101 chinese proverbs about success with meaning

Chinese proverbs about success are a rich source of wisdom, distilling complex thoughts and ideas into succinct and memorable phrases. These proverbs often reflect the values of persistence, strategic planning, learning, and the virtue of patience—key elements often associated with achieving success.

In this post, we discuss 101 carefully selected chinese proverbs about success that has helped generations.. These proverbs are more than just catchy phrases; they are concise lessons in perseverance, strategic thinking, and the virtues that foster true achievement. As we unpack each saying, you’ll discover the profound depth behind these simple words, providing both inspiration and practical advice for your own path to success.

With this all said, We will start from the first to list their meaning, English translation and pronunciation for every understanding. Below are the 101 chinese proverbs about success you should know.

千里之行，始于足下 (Qiān lǐ zhī xíng, shǐ yú zú xià)

• Translation: A thousand-mile journey starts with a single step.
• Pronunciation: Chee-an lee zhee shing, shir yoo zoo sha
• Meaning: Major accomplishments start from small, initial efforts.

滴水穿石 (Dī shuǐ chuān shí)

• Translation: Continuous dripping wears away the stone.
• Pronunciation: Dee shway chwan shr
• Meaning: Persistence can overcome even the toughest challenges.

不入虎穴，焉得虎子 (Bù rù hǔ xué, yān dé hǔ zǐ)

• Translation: Without entering a tiger’s den, one cannot get its cubs.
• Pronunciation: Boo roo hoo shweh, yen duh hoo dzuh
• Meaning: Significant risks can lead to significant rewards.

天下无难事，只怕有心人 (Tiān xià wú nán shì, zhǐ pà yǒu xīn rén)

• Translation: Nothing is difficult to the determined mind.
• Pronunciation: Tee-en sshyah woo nahn shr, zhr pah yo sheen ren
• Meaning: Determination can overcome any difficulty.

吃一堑，长一智 (Chī yī qiàn, zhǎng yī zhì)

• Translation: A fall into a pit, a gain in your wit.
• Pronunciation: Chrr ee chee-en, jahng ee jr
• Meaning: Each mistake teaches a valuable lesson.

金无足赤，人无完人 (Jīn wú zú chì, rén wú wán rén)

• Translation: Gold isn’t pure; no person is perfect.
• Pronunciation: Jeen woo dzoo chr, ren woo wahn ren
• Meaning: Perfection is unattainable, so embrace imperfections.

失败是成功之母 (Shī bài shì chéng gōng zhī mǔ)

• Translation: Failure is the mother of success.
• Pronunciation: Shr bye shr chung gong zhr moo
• Meaning: Each failure provides critical lessons that lead to success.

三人行，必有我师 (Sān rén xíng, bì yǒu wǒ shī)

• Translation: When three walk together, one should be my teacher.
• Pronunciation: San ren shing, bee yo woh shr
• Meaning: There is always something to learn from others.

机不可失，时不再来 (Jī bù kě shī, shí bù zài lái)

• Translation: Miss not the opportunity, for it might not come again.
• Pronunciation: Jee boo kuh shr, shr boo zeye lie
• Meaning: Opportunities are often fleeting; seize them promptly.

知之为知之，不知为不知，是知也 (Zhī zhī wéi zhī zhī, bù zhī wéi bù zhī, shì zhī yě)

– Translation: To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge.
– Pronunciation: Zhr zhr way zhr zhr, boo zhr way boo zhr, shrr zhr yeh
– Meaning: Wisdom lies in recognizing both one’s knowledge and ignorance.

前事不忘，后事之师 (Qián shì bù wàng, hòu shì zhī shī)

– Translation: Remembering the past can be a teacher for future events.
– Pronunciation: Chee-an shr boo wahng, hoe shr zhr shr
– Meaning: Learning from history is crucial to avoid repeating mistakes and to succeed in future endeavors.

