欲速则不达
Yù sù zé bù dá
"Haste does not bring success"
Character Analysis
Desire (欲) speed (速) then (则) not (不) reach/achieve (达). The character 达 means to reach a destination or achieve a goal.
Meaning & Significance
This proverb warns that rushing often leads to mistakes, delays, or failure. By trying to go too fast, we may actually take longer to reach our goal—or fail to reach it at all. It advocates for steady, careful progress over impetuous speed.
This proverb comes directly from the Analects of Confucius (论语), making it one of the most philosophically significant sayings about time and patience in Chinese culture.
The Original Context
In the Analects (子路篇), Confucius says:
欲速则不达，见小利则大事不成。
“If you hurry, you won’t reach your goal; if you focus on small gains, you won’t accomplish great things.”
Confucius was advising that proper conduct requires patience and attention to principle, not rushing toward immediate results.
Usage Examples
Warning against rushing:
“欲速则不达，我们要一步步来。” “Haste makes waste—we need to take it step by step.”
Reflecting on failure:
“他太着急了，结果欲速则不达。” “He was too rushed, and as a result, haste made waste.”
Cultural Philosophy
This proverb reflects the Chinese philosophical preference for balance and the “middle way” (中庸). Neither laziness nor frantic rushing is correct—steady, measured progress is the path to success.
Similar Expressions
- 心急吃不了热豆腐 (Xīn jí chī bù liǎo rè dòu fu) - “The impatient cannot eat hot tofu”
- 慢工出细活 (Màn gōng chū xì huó) - “Slow work produces fine results”