光阴似箭
Guāng yīn sì jiàn
"Time flies like an arrow"
Character Analysis
Light and shadow (光阴) are like (似) an arrow (箭). The characters 光阴 literally mean 'light and shadow,' representing day and night, or time itself.
Meaning & Significance
This proverb captures the swift, irreversible nature of time. Just as an arrow, once released, cannot return to the bow, time moves forward without pause or return. It urges us to cherish each moment and not squander our limited days.
This classic four-character idiom (chengyu) is one of the most commonly used expressions about time in Chinese. Its vivid imagery makes the abstract concept of time concrete and urgent.
Usage Examples
Reflecting on the past:
“光阴似箭，转眼间孩子都长大了。” “Time flies like an arrow; in the blink of an eye, the children have grown up.”
Urging action:
“光阴似箭，我们要珍惜每一天。” “Time flies like an arrow; we must cherish every day.”
Complete Couplet
This proverb is often paired with:
光阴似箭，日月如梭
“Time flies like an arrow, days and nights pass like a shuttle.”
The shuttle (梭) refers to the tool used in weaving, which moves back and forth rapidly. Together, these images emphasize how quickly time passes.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, time is often viewed as precious and irreversible. Unlike Western expressions that might personify time as a healer (“time heals all wounds”), Chinese proverbs tend to emphasize time’s swiftness and the urgency of making good use of it.