Funny Chinese Proverbs + More: Love, Life, and Success

Chinese proverbs are among the countless gems of wisdom it has contributed to the world. These concise and often humorous sayings are packed with wisdom and cover various aspects of life, from love and success to family and stupidity.

We'll explore some of these fascinating sayings that are still commonly used today, delving into their meanings and cultural nuances.

Chinese proverbs about life

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

Translation: A long road tests a horse's strength; time reveals a person's heart.

Explanation: This proverb reminds us that true qualities are revealed over time and through challenges. Just as a long journey shows the stamina of a horse, time and experience unveil a person's true character.

2. 笑一笑，十年少 (Xiào yī xiào, shí nián shào)

Translation: A smile makes you ten years younger.

Explanation: Here's a lighthearted reminder that laughter and joy can rejuvenate your soul and make you feel younger.

3. 亲眼看人，亲手牵羊 (Qīnyǎn kàn rén, qīnshǒu qiān yáng)

Translation: Judge people with your own eyes, lead the sheep with your own hands.

Explanation: Trust your own judgments and take personal responsibility. I was advised against working with a particular colleague in my early career. However, after taking the time to understand them, I discovered their true worth. This partnership led to one of the most successful projects I've ever participated in.

4. 一寸光阴一寸金, 寸金难买寸光阴 (Yī cùn guāng yīn yī cùn jīn, cùn jīn nán mǎi cùn guāng yīn)

Translation: An inch of time is worth an inch of gold; an inch of gold cannot buy an inch of time.

Explanation: This proverb emphasizes the value of time. Time is as precious as gold, but not even gold can buy it back once it's gone.

5. 人生如梦，一樽尚好渡飞虹 (Rénshēng rú mèng, yī zūn shàng hǎo dù fēi hóng)

Translation: Life is like a dream, and it's best to pass the fleeting moment joyfully.

Explanation: This proverb stands out for its poetic imagery among the Chinese sayings. It reminds us that life is fleeting and transient, like a dream. The phrase encourages us to live in the moment in this complex journey of existence.

6. 人生如逆旅，我亦是行人 (Rénshēng rú nì lǚ, wǒ yì shì xíng rén)

Translation: Life is a journey against the current, and I am also a traveler.

Explanation: This is one of the best Chinese sayings about life's journey and challenges. It likens life to swimming upstream and emphasizes the universal struggle, as we are all travelers on this path.

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

Translation: A word, once spoken, can't be chased even by a team of four horses.

Explanation: This proverb uses the metaphor of "a thousand soldiers" being unable to retrieve spoken words to stress the irreversible nature of speech. A wise man weighs his words carefully, knowing that they cannot be taken back once they are said.

8. 多个厨师容易把饭做糊 (Duō ge chúshī róngyì bǎ fàn zuò hū)

Translation: Too many cooks easily spoil the meal.

Explanation: Incorporating the phrase "too many cooks," this saying warns against the confusion and inefficiency that can result from too many people involved in a task. It emphasizes the importance of clear roles and leadership.

Chinese proverbs about love

9. 爱屋及乌 (Ài wū jí wū)

Translation: Love the house and its crow.

Explanation: This is one of the famous Chinese proverbs that centers on love. When you are in love with someone, your affection extends to everything associated with them, even as mundane as the crow on the roof.

10. 爱不释手 (Ài bù shì shǒu)

Translation: Can't let go of the hand.

Explanation: Describes being so in love with something or someone that you cannot let go.

11. 心心相印 (Xīn xīn xiāng yìn)

Translation: Heart to heart, feeling the same.

Explanation: This romantic saying paints a picture of two people whose hearts are in perfect sync, understanding each other without words. It's the epitome of deep emotional connection in a relationship.

12. 情人眼里出西施 (Qíngrén yǎn lǐ chū xī shī)

Translation: In the eyes of a lover, Xi Shi appears.

Explanation: Xi Shi was one of the four beauties of ancient China. This proverb means that the beloved one is the most beautiful to a lover, regardless of reality.

