae\uff0c\u6674\u5e26\u96e8\u4f1e (b\u01ceo d\u00e0i j\u012b li\u00e1ng\uff0cq\u00edng d\u00e0i y\u01d4 s\u01cen)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:<\/strong> \u201cWhen you are full, bring food. When it is sunny, bring an umbrella.\u201d<\/p>\n

Always plan ahead.<\/p>\n

7. \u8001\u4e61\u89c1\u8001\u4e61\uff0c\u4e24\u773c\u6cea\u6c6a\u6c6a (l\u01ceo xi\u0101ng ji\u00e0n l\u01ceo xi\u0101ng\uff0cli\u01ceng y\u01cen l\u00e8i w\u0101ng w\u0101ng)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:<\/strong> \u201cWhen fellow villagers see each other, they both have tears in their eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

When you travel and meet someone who\u2019s from your hometown, you will have an instant bond because of your shared experience.<\/p>\n

8. \u5fc3\u6709\u4f59\u529b\u4e0d\u8db3 (x\u012bn y\u01d2u y\u00fa l\u00ec b\u00f9 z\u00fa)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cThe spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.\u201d<\/p>\n

This can be used when you are willing but unable to do something.<\/p>\n

9. \u4e09\u767e\u516d\u5341\u884c\uff0c\u884c\u884c\u51fa\u72b6\u5143 (s\u0101n b\u01cei li\u00f9 sh\u00ed h\u00e1ng\uff0ch\u00e1ng h\u00e1ngch\u016b zhu\u00e0ng yuan)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:<\/strong> \u201cThree hundred sixty lines, and every line comes out a champion.\u201d<\/p>\n

One can become successful in any industry.<\/p>\n

10. \u4e0d\u6015\u5c71\u9ad8\uff0c\u5c31\u6015\u811a\u8f6f (b\u00fa p\u00e0 sh\u0101n g\u0101o\uff0cji\u00f9 p\u00e0 ji\u01ceo ru\u01cen)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cYou\u2019re not afraid of high mountains, you are afraid of weak feet.\u201d<\/p>\n

This is meant to be an encouraging proverb. It is a reminder that the obstacle itself is not as scary as your own limitations.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/a><\/p>\n

11. \u4eba\u4e0d\u53ef\u8c8c\u76f8\uff0c\u6d77\u6c34\u4e0d\u53ef\u6597\u91cf (r\u00e9n b\u00f9 k\u011b m\u00e0o xi\u0101ng \uff0ch\u01cei shu\u01d0 b\u00f9 k\u011b d\u01d2u li\u00e1ng)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cPeople cannot be judged by their appearance, just as the sea cannot be measured.\u201d<\/p>\n

This is equivalent to \u201cdo not judge a book by its cover.\u201d<\/p>\n

12. \u590f\u866b\u4e0d\u53ef\u8bed\u51b0 (xi\u00e0 ch\u00f3ng b\u00f9 k\u011b y\u00f9 b\u012bng)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cYou cannot talk about ice with a summer insect.\u201d<\/p>\n

In other words, time limits people\u2019s knowledge.<\/p>\n

13. \u773c\u4e0d\u89c1\u5fc3\u4e0d\u70e6 (y\u01cen b\u00fa ji\u00e0n x\u012bn b\u00f9 f\u00e1n)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cOut of sight, out of mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

This means that people don\u2019t worry about things that aren\u2019t right in front of them.<\/p>\n

14. \u5403\u4e00\u5811\u957f\u4e00\u667a (ch\u012b y\u00ed qi\u00e0n ch\u00e1ng y\u00ed zh\u00ec)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cFall in the moat and you\u2019ll be wiser next time.\u201d<\/p>\n

No pain, no gain.<\/p>\n

15. \u8fdc\u6c34\u96be\u6551\u8fd1\u706b (yu\u01cen shu\u01d0 n\u00e1n ji\u00f9 j\u00ecn hu\u01d2)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cFar-away water does not put out a nearby fire.\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone who is far away or imaginary cannot help you through difficulties.<\/p>\n

16. \u8fdc\u4eb2\u4e0d\u5982\u8fd1\u90bb (yu\u01cen q\u012bn b\u00f9 r\u00fa j\u00ecn l\u00edn)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cDistant relatives are not as good as close neighbors.\u201d<\/p>\n

This proverb is usually connected to the previous one and carries the same meaning.<\/p>\n

