If you are looking for a little guidance in life and your career, you could learn a thing or two from Chinese proverbs. These words of wisdom often touch upon subjects, such as ambition, achieving success, a beneficial work ethic, and the character of an individual. In this article, you will encounter Chinese proverbs that deal with topics, such as family, experience, and money.
“If a person has ambition, things will be accomplished.”
This proverb is similar to the English version of “Where there is a will, there is a way.”
“Jade must be chiseled before it can be considered a gem.”
This proverb means that people require training and discipline in order to build character.
“If the roots are not removed during weeding, the weeds will grow again when the winds of Spring blows.”
The meaning behind this saying is that it is a must to thoroughly complete a task or all of the effort can be for nothing. Also, if you are in need of solving a problem, it is important to deal with the source of the issue. An English saying that is equivalent is “A stitch in time saves nine.” , simply take the time to do something right the first time so that you don’t waste time correcting your hasty mistakes.
“No one knows a son better than the father.”
The character of an individual is best judged by those who have spent a great deal of time with them, such as family member. For this reason, it is believed that an honest parent would be able to tell if their children are capable of certain actions, such as armed robbery or murder.
“I hear and I forget; I see and I remember; I do and I understand.”
The proverb makes a reference to life experiences that people can truly understand only if they have gone through it themselves. Another presentation of the proverb is: “Tell me and I [will] forget. Show me and I [will] remember. Involve me and I [will] understand.” A similar saying is “You can’t understand until you walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.”
“A tiger father has no canine sons.”
It is said that people that are closely related are similar, as referenced in the English saying: “A chip off the old block” or “An apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
“If you have money you can make the devil push your grind stone.”
The importance of money is found in the meaning of this proverb, which is similar to “Money talks” and “Money makes the world go round.” Basically, it is the thought that money can make life better.
“Like the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, each one displaying his/her special feats.”
This proverb is used to refer to the talents of an individual, and that everyone possesses his or her own powers.