授人以鱼不如授人以渔 (Shòu rén yǐ yú bù rú shòu rén yǐ yú)

• Translation: Giving a man a fish is not as good as teaching him how to fish.
• – Pronunciation: Show ren ee yoo boo roo show ren ee yoo
• – Meaning: Teaching someone a skill is more beneficial in the long-term than giving them a temporary solution.

良药苦口利于病，忠言逆耳利于行 (Liáng yào kǔ kǒu lì yú bìng, zhōng yán nì ěr lì yú xíng)

• Translation: Good medicine tastes bitter, and honest advice sounds harsh.
• – Pronunciation: Lee-ahng yow koo koh lee yoo bing, jong yen nee err lee yoo shing
• – Meaning: Things that are beneficial for us, like tough advice or effective medicine, may not always be pleasant.

无风不起浪 (Wú fēng bù qǐ làng)

• – Translation: There are no waves without wind.
• – Pronunciation: Woo fung boo chee lahng
• – Meaning: Every effect has a cause; nothing happens without a reason.

一分耕耘，一分收获 (Yī fēn gēng yún, yī fēn shōu huò)

• – Translation: You reap what you sow.
• – Pronunciation: Ee fen gung yoon, ee fen show hwo
• – Meaning: Effort directly corresponds to the results; hard work leads to success.

塞翁失马，焉知非福 (Sài Wēng shī mǎ, yān zhī fēi fú)

• – Translation: When the old man from the frontier lost his horse, how could one have known that it would not be a blessing?
• – Pronunciation: Sigh wung shrr mah, yen zhr fay foo
• – Meaning: Misfortunes might be a blessing in disguise. It is hard to see the ultimate effects of a loss or gain.

读万卷书不如行万里路 (Dú wàn juǎn shū bù rú xíng wàn lǐ lù)

– Translation: Reading thousands of books is not as useful as traveling thousands of miles.
– Pronunciation: Doo wan juan shoo boo roo shing wan lee loo
– Meaning: Personal experiences can provide deeper knowledge than theoretical learning.

画龙点睛 (Huà lóng diǎn jīng)

• Translation: To dot in the eyes of the dragon in a painting.
• – Pronunciation: Hwah long dee-an jing
• – Meaning: To add the crucial finishing touch; the small detail that brings life to a project.

守株待兔 (Shǒu zhū dài tù)

• – Translation: Guarding a stump waiting for rabbits.
• – Pronunciation: Show joo die too
• – Meaning: Relying on an unlikely chance or windfalls is not a good strategy. Active effort is necessary for success.

大智若愚 (Dà zhì ruò yú)

• – Translation: Great wisdom appears foolish.
• – Pronunciation: Dah jr roh yoo
• – Meaning: Truly wise individuals often seem simple or naive to others; profound simplicity masks depth.

临渊羡鱼，不如退而结网 (Lín yuān xiàn yú, bù rú tuì ér jié wǎng)

• Translation: Better to go home and weave a net than to stand by the pond and envy the fish.
• Pronunciation: Lin you-en shee-en yoo, boo roo tway err jyeah wahng
• Meaning: It’s more productive to take concrete steps to achieve your goals than to simply envy others’ success.

不经一事，不长一智 (Bù jīng yī shì, bù zhǎng yī zhì)

• Translation: Without experiencing something, you can’t gain any wisdom.
• Pronunciation: Boo jing ee shr, boo jahng ee jr
• Meaning: Experiencing challenges is essential for gaining wisdom.

积少成多 (Jī shǎo chéng duō)

• Translation: Many a little makes a mickle.
• Pronunciation: Jee shao chung dwor
• Meaning: Small, consistent efforts accumulate to produce significant results.

勿以恶小而为之，勿以善小而不为 (Wù yǐ è xiǎo ér wéi zhī, wù yǐ shàn xiǎo ér bù wéi)

• Translation: Do not commit a wrong for its smallness; do not omit to do a right for its smallness.
• Pronunciation: Woo ee eh shee-ow err way jr, woo ee shan shee-ow err boo way
• Meaning: No matter how insignificant an act may seem, avoid wrongdoing and embrace doing good.

