3. Proverbs on Relationships and Friendship
桃园结义 (táo yuán jié yì)
- Pronunciation: táo yuán jié yì
- Meaning: Forge bonds of friendship as strong as sworn brothers.
- Romance of the Three Kingdoms, this proverb symbolizes the formation of deep, loyal friendships through shared ideals and trust.
- Equivalent Expression: “Lifelong comrades” or “Friendship forged in honor.”
管鲍之交 (guǎn bào zhī jiāo)
- Pronunciation: guǎn bào zhī jiāo
- Meaning: A friendship built on mutual trust and support.
- Explanation: This saying celebrates genuine friendship where both parties rely on and assist each other with sincerity and loyalty.
- Equivalent Expression: “Friends through thick and thin” or “Kindred spirits.”
肝胆相照 (gān dǎn xiāng zhào)
- Pronunciation: gān dǎn xiāng zhào
- Meaning: To open your heart and trust one another completely.
- Explanation: This proverb reflects the ideal of sincere and transparent relationships, where true friends reveal their inner selves and support one another wholeheartedly.
- Equivalent Expression: “True friendship knows no bounds” or sometimes the original form is used in English for its expressive impact.
志同道合 (zhì tóng dào hé)
- Pronunciation: zhì tóng dào hé
- Meaning: To share the same aspirations and journey together.
- Explanation: Emphasizing that like-minded individuals unite and pursue common goals, this proverb is an ode to the power of shared visions and mutual support.
- Equivalent Expression: “Birds of a feather flock together” or “Kindred spirits.”
刎颈之交 (wěn jǐng zhī jiāo)
- Pronunciation: wěn jǐng zhī jiāo
- Meaning: A friendship so deep that one would risk life and limb for the other.
- Explanation: Representing the highest form of loyalty, this proverb describes bonds where friends are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for one another.
- Equivalent Expression: “A friend in need is a friend indeed” or “Blood brothers.”
4. Proverbs on Overcoming Adversity
背水一战 (bèi shuǐ yī zhàn)
- Pronunciation: bèi shuǐ yī zhàn
- Meaning: To fight with no retreat—leave no option but to succeed.
- Explanation: This proverb symbolizes the courage to face challenges head-on by eliminating all escape routes, inspiring a do-or-die attitude in critical moments.
- Equivalent Expression: “A battle fought with no turning back” or “Burning one’s bridges.”
愚公移山 (yú gōng yí shān)
- Pronunciation: yú gōng yí shān
- Meaning: With perseverance, even the impossible becomes possible.
- Explanation: Derived from the legend of an old man moving mountains through sheer determination, this proverb underscores that unwavering effort can overcome the most formidable obstacles.
- Equivalent Expression: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” or “Persistence pays off.”
破釜沉舟 (pò fǔ chén zhōu)
- Pronunciation: pò fǔ chén zhōu
- Meaning: To commit fully with no retreat—leave nothing behind.
- Explanation: Symbolizing absolute resolve, this proverb describes taking a bold step by destroying all means of retreat, ensuring complete dedication to the task at hand.
- Equivalent Expression: “Point of no return” or simply the original term is sometimes used for its dramatic impact.
卧薪尝胆 (wò xīn cháng dǎn)
- Pronunciation: wò xīn cháng dǎn
- Meaning: Endure hardship in order to achieve a long-term goal.
- Explanation: This proverb recounts a story of enduring hardship and bitter challenges in order to exact revenge or achieve a significant goal, symbolizing relentless determination and sacrifice.
- Equivalent Expression: “No pain, no gain” or “Endure to achieve.”
力争上游 (lì zhēng shàng yóu)
- Pronunciation: lì zhēng shàng yóu
- Meaning: Strive to rise above even when facing strong currents.
- Explanation: Like a fish swimming upstream, this proverb encourages an ambitious spirit that always aims higher, regardless of obstacles or the natural flow of challenges.
- Equivalent Expression: “Keep pushing forward” or “Strive for excellence.”
Conclusion
These 20 proverbs encapsulate enduring wisdom passed down through generations. Whether you’re facing daily challenges or embarking on new endeavors, let these insights inspire and motivate you. Embrace these ancient teachings in your personal and professional life, and unlock your full potential by turning each challenge into an opportunity for growth.
Reference: weblio 辞書
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