Chinese proverbs, or 谚语 (yànyǔ), are short expressions of popular wisdom from Chinese culture, typically arising from folklore and passed down from generation to generation. They often provide a snapshot of historical and cultural truths and can enrich your understanding of the language.
授人以鱼不如授人以渔 (Shòu rén yǐ yú bùrú shòu rén yǐ yú)
This proverb translates to “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” It highlights the importance of imparting skills rather than giving temporary aid.
他总是帮助需要的人，真正体现了授人以鱼不如授人以渔的道理。
千里之行，始于足下 (Qiānlǐ zhī xíng, shǐ yú zú xià)
This means “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” It is used to emphasize that even the longest and most difficult ventures have a starting point; something which begins with a first step.
你不需要担心整个项目的复杂性，记住千里之行，始于足下。
三人行，必有我师 (Sān rén xíng, bì yǒu wǒ shī)
The proverb means “When three people walk together, there must be one who can teach me.” It suggests that everyone has something valuable to teach us.
在每次会议中，我都能学到新知识，真是三人行，必有我师。
塞翁失马，焉知非福 (Sài Wēng shī mǎ, yān zhī fēi fú)
Translated as “The old man lost his horse, but who could have known it would be a blessing?” It is often used to imply that misfortune may actually be a blessing in disguise.
他没被录取进他梦想的大学，可能是塞翁失马，焉知非福。
不入虎穴，焉得虎子 (Bù rù hǔ xué, yān dé hǔ zǐ)
This saying means “You can’t catch the cub without entering the tiger’s den.” It highlights the idea that risk is necessary to achieve something great.
如果你想要成功，就要敢于冒险，正如不入虎穴，焉得虎子。
君子之交淡如水 (Jūnzǐ zhī jiāo dàn rú shuǐ)
A relationship between gentlemen is like water—pure and unobtrusive. It indicates that noble friendships are simple and sincere, without unnecessary complication.
他们之间的友谊非常真挚，正是君子之交淡如水。
有志者事竟成 (Yǒu zhì zhě shì jìng chéng)
This proverb means “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” It stresses the importance of having a strong will or determination to achieve one’s goals.
尽管面对重重困难，他仍坚持不懈，证明了有志者事竟成。
滴水穿石 (Dī shuǐ chuān shí)
Literally meaning “Dripping water wears away a stone,” this proverb emphasizes persistence and the cumulative power of small actions leading to significant results.
他每天学习一点点，用滴水穿石的办法终于通过了考试。
读万卷书，行万里路 (Dú wàn juǎn shū, xíng wàn lǐ lù)
“Read ten thousand books and travel ten thousand miles” implies that learning from books and traveling to different places can both significantly broaden one’s horizons.
他坚信通过读万卷书，行万里路能增广见闻。
工欲善其事，必先利其器 (Gōng yù shàn qí shì, bì xiān lì qí qì)
This means “To do a good job, one must first sharpen one’s tools.” It stresses the importance of preparation and having the right equipment or skills for the job.
在开始这个项目之前，我们需要确保所有工具都准备好了，正如工欲善其事，必先利其器。
Understanding these proverbs and their meanings can offer valuable insights into Chinese culture and ways of thinking. Moreover, they add to the richness of the language and are a delightful aspect of learning Mandarin.