见善则迁，有过则改 (Jiàn shàn zé qiān, yǒu guò zé gǎi)

• Translation: Upon seeing good, move towards it; having faults, change them.
• Pronunciation: Jee-en shan dzuh chee-en, yo gwo dzuh geye
• Meaning: Be quick to adopt good practices and equally quick to rectify mistakes.

井底之蛙 (Jǐng dǐ zhī wā)

• Translation: The frog in the well.
• Pronunciation: Jing dee jr wah
• Meaning: A person with a limited outlook and experience, like a frog living at the bottom of a well only seeing a part of the world.

掩耳盗铃 (Yǎn ěr dào líng)

• Translation: Covering one’s ears while stealing a bell.
• Pronunciation: Yan err dao ling
• Meaning: Fooling oneself into believing something isn’t happening or denying obvious flaws or mistakes.

留得青山在，不怕没柴烧 (Liú dé qīng shān zài, bù pà méi chái shāo)

• Translation: As long as the green mountains are there, one need not worry about firewood.
• Pronunciation: Lee-oo duh ching shan zeye, boo pah may chye shao
• Meaning: Preserve your resources or health, and you can face future challenges with confidence.

骑虎难下 (Qí hǔ nán xià)

• Translation: Riding a tiger is hard to dismount.
• Pronunciation: Chee hoo nahn she-ah
• Meaning: It’s easier to start certain things than to stop them, especially when they become dangerous or challenging.

黔驴技穷 (Qián lǘ jì qióng)

• Translation: The Guizhou donkey’s trick is exhausted.
• Pronunciation: Chee-en lyoo jee chee-ong
• Meaning: To have exhausted one’s skills or means; to be at one’s wits’ end.

杯弓蛇影 (Bēi gōng shé yǐng)

• Translation: Seeing a snake in the reflection of a cup; seeing a bow in the reflection as a snake.
• Pronunciation: Bay gong shuh ying
• Meaning: This proverb warns against allowing fear or illusions to cause unnecessary panic or misunderstandings.

风雨同舟 (Fēng yǔ tóng zhōu)

• Translation: In the same boat through wind and rain.
• Pronunciation: Fung yoo tong joe
• Meaning: Facing challenges or adversity together, which underscores the importance of teamwork and solidarity.

画蛇添足 (Huà shé tiān zú)

• Translation: To draw a snake and add feet to it.
• Pronunciation: Hwah shuh tee-en zoo
• Meaning: Overdoing something can spoil the effect; it’s unnecessary and could potentially backfire.

空中楼阁 (Kōng zhōng lóu gé)

• Translation: A castle in the air.
• Pronunciation: Kong jong low guh
• Meaning: Describes plans that are unrealistic or fantasy, highlighting the need for practical and achievable goals.

落叶归根 (Luò yè guī gēn)

• Translation: Falling leaves return to their roots.
• Pronunciation: Lwo yeh gway gen
• Meaning: This proverb speaks to the concept of returning to one’s origins or foundations, often used in the context of returning home or to one’s values.

木已成舟 (Mù yǐ chéng zhōu)

• Translation: The wood has already been made into a boat.
• Pronunciation: Moo ee chung joe
• Meaning: Some things cannot be changed once they are done; it signifies a point of no return.

人心齐，泰山移 (Rén xīn qí, Tài Shān yí)

• Translation: When people are of one mind, even Mount Tai can be moved.
• Pronunciation: Ren sheen chee, tie shan yee
• Meaning: Unity and cooperation can accomplish seemingly impossible tasks.

如鱼得水 (Rú yú dé shuǐ)

• Translation: Like a fish back in water.
• Pronunciation: Roo yoo duh shway
• Meaning: Feeling completely at home or finding an environment where one thrives; often used to describe flourishing in the right conditions.

水滴石穿 (Shuǐ dī shí chuān)

• Translation: Water drips through the stone.
• Pronunciation: Shway dee shr chwan
• Meaning: Persistence can lead to the gradual overcoming of obstacles, similar to how water can eventually wear away stone.

