Chinese Proverbs & Idioms
Discover 694+ Chinese proverbs and idioms (成语) with pinyin pronunciation, English translations, and the stories behind them. Browse by topic or search for the perfect saying.
Most Popular Chinese Proverbs
The sayings everyone knows — and why they matter
千里之行，始于足下
Qiān lǐ zhī xíng, shǐ yú zú xià
"A journey of a thousand li begins beneath your feet"
塞翁失马，焉知非福
Sài wēng shī mǎ, yān zhī fēi fú
"When the old man from the frontier lost his horse, how could he know it was not a blessing?"
知己知彼，百战不殆
Zhī jǐ zhī bǐ, bǎi zhàn bù dài
"Know yourself and know your enemy; in a hundred battles you will never be in danger"
画蛇添足
Huà shé tiān zú
"To draw a snake and add feet to it"
滴水穿石
Dī shuǐ chuān shí
"Dripping water wears through stone"
授人以鱼不如授人以渔
Shòu rén yǐ yú bùrú shòu rén yǐ yú
"Giving someone a fish is not as good as teaching them to fish"
Classical Philosophers Series
Curated quotes from the foundational works of Chinese thought
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Latest Proverbs
兵者，诡道也
Bīng zhě, guǐ dào yě
"War is a path of deception"
独乐乐不如众乐乐
Dú yào lè, bù rú zhòng yào lè
"Enjoying music alone is not as good as enjoying it with everyone"
亢龙有悔
Kàng lóng yǒu huǐ
"The soaring dragon has regrets"
三十而立
Sān shí ér lì
"At thirty, I stood firm"
夫唯不争，故天下莫能与之争
Fū wéi bù zhēng, gù tiān xià mò néng yǔ zhī zhēng
"Because he alone does not compete, no one in the world can compete with him"
仁者爱人
Rén zhě ài rén
"The benevolent loves others"
太上，不知有之
Tài shàng, bù zhī yǒu zhī
"The highest [leader] — the people do not know he exists"
夏虫不可以语于冰者，笃于时也
Xià chóng bù kě yǐ yǔ yú bīng zhě, dǔ yú shí yě
"A summer insect cannot be spoken to about ice — it is bound by its season"
慎终如始
Shèn zhōng rú shǐ
"Be careful at the end as at the beginning"
巧言令色，鲜矣仁
Qiǎo yán lìng sè, xiǎn yǐ rén
"Clever words and an ingratiating expression are seldom benevolent"
What Are Chinese Proverbs?
Chinese proverbs (谚语 yànyǔ or 成语 chéngyǔ) are concise sayings that encapsulate centuries of wisdom, cultural values, and practical life lessons. Some date back over 2,000 years. They continue to guide daily life in modern China and offer timeless insights for people worldwide.
Unlike English idioms, Chinese proverbs often originate from classical literature, historical events, or philosophical texts like the Analects of Confucius and the Tao Te Ching. Each proverb carries layers of meaning: a literal translation, a figurative lesson, and often a deeper philosophical truth.
Why Learn Chinese Proverbs?
- Language Learning: Proverbs teach authentic Chinese expressions and cultural context that textbooks often miss.
- Cultural Understanding: Each proverb reveals values, history, and ways of thinking unique to Chinese civilization.
- Life Wisdom: These sayings offer practical guidance on relationships, success, patience, and resilience.
- Tattoos & Art: Many people choose Chinese proverbs for tattoos because of their elegant characters and profound meanings.
Popular Categories of Chinese Proverbs
Chinese proverbs cover every aspect of human experience. Our collection includes proverbs about love and relationships, life lessons, wisdom and philosophy, time and patience, luck and fortune, money and success, and more. Whether you're seeking guidance on romantic relationships or practical advice for achieving your goals, you'll find relevant wisdom in these ancient sayings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Proverbs
What is the most famous Chinese proverb?
One of the most famous Chinese proverbs is "千里之行，始于足下" (A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step). This saying, attributed to Laozi, emphasizes that even the greatest achievements start with small, immediate actions. It's widely quoted worldwide as encouragement to begin difficult tasks.
How many Chinese proverbs are there?
There are tens of thousands of Chinese proverbs and idioms (成语). The most comprehensive dictionaries contain over 50,000 entries, though only a few thousand are commonly used in modern Chinese. Our collection features the most meaningful and culturally significant proverbs with full translations and explanations.
What's the difference between 谚语 (yànyǔ) and 成语 (chéngyǔ)?
谚语 (yànyǔ) are folk sayings passed down orally, often reflecting common wisdom. 成语 (chéngyǔ) are four-character idiomatic expressions usually derived from classical literature. Both are considered "Chinese proverbs" in English, though 成语 are more formal and literary while 谚语 are more colloquial.
Are Chinese proverbs good for tattoos?
Chinese proverbs can make meaningful tattoos, but careful selection is essential. Some proverbs have cultural nuances that may not translate well as permanent body art. We recommend choosing proverbs with positive, universal meanings and consulting our tattoo guide for appropriate selections.
How do I pronounce Chinese proverbs correctly?
Each proverb on our site includes pinyin (romanized pronunciation) with tone marks. Chinese is a tonal language, so the pitch of each syllable changes its meaning. We include accurate pinyin with all proverbs to help learners pronounce them correctly.