13. 有缘千里来相会 (Yǒu yuán qiān lǐ lái xiānghuì)

Translation: Fate brings people together no matter how far apart they may be.

Explanation: This is one of the best Chinese proverbs about love and destiny, expressing the belief that people meant to be together will find each other, no matter the distance.

14. 心有灵犀一点通 (Xīn yǒu líng xī yī diǎn tōng)

Translation: Hearts are linked as one, and minds connect with a single thought.

Explanation: This proverb beautifully captures the connection between lovers, where understanding is so deep that a single thought or glance conveys everything. It's one of the best Chinese proverbs about the profound connection between two people in love.

15. 有情饮水饱，无情食饭饥 (Yǒu qíng yǐn shuǐ bǎo, wú qíng shí fàn jī)

Translation: With love, water is enough; without love, food doesn't satisfy.

Explanation: This proverb illuminates the importance of emotional nourishment. Just as the simplest of sustenance can be enough with love, without it, even the most lavish feast can leave one feeling empty.

16. 落花有意，流水无情 (Luò huā yǒu yì, liúshuǐ wú qíng)

Translation: The fallen flower has intention, but the flowing water is heartless.

Explanation: This poetic saying represents unrequited love, where one person's affection isn't returned by the other. Like "a thousand soldiers" might follow their leader without question, the water's flow is natural and indifferent to the flower's longing.

Chinese proverbs about success

17. 水滴石穿 (Shuǐ dī shí chuān)

Translation: Water drops pierce the stone.

Explanation: Patience and persistence can overcome the biggest obstacles, much like how consistent drops of water can eventually wear away stone. It serves as an analogy for the persistent effort required for success and resonates among the best Chinese proverbs.

18. 一步一个脚印 (Yī bù yīgè jiǎo yìn)

Translation: Every step leaves a footprint.

Explanation: This proverb encourages us to recognize that success comes from consistent effort and progress, one step at a time.

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

Translation: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Explanation: This classic proverb reminds us that even the most daunting tasks can be achieved by starting with the simplest action.

20. 三十年河东，三十年河西 (Sānshí nián hé dōng, sānshí nián hé xī)

Translation: Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river.

Explanation: Among Chinese idioms, this one serves as a reminder that fortune changes over time, and success may come after failure.

21. 不怕慢，就怕站 (Bù pà màn, jiù pà zhàn)

Translation: Don't fear going slowly; fear standing still.

Explanation: This Chinese saying highlights that progress is important, even if slow, and is always better than stagnation.

22. 有志者，事竟成 (Yǒu zhì zhě, shì jìng chéng)

Translation: Where there is a will, there is a way.

Explanation: Determination and strong willpower can overcome any obstacles to success.

23. 千军易得，一将难求 (Qiān jūn yì dé, yī jiàng nán qiú)

Translation: A thousand soldiers are easy to find, and one general is hard to come by.

Explanation: Incorporating the phrase "a thousand soldiers," this proverb emphasizes that a true leader is rare, while followers may be many. Success often depends on the guidance of a wise man who can lead and inspire others.

24. 巧妇难为无米之炊 (Qiǎo fù nán wéi wú mǐ zhī chuī)

Translation: Even the cleverest homemaker can't cook without rice.

Explanation: Success requires the right resources. Just like "too many cooks" can ruin a dish, a lack of essential ingredients makes success impossible, no matter how skilled one might be.

Funny Chinese proverbs

25. 掩耳盗铃 (Yǎn ěr dào líng)

Translation: Covering one's ears while stealing a bell.

Explanation: This humorous proverb describes someone who foolishly believes that by covering their ears, others won't hear the bell they are stealing. It's used to depict self-deception or denial.

26. 画蛇添足 (Huà shé tiān zú)

Translation: Drawing a snake and adding feet to it.

Explanation: This proverb warns against overdoing something or adding unnecessary details. It originated from a story where adding feet to a snake drawing turned a winning situation into a losing one.