添砖加瓦 (Tiān zhuān jiā wǎ)

• Translation: To add bricks and tiles.
• Pronunciation: Tee-en jwahn jah wah
• Meaning: Contributing to something in a constructive or incremental way; adding to the effort or foundation laid by others.

一言既出，驷马难追 (Yī yán jì chū, sì mǎ nán zhuī)

• Translation: Once a word is spoken, even four horses cannot catch it.
• Pronunciation: Ee yen jee choo, ssuh mah nahn zhway
• Meaning: Be careful with your words; once spoken, they cannot be taken back. This emphasizes the importance of thoughtfulness and responsibility in communication.

一步一个脚印儿 (Yī bù yī gè jiǎo yìn er)

• Translation: Every step makes a footprint.
• Pronunciation: Ee boo ee guh jee-ow yin-er
• Meaning: Every action leaves a mark; this proverb highlights the importance of deliberate and thoughtful actions in achieving success.

对症下药 (Duì zhèng xià yào)

• Translation: To prescribe the exact remedy for the disease.
• Pronunciation: Dway jung shee-ah yow
• Meaning: It’s crucial to apply the right solution to a problem; akin to saying “the right tool for the right job” in English.

三思而后行 (Sān sī ér hòu xíng)

• Translation: Think thrice before you act.
• Pronunciation: San ssuh err hoe shing
• Meaning: Caution and careful planning should precede any action, emphasizing the value of deliberation.

不怕慢，就怕站 (Bù pà màn, jiù pà zhàn)

• Translation: Don’t fear going slowly, fear standing still.
• Pronunciation: Boo pah mahn, jee-ou pah jahn
• Meaning: Continuous progress, no matter how slow, is better than stagnation.

开卷有益 (Kāi juàn yǒu yì)

• Translation: Opening a book is always beneficial.
• Pronunciation: Kye jwahn yo ee
• Meaning: This proverb emphasizes the importance of learning and the value of reading as a lifelong benefit.

知足常乐 (Zhī zú cháng lè)

• Translation: He who knows contentment is always happy.
• Pronunciation: Jr zoo chahng luh
• Meaning: Being satisfied with what you have leads to happiness. This can be an important reminder in the pursuit of success.

尺有所短，寸有所长 (Chǐ yǒu suǒ duǎn, cùn yǒu suǒ cháng)

• Translation: The ruler has its shortcomings, the inch has its strengths.
• Pronunciation: Chrr yo soh dwan, tsoon yo soh chahng
• Meaning: Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses; recognizing this can lead to more effective teamwork and personal development.

无欲则刚 (Wú yù zé gāng)

• Translation: Without desires, one is strong.
• Pronunciation: Woo yoo dzuh gahng
• Meaning: Being free from desires strengthens one’s character and focus, promoting resilience.

磨刀不误砍柴工 (Mó dāo bù wù kǎn chái gōng)

• Translation: Sharpening your axe will not delay your job of cutting wood.
• Pronunciation: Mwo dow boo woo kahn chye gong
• Meaning: Preparation and proper tooling enhance efficiency rather than delay success.

雨过天晴 (Yǔ guò tiān qíng)

• Translation: After rain comes fair weather.
• Pronunciation: Yoo gwo tee-an ching
• Meaning: Difficulties are temporary, and relief or good times follow hardship.

不以物喜，不以己悲 (Bù yǐ wù xǐ, bù yǐ jǐ bēi)

• Translation: Do not take joy from possessions nor sorrow from personal misfortunes.
• Pronunciation: Boo ee woo shee, boo ee jee bay
• Meaning: True peace of mind comes from being detached from materialistic joys and personal sorrows.

山重水复疑无路，柳暗花明又一村 (Shān chóng shuǐ fù yí wú lù, liǔ àn huā míng yòu yī cūn)

• Translation: When mountains and rivers block the path, it seems there’s no way out, but suddenly there’s a village amid dark willows and bright flowers.
• Pronunciation: Shan chong shway foo ee woo loo, lee-ou an hwa ming yo ee tsoon
• Meaning: Hope can be found even when the situation appears most dire. This proverb encourages persistence and hope.

