Essential collection
Famous Chinese Proverbs
These are among the expressions most often quoted in classrooms, speeches, books, and cross-cultural discussions. The collection labels proverbs, idioms, and classical quotations accurately instead of treating them as one category.
千里之行，始于足下
Every large achievement starts with one practical first step.
life
塞翁失马，焉知非福
An apparent misfortune may lead to an unexpected benefit.
life
滴水穿石
Small, repeated efforts can overcome a formidable obstacle.
success
有志者事竟成
Strong determination makes a difficult goal achievable.
success
失败是成功之母
Failure can provide the experience needed for later success.
success
熟能生巧
Repeated practice develops fluency and mastery.
learning
己所不欲，勿施于人
Treat others with the consideration you would want for yourself.
wisdom
未雨绸缪
Prepare for trouble before it arrives.
business
知己知彼，百战不殆
Sound strategy begins with a realistic understanding of both sides.
business
欲速则不达
Rushing can prevent you from achieving the result at all.
patience
亡羊补牢，为时未晚
Correcting a problem after a loss can still prevent further harm.
life
画蛇添足
An unnecessary addition can spoil something that was already complete.
wisdom