Chinese Proverbs About Business & Strategy
Business wisdom in Chinese sayings is not merely about money. It joins preparation, self-knowledge, goodwill, timing, teamwork, and the discipline to understand a problem before acting on it.
三思而后行
Consider a decision carefully before taking action.
wisdom
众人拾柴火焰高
Collective effort produces a stronger result than isolated work.
friendship
人心齐，泰山移
A united group can overcome an enormous challenge.
friendship
礼尚往来
Courtesy and kindness should be reciprocated.
friendship
和气生财
Courtesy and good relationships help business prosper.
business
未雨绸缪
Prepare for trouble before it arrives.
business
磨刀不误砍柴工
Good preparation saves time and improves execution.
business
机不可失，时不再来
Act when a valuable, time-sensitive opportunity appears.
business
知己知彼，百战不殆
Sound strategy begins with a realistic understanding of both sides.
business
画蛇添足
An unnecessary addition can spoil something that was already complete.
wisdom
当局者迷，旁观者清
Emotional involvement can obscure what an outsider notices more easily.
wisdom
冰冻三尺，非一日之寒
A serious condition develops through accumulated causes over time.
hard-work