金玉满堂 (Jīn yù mǎn táng)

• Translation: Gold and jade fill the halls.
• Pronunciation: Jin yoo man tahng
• Meaning: To have wealth and prosperity. Often used to wish someone success and riches.

欲速则不达 (Yù sù zé bù dá)

• Translation: Hasten slowly and you will soon arrive.
• Pronunciation: Yoo soo dzuh boo dah
• Meaning: Being overly eager can result in failure; patience leads to better success.

捉襟见肘 (Zhuō jīn jiàn zhǒu)

• Translation: Grasping the front but exposing the elbow.
• Pronunciation: Jwor jin jee-en joe
• Meaning: Describes a situation where solving one problem may uncover another; akin to “robbing Peter to pay Paul.”

流水不腐，户枢不蠹 (Liú shuǐ bù fǔ, hù shū bù dù)

• Translation: Flowing water does not decay, nor a door-hinge rust.
• Pronunciation: Lee-oo shway boo foo, hoo shoo boo doo
• Meaning: Constant activity prevents stagnation, just like movement keeps mechanisms functional and water fresh.

塞翁失马，安知非福 (Sài Wēng shī mǎ, ān zhī fēi fú)

• Translation: The old man lost his horse, but who could say it isn’t a blessing?
• Pronunciation: Sigh wung shrr mah, an zhr fay foo
• Meaning: A seeming misfortune might actually be a blessing in disguise; reminds us of the unpredictable nature of events.

吃得苦中苦，方为人上人 (Chī dé kǔ zhōng kǔ, fāng wéi rén shàng rén)

• Translation: Only by enduring hardship upon hardship can one become a person above others.
• Pronunciation: Chee duh koo jong koo, fahng way ren shahng ren
• Meaning: Great achievements require great endurance and hardship.

鹬蚌相争，渔翁得利 (Yù bàng xiāng zhēng, yú wēng dé lì)

• Translation: When the snipe and the clam grapple, it is the fisherman who profits.
• Pronunciation: Yoo bahng shee-ang jung, yoo wung duh lee
• Meaning: Disputes between others can create opportunities for a third party. This proverb highlights the unintended consequences of conflicts.

朝被蛇咬，十年怕井绳 (Zhāo bèi shé yǎo, shí nián pà jǐng shéng)

• Translation: Once bitten by a snake in the morning, one fears the well rope for ten years.
• Pronunciation: Zhao bay shuh yow, shrr nee-en pah jing shung
• Meaning: A traumatic experience can leave a lasting impact, causing one to be overly cautious or fearful.

不在沉默中爆发，就在沉默中灭亡 (Bù zài chénmò zhōng bàofā, jiù zài chénmò zhōng mièwáng)

• Translation: If you do not burst forth in silence, you will perish in it.
• Pronunciation: Boo zeye chen mo jong bow fah, jee-ou zeye chen mo jong myeh wahng
• Meaning: This expresses the necessity of speaking out or taking action at critical moments, rather than remaining passive.

好事不出门，坏事传千里 (Hǎo shì bù chū mén, huài shì chuán qiān lǐ)

• Translation: Good news seldom goes beyond the gate, while bad news spreads far and wide.
• Pronunciation: How shr boo choo men, hwye shr chwan chee-an lee
• Meaning: Bad news or gossip travels faster than good news, highlighting human nature’s focus on the negative.

宁为玉碎，不为瓦全 (Níng wéi yù suì, bù wéi wǎ quán)

• Translation: Better to be a shattered jade than an intact tile.
• Pronunciation: Ning way yoo sway, boo way wah chwan
• Meaning: It’s better to retain integrity and honor, even at the cost of great loss, than to preserve oneself through compromise.