27. 家丑不可外扬 (Jiāchǒu bù kě wài yáng)

Translation: Don't air your dirty linen in public.

Explanation: A funny way to remind people not to discuss personal or family secrets publicly.

28. 自相矛盾 (Zì xiāng máo dùn)

Translation: Pointing a spear against one's shield.

Explanation: This funny saying describes someone who contradicts themselves, much like a vendor who claimed his spear could pierce anything and his shield could block any spear. It's a humorous take on logical inconsistency, resonant among the best Chinese proverbs.

29. 瓜田李下 (Guā tián lǐ xià)

Translation: Melon fields under the plums.

Explanation: This proverb warns against putting oneself in a situation that might look suspicious, even if innocent. It indicates that too much involvement can lead to misunderstanding.

30. 老鼠屎搀了汤 (Lǎoshǔ shǐ chān le tāng)

Translation: A mouse's droppings spoiled the soup.

Explanation: This humorous saying highlights how a small problem can ruin something larger. It's a funny way to express that little issues should not be ignored, as they can have significant impacts.

31. 虎头蛇尾 (Hǔ tóu shé wěi)

Translation: Tiger's head, snake's tail.

Explanation: Starting strong but finishing weakly, this idiom humorously captures those endeavors that kick off impressively but dwindle towards the end.

32. 狗嘴里吐不出象牙 (Gǒu zuǐ lǐ tǔ bù chū xiàng yá)

Translation: Ivory cannot be found in a dog's mouth.

Explanation: A humorous way to describe the idea that you can't expect beautiful or eloquent words from someone who doesn't usually speak them. It's akin to expecting "too many cooks" to create a perfect dish.

Chinese proverbs about friendship

33. 老朋友如陈酒 (Lǎo péngyǒu rú chén jiǔ)

Translation: Old friends are like aged wine.

Explanation: Just as aged wine is valued, long-standing friendships grow more precious with time. You can have numerous friends, but having a single deep friendship trumps the number of friends.

34. 与君共长亭 (Yǔ jūn gòng cháng tíng)

Translation: Sharing a pavilion with you.

Explanation: This elegant expression represents sharing life's journey with friends. It signifies the deep bond and commitment of true friendship.

35. 远水救不了近火 (Yuǎn shuǐ jiù bù liǎo jìn huǒ)

Translation: Distant water won't put out a nearby fire.

Explanation: True friends are there for you when you need them. This proverb emphasizes the value of close and reliable friendships over distant acquaintances.

36. 道不同，不相为谋 (Dào bù tóng, bù xiāng wéi móu)

Translation: People with different principles cannot make plans together.

Explanation: This proverb underscores the importance of shared values in friendships. When friends have similar moral compasses, they can move forward together harmoniously.

37. 近朱者赤，近墨者黑 (Jìn zhū zhě chì, jìn mò zhě hēi)

Translation: He who stays near vermilion gets stained red; he who stays near ink gets stained black.

Explanation: This proverb emphasizes the influence of the company you keep. Associating with good people can lead to positive outcomes, while the opposite may lead to negative consequences.

38. 朋友的眼睛是最好的镜子 (Péngyǒu de yǎnjīng shì zuì hǎo de jìngzi)

Translation: A friend's eye is the best mirror.

Explanation: Friends reflect our true selves, helping us see our strengths and weaknesses.

39. 金钱损失了还能挽回, 一旦失去信誉就永远失去了 (Jīnqián sǔnshīle hái néng wǎnhuí, yīdàn shīqù xìnyù jiù yǒngyuǎn shīqùle)

Translation: Money lost can be recovered; trust lost can never be recovered.

Explanation: Among the Chinese sayings, this one emphasizes the importance of trust in friendships. It signifies that material losses can be replaced, but trust can never truly be restored once trust is broken.

40. 交个朋友，多条路；树个敌人，多堵墙 (Jiāo gè péngyǒu, duō tiáo lù; shù gè dírén, duō dǔ qiáng)

Translation: Making a friend opens a way; making an enemy builds a wall.

