贫贱不能移
Pín jiàn bù néng yí
"Poverty and lowliness cannot make one waver"
Quick Answer
贫贱不能移 (Pín jiàn bù néng yí) — "Poverty and lowliness cannot make one waver." Literal translation: Poor/humble (贫贱) cannot (不能) move/change (移). The character 移 means to shift, move, or change—one's principles should not shift even in poverty. This proverb emphasizes that true integrity remains steadfast regardless of material circumstances. A person of character maintains their principles whether rich or poor, powerful or humble. It celebrates the strength of moral conviction over material conditions.
Character Analysis
Poor/humble (贫贱) cannot (不能) move/change (移). The character 移 means to shift, move, or change—one's principles should not shift even in poverty.
Meaning & Significance
This proverb emphasizes that true integrity remains steadfast regardless of material circumstances. A person of character maintains their principles whether rich or poor, powerful or humble. It celebrates the strength of moral conviction over material conditions.
This proverb comes from the Mencius (孟子), one of the foundational texts of Confucian philosophy. It is part of a famous passage describing the “great man” (大丈夫).
The Complete Passage
Mencius writes:
富贵不能淫，贫贱不能移，威武不能屈，此之谓大丈夫。
“Wealth and honor cannot corrupt him; poverty and lowliness cannot make him waver; power and force cannot bend him. This is what is called a great man.”
Together, these three conditions describe someone whose character is unshakeable—neither corrupted by success, demoralized by failure, nor intimidated by threats.
Historical Context
Mencius lived during the Warring States period (4th century BCE), a time of political chaos and moral confusion. His teaching was a call for intellectuals and leaders to maintain their principles regardless of external circumstances.
Usage Examples
Describing integrity:
“他贫贱不能移，始终保持着原则。” “Poverty couldn’t change him—he always maintained his principles.”
Self-encouragement:
“贫贱不能移，我们要坚持到底。” “Poverty cannot make us waver—we will persist to the end.”
Modern Relevance
In today’s materialistic society, this proverb is often used to:
- Encourage ethical behavior in business
- Support those facing financial hardship
- Criticize those who compromise values for money
- Celebrate those who maintain principles despite temptation
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "贫贱不能移" mean in English?
Poverty and lowliness cannot make one waver
How do you pronounce "贫贱不能移"?
The pinyin pronunciation is: Pín jiàn bù néng yí
What is the deeper meaning of "贫贱不能移"?
This proverb emphasizes that true integrity remains steadfast regardless of material circumstances. A person of character maintains their principles whether rich or poor, powerful or humble. It celebrates the strength of moral conviction over material conditions.
What is the literal translation of "贫贱不能移"?
Poor/humble (贫贱) cannot (不能) move/change (移). The character 移 means to shift, move, or change—one's principles should not shift even in poverty.
Related Proverbs
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Gǎn yā zi shàng jià
"Forcing a duck to climb onto a roost"
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Bǎi wén bù rú yī jiàn
"Direct experience outweighs secondhand knowledge"
盲人摸象
Máng rén mō xiàng
"Blind men touch an elephant"
水滴石穿
shuǐ dī shí chuān
"Dripping water can hollow out stone"
孔夫子搬家——净是书（输）
Kǒng Fūzǐ bān jiā — jìng shì shū (shū)
"Confucius moves house — nothing but books (a pun: 'books' sounds identical to 'losses')"
船到桥头自然直
Chuán dào qiáo tóu zì rán zhí
"When the boat reaches the bridge, it will naturally straighten"