人非圣贤，孰能无过 (Rén fēi shèngxián, shú néng wú guò)

• Translation: No one is a sage; who can be without fault?
• Pronunciation: Ren fay shung shee-en, shoo nung woo gwo
• Meaning: Everyone makes mistakes, underscoring the importance of forgiveness and understanding in human interactions.

出类拔萃 (Chū lèi bá cuì)

• Translation: Stand out from the crowd; rise above the masses.
• Pronunciation: Choo lay bah sway
• Meaning: To distinguish oneself in a significant way, highlighting the importance of exceptional effort or talent.

因小失大 (Yīn xiǎo shī dà)

• Translation: Lose the big by grasping at the small.
• Pronunciation: Yin shee-ow shrr dah
• Meaning: Focusing too much on minor gains can lead to missing out on larger opportunities.

掌上明珠 (Zhǎng shàng míng zhū)

• Translation: A pearl in the palm.
• Pronunciation: Jahng shahng ming joo
• Meaning: Something or someone extremely precious or cherished, often used to describe a beloved child or a valuable asset.

班门弄斧 (Bān mén nòng fǔ)

• Translation: To wield an axe in front of Lu Ban’s door.
• Pronunciation: Ban men nong foo
• Meaning: To display one’s modest skill before an expert; often used to advise against overestimating one’s competence in the presence of someone far more skilled.

饮水思源 (Yǐn shuǐ sī yuán)

• Translation: When drinking water, think of its source.
• Pronunciation: Yin shway ssuh you-an
• Meaning: Remember the origins or how you got where you are; be grateful for what you have and never forget your roots.

树高千丈叶落归根 (Shù gāo qiān zhàng yè luò guī gēn)

• Translation: Even when a tree grows a thousand zhang high, its leaves will still return to their roots.
• Pronunciation: Shoo gow chee-an jahng yeh lwaw gway gen
• Meaning: This emphasizes the importance of remembering one’s origins and staying grounded, no matter how successful one becomes.

蜡炬成灰泪始干 (Là jù chéng huī lèi shǐ gān)

• Translation: The candle burns down to ashes, only then do the tears dry.
• Pronunciation: Lah joo chung hway lay shr gan
• Meaning: This proverb speaks to enduring until the end of a task or life itself, highlighting perseverance and commitment.

路遥知马力，日久见人心 (Lù yáo zhī mǎ lì, rì jiǔ jiàn rén xīn)

• Translation: Distance tests a horse’s strength, time reveals a person’s heart.
• Pronunciation: Loo yow jr mah lee, ree jee-ou jee-en ren sheen
• Meaning: True qualities and intentions of a person are revealed over time through challenges and prolonged interaction.

天网恢恢，疏而不漏 (Tiān wǎng huī huī, shū ér bù lòu)

• Translation: The nets of heaven are vast and wide, yet let nothing slip through.
• Pronunciation: Tee-an wahng hway hway, shoo err boo low
• Meaning: Justice may be slow, but it misses nothing; emphasizing that all actions eventually meet with their consequences.

无事不登三宝殿 (Wú shì bù dēng sān bǎo diàn)

• Translation: No one visits a temple without a cause.
• Pronunciation: Woo shr boo dung san bow dee-en
• Meaning: People don’t take action without a reason; highlights the pragmatic side of human behavior.

高山仰止，景行行止 (Gāo shān yǎng zhǐ, jǐng xíng xíng zhǐ)

• Translation: Look up to the high mountains, and keep moving forward in the splendid landscape.
• Pronunciation: Gow shan yahng jr, jing shing shing jr
• Meaning: This proverb encourages aspiration and continuous progress.

士不可以不弘毅，任重而道远 (Shì bù kě yǐ bù hóng yì, rèn zhòng ér dào yuǎn)

• Translation: A scholar cannot but be resolute and firm, for their responsibilities are serious and their journey is long.
• Pronunciation: Shr boo kuh yee boo hong yee, ren jong err dow you-an
• Meaning: Intellectual or moral pursuits require enduring commitment and perseverance.

