Chinese Proverbs About Wisdom

Wisdom here is practical rather than abstract. The sayings in this topic ask us to think before acting, learn from experience, prepare early, understand other people, and recognize the limits of our own perspective.

26 explained expressions

塞翁失马，焉知非福

sài wēng shī mǎ, yān zhī fēi fú

An apparent misfortune may lead to an unexpected benefit.

三思而后行

sān sī ér hòu xíng

Consider a decision carefully before taking action.

吃一堑，长一智

chī yí qiàn, zhǎng yí zhì

A mistake or setback can teach a valuable lesson.

授人以鱼，不如授人以渔

shòu rén yǐ yú, bù rú shòu rén yǐ yú

Teaching a lasting skill is more valuable than providing one temporary solution.

近朱者赤，近墨者黑

jìn zhū zhě chì, jìn mò zhě hēi

The people and environment around us shape our character and habits.

路遥知马力，日久见人心

lù yáo zhī mǎ lì, rì jiǔ jiàn rén xīn

True ability and character become clear through time and difficulty.

百善孝为先

bǎi shàn xiào wéi xiān

Respect and care for parents are treated as a foundational virtue.

己所不欲，勿施于人

jǐ suǒ bù yù, wù shī yú rén

Treat others with the consideration you would want for yourself.

wèi yǔ chóu móu

Prepare for trouble before it arrives.

磨刀不误砍柴工

mó dāo bù wù kǎn chái gōng

Good preparation saves time and improves execution.

知己知彼，百战不殆

zhī jǐ zhī bǐ, bǎi zhàn bù dài

Sound strategy begins with a realistic understanding of both sides.

柳暗花明又一村

liǔ àn huā míng yòu yì cūn

When the way seems blocked, a new possibility may suddenly emerge.

zhī zú cháng lè

Recognizing what is enough brings lasting peace and happiness.

lè jí shēng bēi

Excess or overconfidence at a high point can lead to reversal.

欲速则不达

yù sù zé bù dá

Rushing can prevent you from achieving the result at all.

温故而知新

wēn gù ér zhī xīn

Revisiting prior knowledge can produce fresh understanding.

学而不思则罔，思而不学则殆

xué ér bù sī zé wǎng, sī ér bù xué zé dài

Real understanding requires both study and independent reflection.

读万卷书，行万里路

dú wàn juàn shū, xíng wàn lǐ lù

Deep learning combines books with direct experience of the world.

亡羊补牢，为时未晚

wáng yáng bǔ láo, wéi shí bù wǎn

Correcting a problem after a loss can still prevent further harm.

huà shé tiān zú

An unnecessary addition can spoil something that was already complete.

物以类聚，人以群分

wù yǐ lèi jù, rén yǐ qún fēn

People with similar interests, values, or habits tend to associate.

金无足赤，人无完人

jīn wú zú chì, rén wú wán rén

Everyone has limitations, so perfection is an unrealistic standard.

当局者迷，旁观者清

dāng jú zhě mí, páng guān zhě qīng

Emotional involvement can obscure what an outsider notices more easily.

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.

家家有本难念的经

jiā jiā yǒu běn nán niàn de jīng

Every household has private difficulties that outsiders may not see or fully understand.

清官难断家务事

qīng guān nán duàn jiā wù shì

Private family disputes are often too layered for an outsider to settle simply.