Chinese Proverbs About Hard Work

From dripping water wearing through stone to an iron pestle becoming a needle, Chinese proverbs turn patient effort into memorable physical images. These sayings are strongest when paired with effective methods, reflection, and rest.

11 explained expressions
不怕慢,就怕站
bù pà màn, jiù pà zhàn
Steady progress matters more than speed, while giving up guarantees no progress.
success
滴水穿石
dī shuǐ chuān shí
Small, repeated efforts can overcome a formidable obstacle.
success
百尺竿头,更进一步
bǎi chǐ gān tóu, gèng jìn yí bù
Even after reaching a high level, keep improving.
success
有志者事竟成
yǒu zhì zhě shì jìng chéng
Strong determination makes a difficult goal achievable.
success
失败是成功之母
shī bài shì chéng gōng zhī mǔ
Failure can provide the experience needed for later success.
success
熟能生巧
shú néng shēng qiǎo
Repeated practice develops fluency and mastery.
learning
只要功夫深,铁杵磨成针
zhǐ yào gōng fu shēn, tiě chǔ mó chéng zhēn
Extraordinary patience can accomplish what first appears impossible.
hard-work
磨刀不误砍柴工
mó dāo bù wù kǎn chái gōng
Good preparation saves time and improves execution.
business
书山有路勤为径,学海无涯苦作舟
shū shān yǒu lù qín wéi jìng, xué hǎi wú yá kǔ zuò zhōu
Diligence is the means by which a learner crosses an unlimited field of knowledge.
learning
一日之计在于晨,一年之计在于春
yí rì zhī jì zài yú chén, yì nián zhī jì zài yú chūn
A strong beginning and timely planning shape the success of a longer period.
patience
冰冻三尺,非一日之寒
bīng dòng sān chǐ, fēi yí rì zhī hán
A serious condition develops through accumulated causes over time.
hard-work