学如逆水行舟，不进则退 (Xué rú nì shuǐ xíng zhōu, bù jìn zé tuì)

• Translation: Learning is like rowing upstream: not to advance is to drop back.
• Pronunciation: Shway roo nee shway shing joe, boo jin dzuh tway
• Meaning: Continuous effort is essential in learning; without progress, regression occurs.

玉不琢，不成器 (Yù bù zhuó, bù chéng qì)

• Translation: Jade must be carved to be a gem.
• Pronunciation: Yoo boo jwor, boo chung chee
• Meaning: Without effort and processing, potential cannot be realized; talent needs nurturing and discipline.

留得青山在，不怕没柴烧 (Liú dé qīng shān zài, bù pà méi chái shāo)

• Translation: As long as the green hills remain, one need not worry about firewood.
• Pronunciation: Lee-oo duh ching shan zeye, boo pah may chye shao
• Meaning: Preserving one’s resources ensures long-term security and potential for recovery or regeneration.

锲而不舍 (Qiè ér bù shě)

• Translation: Persevere and do not give up.
• Pronunciation: Chee-eh err boo shuh
• Meaning: Persistence is crucial in achieving any goal, emphasizing the importance of steadfastness and continuous effort.

不入虎穴，焉得虎子 (Bù rù hǔ xué, yān dé hǔ zǐ)

• Translation: One cannot obtain tiger cubs without entering the tiger’s den.
• Pronunciation: Boo roo hoo shway, yen duh hoo dzuh
• Meaning: Significant risks are often necessary to achieve great rewards.

磨杵成针 (Mó chǔ chéng zhēn)

• Translation: Grinding an iron pestle into a needle.
• Pronunciation: Mwo choo chung jen
• Meaning: This proverb symbolizes the power of persistence and hard work in transforming something ordinary into something extraordinary.

胸有成竹 (Xiōng yǒu chéng zhú)

• Translation: To have a bamboo finished in one’s mind.
• Pronunciation: Shyong yo chung joo
• Meaning: This refers to having a well-thought-out plan or a clear idea in one’s mind before undertaking an action.

掩耳盗铃 (Yǎn ěr dào líng)

• Translation: Covering one’s ears while stealing a bell.
• Pronunciation: Yan err dao ling
• Meaning: Fooling oneself into believing that others cannot see one’s actions; akin to an ostrich burying its head in the sand.

螳螂捕蝉，黄雀在后 (Táng láng bǔ chán, huáng què zài hòu)

• Translation: The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.
• Pronunciation: Tahng lang boo chan, hwang chweh zeye hoe
• Meaning: This proverb warns of focusing too narrowly on one’s own goals or problems without noticing other dangers or opportunities around.

指鹿为马 (Zhǐ lù wéi mǎ)

• Translation: Pointing at a deer and calling it a horse.
• Pronunciation: Jr loo way mah
• Meaning: Deliberately misrepresenting the truth or distorting facts to deceive others.

杀鸡儆猴 (Shā jī jǐng hóu)

• Translation: Kill the chicken to scare the monkey.
• Pronunciation: Sha jee jing hoe
• Meaning: To make an example out of someone in order to threaten or warn others; a method of deterrence.

斩钉截铁 (Zhǎn dīng jié tiě)

• Translation: To chop the nail and slice the iron.
• Pronunciation: Jahn ding jyeah tee-eh
• Meaning: To be resolute and decisive, showing determination in action or decision-making.

投桃报李 (Tóu táo bào lǐ)

• Translation: Return a peach for a plum.
• Pronunciation: Toe tao bow lee
• Meaning: Responding to kindness with kindness; expressing reciprocity or mutual benefit in relationships.

水能载舟，亦能覆舟 (Shuǐ néng zài zhōu, yì néng fù zhōu)

• Translation: Water can float a boat, but it can also sink it.
• Pronunciation: Shway neng zeye joe, ee neng foo joe
• Meaning: This proverb reminds us of the dual nature of many things; what supports you can also be your downfall, emphasizing caution and respect for changing circumstances.

