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.
Historical Origin
About This Entry
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.
Where does "贫贱不能移" come from?
This proverb originates from 孟子 (Mencius) (Warring States period (~4th-3rd century BCE)), attributed to Mencius (孟子) and disciples.
Related Proverbs
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"Until reaching the Yellow River, the heart will not give up"
累卵之危
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"The danger of eggs piled atop one another"
昙花一现
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"The queen of the night flower appears once"
挂羊头，卖狗肉
Guà yáng tóu, mài gǒu ròu
"Hanging up a sheep's head while selling dog meat"
来说是非者，便是是非人
Lái shuō shì fēi zhě, biàn shì shì fēi rén
"Those who come to tell you about rights and wrongs are themselves the people who stir up trouble"
早餐吃好，午餐吃饱，晚餐吃少
Zǎocān chī hǎo, wǔcān chī bǎo, wǎncān chī shǎo
"Eat a good breakfast, eat a full lunch, eat a light dinner"