17. \u767e\u95fb\u4e0d\u5982\u4e00\u89c1 (b\u01cei w\u00e9n b\u00f9 r\u00fa y\u00ed ji\u00e0n)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cSeeing once is better than hearing a hundred times.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seeing is believing.<\/p>\n

18. \u82e5\u8981\u4eba\u4e0d\u77e5\uff0c\u9664\u975e\u5df1\u83ab\u4e3a (ru\u00f2 y\u00e0o r\u00e9n b\u00f9 zh\u012b\uff0cch\u00fa f\u0113i j\u01d0 m\u00f2 w\u00e9i)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:<\/strong> \u201cIf you don\u2019t want anyone to know what you\u2019ve done, it is better to not have done it in the first place.\u201d<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t do something you wouldn\u2019t want others to find out about.<\/p>\n

19. \u5409\u4eba\u81ea\u6709\u5929\u76f8 (j\u00ed r\u00e9n z\u00ec y\u01d2u ti\u0101n xi\u0101ng)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cHeaven helps the worthy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Heaven helps those who help themselves.<\/p>\n

20. \u82f1\u96c4\u6240\u89c1\u7565\u540c (y\u012bng xi\u00f3ng su\u01d2 ji\u00e0n l\u00fc\u00e8 t\u00f3ng)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cHeroes see the same thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

It can be used to praise two parties who agree with each other, or it can be used sarcastically. It is similar to \u201cgreat minds think alike.\u201d<\/p>\n

21. \u5bb6\u4e11\u4e0d\u53ef\u5916\u626c (ji\u0101 ch\u01d2u b\u00f9 k\u011b w\u00e0i y\u00e1ng)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cFamily shames must not be publicized.\u201d<\/p>\n

Problems that happen within the family should be resolved within the family and not made public.<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/a><\/p>\n

22. \u4e00\u5206\u8015\u8018\uff0c\u4e00\u5206\u6536\u83b7 (y\u00ec f\u0113n g\u0113ng y\u00fan, y\u00ec f\u0113n sh\u014du hu\u00f2)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cYou get what you put in.\u201d<\/p>\n

You reap what you sow. \/ No pain, no gain.<\/p>\n

23. \u6709\u5fd7\u8005\u4e8b\u7adf\u6210 (y\u01d2u zh\u00ec zh\u011b sh\u00ec j\u00ecng ch\u00e9ng)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cA really determined person will find a solution.\u201d<\/p>\n

This is similar to \u201cwhere there\u2019s a will, there\u2019s a way.\u201d<\/p>\n

24. \u778e\u732b\u78b0\u4e0a\u6b7b\u8017\u5b50 (xi\u0101 m\u0101o p\u00e8ng sh\u00e0ng s\u01d0 h\u00e0o zi)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cA blind cat meets a dead mouse.\u201d<\/p>\n

The closest English equivalent would be \u201cto take a shot in the dark,\u201d meaning you did something you weren\u2019t sure about, but ended up succeeding in the end.<\/p>\n

25. \u606d\u656c\u4e0d\u5982\u4ece\u547d (g\u014dng j\u00ecng b\u00f9 r\u00fa c\u00f3ng m\u00ecng)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cRespect is no substitute for obedience.\u201d<\/p>\n

This is used when accepting someone\u2019s request or invitation.<\/p>\n

26. \u4e8b\u5b9e\u80dc\u4e8e\u96c4\u8fa9 (sh\u00ec sh\u00ed sh\u00e8ng y\u00fa xi\u00f3ng bi\u00e0n)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:<\/strong> \u201cFacts speak louder than words.\u201d<\/p>\n

Similar to \u201cactions speak louder than words.\u201d<\/p>\n

27. \u4e00\u5c71\u4e0d\u5bb9\u4e8c\u864e (y\u00ec sh\u0101n b\u00f9 r\u00f3ng \u00e8r h\u01d4)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cOne mountain cannot contain two tigers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Two people are incompatible in some way, so conflict is inevitable when they are together.<\/p>\n

28. \u597d\u8bb0\u6027\u4e0d\u5982\u70c2\u7b14\u5934 (h\u01ceo j\u00ec x\u00ecng b\u00f9 r\u00fa l\u00e0n b\u01d0 t\u00f3u)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cA good memory is not as good as bad writing.\u201d<\/p>\n

The best way to remember something is to write it down.<\/p>\n

29. \u4e0d\u6015\u5b98\u53ea\u6015\u7ba1 (b\u00fa p\u00e0 gu\u0101n zh\u012b p\u00e0 gu\u01cen)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cDon\u2019t be afraid of officials, just be afraid of management.\u201d<\/p>\n