Explanation: This Chinese saying encourages making friends and avoiding unnecessary conflicts. One more friend opens another road ahead. However, having an additional enemy adds another wall to your life.

Chinese proverbs about family

41. 家和万事兴 (Jiā hé wàn shì xīng)

Translation: Harmony in the family makes everything successful.

Explanation: This Chinese proverb stresses the importance of family unity and its positive impact on all aspects of life. A harmonious family acts as the cornerstone for success, happiness, and prosperity in all aspects.

42. 血浓于水 (Xuè nóng yú shuǐ)

Translation: Blood is thicker than water.

Explanation: This proverb underscores the unique bond and loyalty within a family. It's a powerful reminder that family ties often supersede other relationships.

43. 儿行千里母担忧 (Ér xíng qiān lǐ mǔ dān yōu)

Translation: When a son goes a thousand miles, the mother worries.

Explanation: This proverb captures parents' deep, unwavering concern for their children, no matter how old they become or how far they travel.

44. 家家有本难念的经 (Jiā jiā yǒu běn nán niàn de jīng)

Translation: Every family has its difficult scripture to recite.

Explanation: Among Chinese sayings, this one recognizes that every family faces unique challenges and difficulties. It serves as a reminder to be empathetic and not judge others' family situations without understanding their struggles.

45. 金窝银窝不如自己的狗窝 (Jīn wō yín wō bùrú zìjǐ de gǒu wō)

Translation: A golden or silver house is not as good as your own doghouse.

Explanation: This Chinese saying underscores the importance of home and family, no matter how humble. The sentiment is that there's no place like home, where your family resides, and even the simplest dwelling with loved ones is better than the most luxurious without them.

46. 一屋不扫，何以扫天下 (Yī wū bù sǎo, hé yǐ sǎo tiānxià)

Translation: How can you sweep the world if you don't sweep your own house

Explanation: This Chinese proverb offers wisdom about prioritizing family and personal responsibilities. It suggests that if one cannot handle the duties closest to them, how can they possibly take on larger tasks?

47. 树欲静而风不止，子欲养而亲不在 (Shù yù jìng ér fēng bù zhǐ, zǐ yù yǎng ér qīn bù zài)

Translation: The tree wants to stand still, but the wind won't stop; the child wants to care for the parents, but they are gone.

Explanation: This poignant Chinese saying underlines the unpredictable nature of life and the inevitable loss that comes with time. It serves as a reminder to cherish family and the time spent with loved ones, emphasizing the importance of being present and appreciating family connections.

48. 龙生龙，凤生凤，老鼠的儿子会打洞 (Lóng shēng lóng, fèng shēng fèng, lǎoshǔ de érzi huì dǎ dòng)

Translation: Dragons give birth to dragons, phoenixes give birth to phoenixes, and the mouse's son can dig holes.

Explanation: This Chinese proverb speaks to the influence of family and the inheritance of traits. It highlights the natural propensity for children to follow in their parent's footsteps, whether in talent, behavior, or profession.

Chinese proverbs about stupidity

49. 对牛弹琴 (Duì niú tán qín)

Translation: Playing the lute to a cow.

Explanation: This proverb illustrates the futility of talking to someone who cannot understand or appreciate what is being said. In Mandarin Chinese, it is often used to describe a situation where well-reasoned arguments or artistic expressions are lost on an audience, like playing beautiful music to a cow. It's a reminder that knowing your audience and context is crucial.

50. 井底之蛙 (Jǐng dǐ zhī wā)

Translation: A frog at the bottom of a well.

Explanation: This proverb warns against narrow-mindedness and limited perspective, symbolized by a frog at the bottom of a well that can only see a small patch of the sky. The metaphor suggests that the frog's view, limited by its environment, is akin to a person's ignorance or naiveté, resulting in a "fool forever" attitude.

51. 指鹿为马 (Zhǐ lù wéi mǎ)

Translation: Pointing to a deer and calling it a horse.

