Chinese Proverbs About Success

Success in Chinese proverbial language is rarely separated from preparation, perseverance, and the ability to learn from failure. These sayings encourage action while warning against haste, complacency, and shortcuts.

18 explained expressions

千里之行，始于足下

qiān lǐ zhī xíng, shǐ yú zú xià

Every large achievement starts with one practical first step.

不怕慢，就怕站

bù pà màn, jiù pà zhàn

Steady progress matters more than speed, while giving up guarantees no progress.

dī shuǐ chuān shí

Small, repeated efforts can overcome a formidable obstacle.

吃一堑，长一智

chī yí qiàn, zhǎng yí zhì

A mistake or setback can teach a valuable lesson.

百尺竿头，更进一步

bǎi chǐ gān tóu, gèng jìn yí bù

Even after reaching a high level, keep improving.

有志者事竟成

yǒu zhì zhě shì jìng chéng

Strong determination makes a difficult goal achievable.

失败是成功之母

shī bài shì chéng gōng zhī mǔ

Failure can provide the experience needed for later success.

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.

众人拾柴火焰高

zhòng rén shí chái huǒ yàn gāo

Collective effort produces a stronger result than isolated work.

人心齐，泰山移

rén xīn qí, tài shān yí

A united group can overcome an enormous challenge.

wèi yǔ chóu móu

Prepare for trouble before it arrives.

机不可失，时不再来

jī bù kě shī, shí bù zài lái

Act when a valuable, time-sensitive opportunity appears.

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.

hǎo shì duō mó

Worthwhile outcomes often meet complications before completion.

守得云开见月明

shǒu de yún kāi jiàn yuè míng

Patient endurance can carry you through uncertainty to clarity and hope.

青出于蓝而胜于蓝

qīng chū yú lán ér shèng yú lán

A student or later generation can surpass the teacher or predecessor.

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.