Chinese proverbs and idioms are packed with ancient wisdom, providing valuable insights into the Chinese way of life. These expressions, often concise and poetic, convey profound messages with elegance and simplicity.

1) “An inch of time is worth an inch of gold, but an inch of gold cannot buy an inch of time.”

This proverb emphases the value of time. It also warns against its fleeting nature. An inch of gold is precious, but replaceable. Time, however, can’t be bought back, unlike an “inch of gold”. Every wasted moment is an opportunity lost, forever gone. It urges us to use our time wisely, prioritizing activities that bring value and growth.

2) “Dripping water can pierce a stone.”

This proverb represents perseverance and the belief that even small, continuous efforts may yield big results over time. Just as tiny water droplets may gradually wear down a strong rock, constant effort, no matter how modest, can conquer insurmountable obstacles. It recommends patience and consistent effort to achieve our goals.

3) “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Don’t be intimidated by seemingly insurmountable goals. This proverb reminds us that even the most ambitious dreams can be achieved by chipping away at them bit by bit. Imagine a massive stone wall blocking our path. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, we should just grab a hammer and start chipping away. Each piece removed brings us closer to our goal. This proverb encourages us to break down large goals into manageable steps and celebrate each accomplishment, no matter how small.

4) “What you do not want done to you, do not do to others.”

This encourages us to treat others with the same dignity and kindness that we would like for ourselves. By putting ourselves in another person’s shoes, we gain a deeper understanding of their feelings and needs. This newfound empathy naturally translates to acts of kindness and consideration, ultimately fostering a more peaceful and compassionate society.

5) “Give someone a rose, the fragrance remains in your hand.”

This proverb uses a beautiful metaphor to illustrate the act of giving. It suggests that when we perform acts of kindness and generosity towards others, we not only benefit the recipient, but also experience a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment ourselves. Just like the lingering scent of a rose on our hand after the flower is gone, the proverb encourages us to embrace the joy of giving, knowing that the positive impact extends beyond the immediate act.

6) “When three people walk together, there must be one who can be my teacher.”

Life isn’t a solo expedition; it’s a continuous learning journey. This proverb reminds us that valuable lessons can be learnt from anyone we meet. The entire world and all beings can teach us something. Their unique perspectives, even if seemingly different, can offer fresh insights and broaden our understanding. We need to have an open mind, ready to learn from everyone, regardless of background or perceived knowledge.

7) “A blind man feeling an elephant.”

Imagine blind people coming across an elephant for the first time. Each person touches a different part; the leg feels like a tree trunk, and the trunk like a snake. This proverb reminds us that people can misinterpret a situation when they only understand a small part of it. To truly grasp something, we need to gather diverse perspectives and avoid drawing judgment based on a single piece of information.

8) “A single leaf obscures the eye.”

This proverb warns against limiting our perspective. Imagine a frog living in a well. With only a tiny opening to the sky, the frog can only see a sliver of blue, mistakenly believing it’s the entire world. The proverb highlights the danger of basing our understanding on limited information or personal experience. It encourages us to seek out diverse viewpoints and challenge our assumptions to gain a more complete picture.

9) “Good medicine tastes bitter.”

In China, this proverb is used to describe situations where something unpleasant or difficult is ultimately beneficial. Just as bitter medicine may heal an ailment, facing obstacles and making tough decisions can lead to great long-term benefits. It reminds us that sacrifices and tough experiences are sometimes essential for growth and advancement.

10) “Misfortune and fortune lean against each other, fortune and misfortune lie hidden within each other.”

Life isn’t black and white, as this proverb reminds us. Just like a coin with two sides, good luck can hold hidden challenges, while bad luck might unexpectedly open doors to something better. It’s all about perspective. By acknowledging this duality, we can stay grounded and navigate life’s twists and turns with more resilience.

The pairs of opposites, such as worldly joys and sorrows, happiness and miseries, pleasures and pain, birth and death, etc., are the two sides of the same coin. 

Infinite happiness is our essential nature and is independent of external factors.