Explanation: This proverb illustrates the absurdity of calling something by the wrong name or intentionally distorting the truth. It symbolizes deceit and foolish denial of the obvious.

52. 贪小失大 (Tān xiǎo shī dà)

Translation: To gain the small and lose the big.

Explanation: This proverb warns against shortsightedness and foolish decisions where one might achieve a minor immediate gain at the expense of a larger opportunity or advantage.

53. 蠢人做蠢事 (Chǔn rén zuò chǔn shì)

Translation: Foolish people do foolish things.

Explanation: This straightforward proverb underscores the natural outcome of foolish thinking and emphasizes the importance of wisdom and careful consideration.

54. 空穴来风未必无因 (Kōng xuè lái fēng wèi bì wú yīn)

Translation: Wind from an empty cave is not without reason.

Explanation: This Chinese proverb reminds us that seemingly foolish or nonsensical actions may have underlying reasons.

55. 一朝被蛇咬，十年怕井绳 (Yī zhāo bèi shé yǎo, shí nián pà jǐng shéng)

Translation: Once bitten by a snake, ten years afraid of a good rope.

Explanation: This is one of those Chinese sayings that deal with the lingering fear and irrational behavior that can follow a traumatic experience. It highlights how a single event can lead to long-term fear, causing people to see danger even where it does not exist. It warns against letting one mistake dictate future behavior or living in fear, which can be considered foolish.

56. 愚者千虑，必有一得 (Yú zhě qiān lǜ, bì yǒu yī dé)

Translation: A fool might worry about a thousand things, but one might come true.

Explanation: This humorous saying points out that even someone who constantly frets might occasionally be right. Still, it's not because of their wisdom but pure chance.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a proverb?

A proverb is a short, traditional saying that imparts wisdom or provides insight into human nature and the world around us. It often encapsulates a universal truth or common experience, passing lessons learned through generations.

What are Chinese proverbs? 

Chinese proverbs are concise statements that reflect China's philosophy, culture, and societal values. They often use metaphor, allegory, or symbolism to convey profound meanings. For centuries, Chinese proverbs have been utilized in various facets of Chinese life, including literature, art, and daily communication.

Why are there so many Chinese proverbs?

The abundance of Chinese proverbs can be attributed to China's rich history, diverse culture, and emphasis on education and moral values. These proverbs serve as tools for teaching, guidance, and reflection. Moreover, the vastness and complexity of the Chinese language contribute to creating nuanced and multifaceted expressions.

Check out this neat video below if you want to know about other Chinese idioms and when to use them.

Top 10 Chinese idioms you must know | Chinesewith-Xiaolu

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BONUS: Chinese proverbs vocabulary list