You should be afraid of the people directly in charge, and not the people working for them.<\/p>\n

30. \u98ce\u6c34\u8f6e\u6d41\u8f6c (f\u0113ng shu\u01d0 l\u00fan li\u00fa zhu\u01cen)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:<\/strong> \u201cFeng shui turns.\u201d<\/p>\n

Feng shui (literally \u201cwind-water\u201d) is about balancing energy to create harmony. In this case, \u201cfeng shui turns\u201d means that your luck is always changing. If you\u2019re unlucky now, it doesn\u2019t mean you will be that way forever, and vice versa.<\/p>\n

\"An<\/a><\/p>\n

31. \u60a3\u96be\u89c1\u771f\u60c5 (hu\u00e0n n\u00e0n ji\u00e0n zh\u0113n q\u00edng)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cAdversity sees the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n

Only through adversity can one see one\u2019s best friend. In other words, \u201ca friend in need is a friend indeed.\u201d<\/p>\n

32. \u4e07\u4e8b\u5f00\u5934\u96be (w\u00e0n sh\u00ec k\u0101i t\u00f3u n\u00e1n)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cThe beginning of everything is difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just as it translates: beginnings are difficult!<\/p>\n

33. \u5c11\u58ee\u4e0d\u52aa\u529b\uff0c\u8001\u5927\u5f92\u4f24\u60b2 (sh\u00e0o zhu\u00e0ng b\u00f9 n\u01d4 l\u00ec, l\u01ceo d\u00e0 t\u00fa sh\u0101ng b\u0113i)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cLaziness in youth spells regret in old age.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t take advantage of your youth and work hard, you will regret it. Don\u2019t waste time.<\/p>\n

34. \u4e0d\u89c1\u5154\u5b50\u4e0d\u6492\u9e70 (b\u00fa ji\u00e0n t\u00f9 zi b\u00f9 s\u0101 y\u012bng)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cNo rabbits, no eagles.\u201d<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t loose the falcon until you see the hare.<\/p>\n

35. \u4e16\u4e0a\u65e0\u96be\u4e8b\uff0c\u53ea\u6015\u6709\u5fc3\u4eba (sh\u00ec sh\u00e0ng w\u00fa n\u00e1n sh\u00ec \uff0czh\u01d0 p\u00e0 y\u01d2u x\u012bn r\u00e9n)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cNothing in the world is difficult to those who are determined enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another proverb about hard work, this one is similar to the phrase \u201cit\u2019s dogged as does it.\u201d Determination brings success; nothing is impossible if you\u2019re willing to work for it. It is also similar to \u201cwhere there\u2019s a will, there\u2019s a way.\u201d<\/p>\n

36. \u4e00\u6ce2\u672a\u5e73\uff0c\u4e00\u6ce2\u53c8\u8d77 (y\u00ec b\u014d w\u00e8i p\u00edng\uff0cy\u00ec b\u014d y\u00f2u q\u01d0)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cOne wave is not flat, another wave is rising.\u201d<\/p>\n

Use this phrase when one problem has not been solved, but another problem has just occurred.<\/p>\n

37. \u4eba\u65e0\u8fdc\u8651\uff0c\u5fc5\u6709\u8fd1\u5fe7 (r\u00e9n w\u00fa yu\u01cen l\u01dc\uff0cb\u00ec y\u01d2u j\u00ecn y\u014du)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cPeople without farsightedness must have immediate worries.\u201d<\/p>\n

People who do not think long-term will not be able to handle issues that arise in the short term.<\/p>\n

38. \u516b\u5b57\u6ca1\u4e00\u6487 (b\u0101 z\u00ec m\u00e9i y\u00ec pi\u0113)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cCharacter eight without a word.\u201d<\/p>\n

The literal translation of this is \u201cThere is not even the first stroke of the character 8 (\u516b).\u201d If no stroke has been written, then nothing has happened. This is similar to \u201cthings have not even begun to take shape\u201d or \u201cthere is no sign of success yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

39. \u5148\u4e0b\u624b\u4e3a\u5f3a (xi\u0101n xi\u00e0 sh\u01d2u w\u00e9i qi\u00e1ng)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cThe first to strike is stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n

Whoever acts first has the advantage.<\/p>\n

40. \u5929\u9ad8\u7687\u5e1d\u8fdc (ti\u0101n g\u0101o hu\u00e1ng d\u00ec yu\u01cen)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cThe sky is high and the emperor is far away.\u201d<\/p>\n

