光阴似箭
Guāng yīn sì jiàn
"Time flies like an arrow"
Quick Answer
光阴似箭 (Guāng yīn sì jiàn) — "Time flies like an arrow." Literal translation: 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. 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.
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 chengyu (four-character idiom) is one of the most common ways to talk about time in Chinese. The imagery makes the abstract concept feel concrete.
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.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, time is viewed as precious and irreversible. While Western expressions sometimes personify time as a healer (“time heals all wounds”), Chinese proverbs tend to emphasize how quickly time passes and the need to use it well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "光阴似箭" mean in English?
Time flies like an arrow
How do you pronounce "光阴似箭"?
The pinyin pronunciation is: Guāng yīn sì jiàn
What is the deeper meaning of "光阴似箭"?
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.
What is the literal translation of "光阴似箭"?
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.
Related Proverbs
醉翁之意不在酒
Zuìwēng zhī yì bú zài jiǔ
"The drinker's intent is not on the wine"
将在外，君命有所不受
Jiàng zài wài, jūn mìng yǒu suǒ bù shòu
"When the general is abroad, there are some sovereign commands he need not accept"
亲戚远离香，邻居高打墙
Qīn qi yuǎn lí xiāng, lín jū gāo dǎ qiáng
"Relatives smell fragrant from afar; neighbors build high walls"
出生入死
Chū shēng rù sǐ
"Coming forth into life, entering death"
勤奋出天才
qín fèn chū tiān cái
"Hard work produces genius"
难得糊涂
Nán dé hú tú
"It is rare to be confused; hard to attain muddle-headedness"