No.	Chinese Hanzi	Pinyin	English meaning
1	路遥知马力，日久见人心	Lù yáo zhī mǎ lì, rì jiǔ jiàn rén xīn	A long road tests a horse's strength; time reveals a person's heart.
2	笑一笑，十年少	Xiào yī xiào, shí nián shào	A smile makes you ten years younger.
3	亲眼看人，亲手牵羊	Qīnyǎn kàn rén, qīnshǒu qiān yáng	Judge people with your own eyes, lead the sheep with your own hands
4	一寸光阴一寸金, 寸金难买寸光阴	Yī cùn guāng yīn yī cùn jīn, cùn jīn nán mǎi cùn guāng yīn	An inch of time is worth an inch of gold; an inch of gold cannot buy an inch of time.
5	人生如梦，一樽尚好渡飞虹	Rénshēng rú mèng, yī zūn shàng hǎo dù fēi hóng	Life is like a dream, and it's best to pass the fleeting moment joyfully.
6	人生如逆旅，我亦是行人	Rénshēng rú nì lǚ, wǒ yì shì xíng rén	Life is a journey against the current, and I am also a traveler.
7	一言既出，驷马难追	Yī yán jì chū, sì mǎ nán zhuī	A word once spoken can't be chased even by a team of four horses.
8	多个厨师容易把饭做糊	Duō ge chúshī róngyì bǎ fàn zuò hū	Too many cooks easily spoil the meal.
9	爱屋及乌	Ài wū jí wū	Love the house and its crow.
10	爱不释手	Ài bù shì shǒu	Can't let go of the hand.
11	心心相印	Xīn xīn xiāng yìn	Heart to heart, feeling the same.
12	情人眼里出西施	Qíngrén yǎn lǐ chū xī shī	In the eyes of a lover, Xi Shi appears.
13	有缘千里来相会	Yǒu yuán qiān lǐ lái xiānghuì	Fate brings people together no matter how far apart they may be.
14	心有灵犀一点通	Xīn yǒu líng xī yī diǎn tōng	Hearts are linked as one, and minds connect with a single thought.
15	有情饮水饱，无情食饭饥	Yǒu qíng yǐn shuǐ bǎo, wú qíng shí fàn jī	With love, water is enough; without love, food doesn’t satisfy.
16	落花有意，流水无情	Luò huā yǒu yì, liúshuǐ wú qíng	The fallen flower has intention, but the flowing water is heartless.
17	水滴石穿	Shuǐ dī shí chuān	Water drops pierce the stone.
18	一步一个脚印	Yī bù yīgè jiǎo yìn	Every step leaves a footprint.
19	千里之行，始于足下	Qiān lǐ zhī xíng, shǐ yú zú xià	A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
20	三十年河东，三十年河西	Sānshí nián hé dōng, sānshí nián hé xī	Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river.
21	不怕慢，就怕站	Bù pà màn, jiù pà zhàn	Don't fear going slowly; fear standing still.
22	有志者，事竟成	Yǒu zhì zhě, shì jìng chéng	Where there is a will, there is a way.
23	千军易得，一将难求	Qiān jūn yì dé, yī jiàng nán qiú	A thousand soldiers are easy to find, and one general is hard to come by.
24	巧妇难为无米之炊	Qiǎo fù nán wéi wú mǐ zhī chuī	Even the cleverest housewife can't cook without rice.
25	掩耳盗铃	Yǎn ěr dào líng	Covering one's ears while stealing a bell.
26	画蛇添足	Huà shé tiān zú	Drawing a snake and adding feet to it.
27	家丑不可外扬	Jiāchǒu bù kě wài yáng	Don't air your dirty linen in public.
28	自相矛盾	Zì xiāng máo dùn	Pointing a spear against one's own shield.
29	瓜田李下	Guā tián lǐ xià	Melon field, under the plums.
30	老鼠屎搀了汤	Lǎoshǔ shǐ chān le tāng	A mouse's droppings spoiled the soup.
31	虎头蛇尾	Hǔ tóu shé wěi	Tiger’s head, snake’s tail.
32	狗嘴里吐不出象牙	Gǒu zuǐ lǐ tǔ bù chū xiàng yá	Ivory cannot be found in a dog's mouth.
33	老朋友如陈酒	Lǎo péngyǒu rú chén jiǔ	Old friends are like aged wine.
34	与君共长亭	Yǔ jūn gòng cháng tíng	Sharing a pavilion with you.
35	远水救不了近火	Yuǎn shuǐ jiù bù liǎo jìn huǒ	Distant water won’t put out a nearby fire.
36	道不同，不相为谋	Dào bù tóng, bù xiāng wéi móu	People with different principles cannot make plans together.
37	近朱者赤，近墨者黑	Jìn zhū zhě chì, jìn mò zhě hēi	He who stays near vermilion gets stained red; he who stays near ink gets stained black.
38	朋友的眼睛是最好的镜子	Péngyǒu de yǎnjīng shì zuì hǎo de jìngzi	A friend's eye is the best mirror.
39	金钱损失了还能挽回, 一旦失去信誉就永远失去了	Jīnqián sǔnshīle hái néng wǎnhuí, yīdàn shīqù xìnyù jiù yǒngyuǎn shīqùle	Money lost can be recovered; trust lost can never be recovered.
40	交个朋友，多条路；树个敌人，多堵墙	Jiāo gè péngyǒu, duō tiáo lù; shù gè dírén, duō dǔ qiáng	Making a friend opens a way; making an enemy builds a wall.
41	家和万事兴	Jiā hé wàn shì xīng	Harmony in the family makes everything successful.
42	血浓于水	Xuè nóng yú shuǐ	Blood is thicker than water.
43	儿行千里母担忧	Ér xíng qiān lǐ mǔ dān yōu	When a son goes a thousand miles, the mother worries.
44	家家有本难念的经	Jiā jiā yǒu běn nán niàn de jīng	Every family has its difficult scripture to recite.
45	金窝银窝不如自己的狗窝	Jīn wō yín wō bùrú zìjǐ de gǒu wō	A golden house or a silver house is not as good as your own doghouse.
46	一屋不扫，何以扫天下	Yī wū bù sǎo, hé yǐ sǎo tiānxià	If you don't sweep your own house, how can you sweep the world?
47	树欲静而风不止，子欲养而亲不在	Shù yù jìng ér fēng bù zhǐ, zǐ yù yǎng ér qīn bù zài	The tree wants to stand still, but the wind won’t stop; the child wants to care for the parents, but they are gone.
48	龙生龙，凤生凤，老鼠的儿子会打洞	Lóng shēng lóng, fèng shēng fèng, lǎoshǔ de érzi huì dǎ dòng	Dragons give birth to dragons, phoenixes give birth to phoenixes, and the mouse's son can dig holes.
49	对牛弹琴	Duì niú tán qín	Playing the lute to a cow.
50	井底之蛙	Jǐng dǐ zhī wā	A frog at the bottom of a well.
51	指鹿为马	Zhǐ lù wéi mǎ	Pointing to a deer and calling it a horse.
52	贪小失大	Tān xiǎo shī dà	To gain the small and lose the big.
53	蠢人做蠢事	Chǔn rén zuò chǔn shì	Foolish people do foolish things.
54	空穴来风未必无因	Kōng xuè lái fēng wèi bì wú yīn	Wind from an empty cave is not without reason.
55	一朝被蛇咬，十年怕井绳	Yī zhāo bèi shé yǎo, shí nián pà jǐng shéng	Once bitten by a snake, ten years afraid of a well rope.
56	愚者千虑，必有一得	Yú zhě qiān lǜ, bì yǒu yī dé	A fool might worry about a thousand things, but one might come true.