An alternative translation to this is \u201cThe emperor is as far away as the sky.\u201d Essentially, this means that the authority figure is far away enough that the rules no longer apply.<\/p>\n

\"Kite<\/a><\/p>\n

41. \u9ad8\u5904\u4e0d\u80dc\u5bd2 (g\u0101o ch\u00f9 b\u00fa sh\u00e8ng h\u00e1n)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cIt\u2019s cold in a high place.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s lonely at the top.<\/p>\n

42. \u65e0\u98ce\u4e0d\u8d77\u6d6a (w\u00fa f\u0113ng b\u00f9 q\u01d0 l\u00e0ng)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cWithout wind, there cannot be waves.\u201d<\/p>\n

You can\u2019t have a rainbow without rain.<\/p>\n

43. \u5929\u65e0\u7edd\u4eba\u4e4b\u8def (ti\u0101n w\u00fa ju\u00e9 r\u00e9n zh\u012b l\u00f9)<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cHeaven never bars one\u2019s way.\u201d<\/p>\n

This one is similar to #19 on this list, though based on what I\u2019ve read, this can also loosely translate to \u201cThere\u2019s always a way out.\u201d<\/p>\n

44. \u4e0d\u80fd\u5219\u5b66\uff0c\u4e0d\u77e5\u5219\u95ee (b\u00f9 n\u00e9ng z\u00e9 xu\u00e9, b\u00f9 zh\u012b z\u00e9 w\u00e8n)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cIf you can\u2019t, learn; if you don\u2019t know, ask.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t know how to do something, you should study it until you do. If you don\u2019t know something, you should be humble and ask others for advice.<\/p>\n

45. \u6302\u7f8a\u5934\u5356\u72d7\u8089 (gu\u00e0 y\u00e1ng t\u00f3u m\u00e0i g\u01d2u r\u00f2u)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cHanging the sheep\u2019s head and selling dog meat.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re passing one thing off as another, you\u2019re deceiving people.<\/p>\n

46. \u4e95\u6c34\u4e0d\u72af\u6cb3\u6c34 (j\u01d0ng shu\u01d0 b\u00fa f\u00e0n h\u00e9 shu\u01d0)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cWell water does not interfere with river water.\u201d<\/p>\n

In other words, mind your own business.<\/p>\n

47. \u8bf4\u66f9\u64cd\u66f9\u64cd\u5230 (shu\u014d c\u00e1o c\u0101o c\u00e1o c\u0101o d\u00e0o)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cSpeak of the devil and he will appear.\u201d<\/p>\n

This proverb is identical to the English translation.<\/p>\n

48. \u53ef\u671b\u4e0d\u53ef\u53ca (k\u011b w\u00e0ng b\u00f9 k\u011b j\u00ed)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cIn sight but out of reach.\u201d<\/p>\n

Use this to describe something\u2014whether literal or metaphorical\u2014that seems close but is just out of your reach.<\/p>\n

49. \u5e38\u8d4c\u65e0\u8d62\u5bb6 (ch\u00e1ng d\u01d4 w\u00fa y\u00edng ji\u0101)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cNo one wins when gambling often.\u201d<\/p>\n

Searching for this proverb online will yield a lot of interesting results. It is often used to dissuade people from gambling. Many people have also analyzed this proverb from a technical perspective: if you gamble, you\u2019re likely winning money from friends or other people you know, and therefore no one wins in the end because you\u2019re essentially taking from each other.<\/p>\n

50. \u5316\u5e72\u6208\u4e3a\u7389\u5e1b (hu\u00e0 g\u0101n g\u0113 w\u00e9i y\u00f9 b\u00f3)<\/em><\/h2>\n

English translation:\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cTurn fighters into jade and silk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Its English counterpart would be \u201cenemies to friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now that you\u2019ve learned these 50 Chinese proverbs, you can practice using them in conversation with your friends. Also look out for them in Chinese media, like TV shows, movies and songs.<\/p>\n

You can even search each proverb and find videos that use them in-context using FluentU’s<\/a> video dictionary.

FluentU<\/strong> takes authentic videos\u2014like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks\u2014and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.<\/p>\r\n

<\/p>\r\n

You can try FluentU for free for 2 weeks. Check out the website or download the iOS app<\/a> or Android app.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

P.S. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)<\/a><\/i>\r\n<\/p>\r\n

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