Proverbs and Sayings » Chinese

No one knows a son better than the father.

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:24:20 +0000

No one knows a son better than the father.Â — The moral of this proverb, or a meaning could be Having spent decades with each other, family members know what type of persons each other are like. “Sons” and “fathers” also apply to the female equivalents. Used for character witness in a trial. Despite his/her denial, an honest parent can tell if their children are capable of heinous crimes, like murder. (This is a rough translation from a Chinese proverb)

Reviling a locust tree when pointing at a mulberry tree.

admin — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 08:52:48 +0000

Reviling a locust tree when pointing at a mulberry tree. — One of the meanings of this proverb could be… While one might appear to be criticizing someone or something, the intended criticism might refer to someone or something else completely. (This is a rough translation from a Chinese proverb)

Not having arrived at the Yellow River, the heart is not dead.

admin — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 08:53:00 +0000

Not having arrived at the Yellow River, the heart is not dead. — The moral of this proverb, or a meaning could be Only when there is no road left does one finally feel despair. Also means no tears until one sees one’s own coffin. Figuratively: Feeling despair only when one arrives at the Yellow River. (This is a rough translation from a Chinese proverb)

I hear and I forget; I see and I remember; I do and I understand.

admin — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 08:54:56 +0000

I hear and I forget; I see and I remember; I do and I understand. — The moral of this proverb, or a meaning could be You can only understand something by trying it yourself. Also said as… Telling me and I [will] forget. Showing me and I [will] remember. Involving me and I [will] understand. Also said as… You can’t understand until you walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. (This is a rough translation from a Chinese proverb that was written long long ago)

Put yourself in another persons shoes and you’ll see life as they have seen it themselves. You’ll experience new things and expand your mind and opinion on matters that you once would have ignored or overlooked.

To bring this proverb (forget – remember – understand) into a more modern sense, it’s kind of like playing online games. You will hear about them, but you might forget unless they are popular. Depending on the amount of advertising… when you see them you’ll remember. When you finally play the game you understand how it works and what you need to do to win. The end result is you would have learned something no matter the outcome. Go full force in life because you only live once.

Blind bear picks corn, picks one and drops one.

admin — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:54:55 +0000

Blind bear picks corn, picks one and drops one. — One of the meanings of this proverb could be… You will lose what you already have if you keep seeking for more. Take note… (Story) A bear (a bear, in Chinese culture, frequently symbolizes someone with little common sense) was picking corn and sticking the corn in his armpit. As he puts the next corn cob into his armpit, opening his arm, he drops the one he already had. Compare this Chinese proverb to, A bird in hand is worth two in the bush. (Benjamin Franklin – Poor Richard’s Almanac) (This is a rough translation from a Chinese proverb)