Wrapping Chinese sayings up

Chinese proverbs offer a fascinating window into the collective wisdom of one of the world's oldest civilizations. With subjects spanning love, life, success, friendship, family, stupidity, and learning, these sayings reflect not only the Chinese way of thinking but also resonate with universal truths.

Whether funny or profound, Chinese proverbs are imbued with layers of meaning, often delivered with wit and elegance. From the humorous warning against over-complication in "Drawing a snake and adding feet to it" to the timeless encouragement found in "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," these sayings continue to inspire and guide people worldwide.

The enduring wisdom of Chinese proverbs reminds us of the unchanging truths that connect us all. They serve as a bridge between the ancient and the modern, the East and the West, infusing our daily lives with insights that enrich our understanding and appreciation of human nature and our place in the world.

It's not just about understanding the literal translation of these sayings but also grasping the cultural essence behind them. Whether embracing life's challenges, cherishing love, striving for success, or recognizing the influence of friendship and family, Chinese proverbs capture the essence of human experience in a way that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.

In my own life, these sayings have provided guidance, humor, and reflection. As you explore them further, they'll offer the same to you.

Jing You is a Chinese native who grew up in the Fujian province and soaked in the Chinese culture while living with her grandparents. She later moved to Singapore to pursue further education. However, she has always been passionate about the Mandarin language despite being in an environment that speaks English predominantly. She was involved in multiple Mandarin and Chinese culture programmes in schools, and brought this passion forward by tutoring elementary school students Mandarin in her adulthood.