Chinese Proverbs



  • The young should be dutiful at home, modest abroad, careful and true, overflowing in kindness for all, but in brotherhood with love. And if they have strength to spare they should spend it on the arts.
  • An ant may well destroy a whole dam.
  • A book holds a house of gold.
  • Distant water won't help to put out a fire close at hand.
  • Flowing water never goes bad; our door hubs never gather termites.
  • A frog in a well shaft seeing the sky.
  • A good fortune may forbode a bad luck, which may in turn disguise a good fortune.
  • If you do not study hard when young you'll end up bewailing your failures as you grow up.
  • A Jade stone is useless before it is processed; a man is good-for-nothing until he is educated.
  • Smooth words and fawning looks are seldom found with love.
  • To keep old knowledge warm and get new makes the teacher.
  • The longer the night lasts, the more our dreams will be.
  • Lift a stone only to drop on your own feet.
  • Have a mouth as sharp as a dagger but a heart as soft as tofu.
  • Love alone can love others, or hate others.
  • A gentleman wishes to be slow to speak and quick to do.
  • To rank the effort above the prize may be called love.