09/06/2026
10 timeless Chinese Proverbs for you
1. 欲速则不达
yù sù zé bù dá
Haste makes waste.
Meaning: Rushing often leads to worse results.
2. 金无足赤，人无完人
jīn wú zú chì，rén wú wán rén
No one is perfect, just as no gold is pure.
Meaning: Everyone has flaws; learn to accept imperfection.
3. 活到老，学到老
huó dào lǎo，xué dào lǎo
You’re never too old to learn.
Meaning: Keep learning throughout life.
4. 冰冻三尺，非一日之寒
bīng dòng sān chǐ，fēi yī rì zhī hán
Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Meaning: Great results come from long‑term effort.
5. 小不忍则乱大谋
xiǎo bù rěn zé luàn dà móu
Impatience over small things ruins big plans.
Meaning: Stay calm to avoid bigger trouble.
6. 种瓜得瓜，种豆得豆
zhòng guā dé guā，zhòng dòu dé dòu
What you sow is what you reap.
Meaning: Your actions determine your outcomes.
7. 良药苦口利于病
liáng yào kǔ kǒu lì yú bìng
Honest advice may sound harsh but brings benefits.
Meaning: Criticism can help you improve.
8. 当局者迷，旁观者清
dāng jú zhě mí，páng guān zhě qīng
Onlookers see more clearly than those caught up in the matter.
Meaning: An outside view is often more objective.
9. 积少成多
jī shǎo chéng duō
Small gains add up to big success.
Meaning: Tiny progress leads to great results over time.
10. 凡事留一线，日后好相见
fán shì liú yī xiàn，rì hòu hǎo xiāng jiàn
Never burn your bridges.
Meaning: Keep good relations for the future.
#老外学中文 #中文 #老外眼里的中国