万事开头难 (Wàn shì kāi tóu nán)

• Translation: All things are difficult before they are easy.
• Pronunciation: Wan shr kye toe nahn
• Meaning: Beginning any new task or project is often the hardest part, highlighting the need for perseverance.

举头三尺有神明 (Jǔ tóu sān chǐ yǒu shén míng)

• Translation: Above one’s head three feet there are divine spirits watching.
• Pronunciation: Joo toe san chr yo shen ming
• Meaning: This proverb reflects the belief that a moral force oversees all actions, suggesting that one should always act with integrity.

见利忘义 (Jiàn lì wàng yì)

• Translation: See profit and forget righteousness.
• Pronunciation: Jee-en lee wahng yee
• Meaning: This warns against sacrificing one’s moral values for the sake of material gain.

井底之蛙 (Jǐng dǐ zhī wā)

• Translation: Frog at the bottom of a well.
• Pronunciation: Jing dee jr wah
• Meaning: Describes a person with a limited outlook who is unaware of the larger world; encourages broadening one’s perspective.

金无足赤，人无完人 (Jīn wú zú chì, rén wú wán rén)

• Translation: Gold is not pure; no person is perfect.
• Pronunciation: Jin woo zoo chr, ren woo wan ren
• Meaning: Acknowledges human imperfection and the inevitability of flaws in all things.

一日千里 (Yī rì qiān lǐ)

• Translation: A thousand miles in one day.
• Pronunciation: Ee ree chee-an lee
• Meaning: Describes very rapid progress; achieving great distances or accomplishments in a short period.

借问酒家何处有，牧童遥指杏花村 (Jiè wèn jiǔ jiā hé chù yǒu, mù tóng yáo zhǐ xìng huā cūn)

• Translation: Asking where there is a tavern, a herder boy points at Apricot Blossom Village from afar.
• Pronunciation: Jyeah wen jee-ou jia huh cho yo, moo tong yow jr sheeng hwah tsoon
• Meaning: This often romanticized proverb from a poem by Du Fu evokes the image of simple and serene pastoral life, suggesting that answers and destinations can come from unexpected sources.

滴水穿石，非力也，乃心也 (Dī shuǐ chuān shí, fēi lì yě, nǎi xīn yě)

• Translation: Water drips through stone not by force but by persistence.
• Pronunciation: Dee shway chwan shr, fay lee yeh, nye sheen yeh
• Meaning: Emphasizes the power of persistence over brute strength in overcoming obstacles.

刻舟求剑 (Kè zhōu qiú jiàn)

• Translation: Marking the boat to find the lost sword.
  • Pronunciation: Kuh joe choo jee-en
  • Meaning: This proverb is used to criticize those who do not adjust their methods or mindset when circumstances change.

画饼充饥 (Huà bǐng chōng jī)

- **Translation:** Drawing cakes to satisfy hunger.
- **Pronunciation:** Hwah bing chong jee
- **Meaning:** This suggests deluding oneself with unrealistic solutions or fantasies when facing problems, rather than addressing them directly.

summary of chinese proverbs about success

In conclusion, Chinese proverbs about success offer a treasure trove of wisdom that encapsulates centuries of cultural knowledge and observations about life, success, and human behavior. These proverbs serve not only as guidance for personal development and moral conduct but also as reflections on the complexities of human relationships and the natural world. In this article, we learnt over 101 chinese proverbs about success along with their meaning, translation and pronunciation for beginners. There are more but we will be ending on this one for today, maybe in another day, we can go deeper.

The lessons embedded within these chinese proverbs about success are timeless, crossing geographical and cultural boundaries to offer universal truths. As tools for teaching and reflection, Chinese proverbs encourage continuous learning, careful judgment, and an appreciation of both the challenges and beauties of life. In embracing these lessons, one can gain not only success but also a deeper understanding of the world and one’s place within it. CHECK OUT CHINESE VOCABULARY FOR BEGINNERS