Chinese Proverbs About Life & Wisdom
Chinese philosophy has produced some of the world’s most enduring wisdom about how to live a meaningful life. From Confucian principles of self-cultivation to Taoist ideas about harmony with nature, these proverbs distill centuries of philosophical thought into memorable, practical sayings.
Life proverbs in Chinese culture often emphasize patience, perseverance, and the importance of learning from experience. Rather than seeking quick fixes, these sayings encourage us to take the long view and trust in the gradual process of growth and change.
This collection brings together sayings that speak to life’s universal challenges: facing adversity, making decisions, building relationships, and finding purpose. Each proverb offers a different perspective, inviting you to reflect on how ancient wisdom might illuminate your own journey.
人生无常
Rén shēng wú cháng
"Life is impermanent"
落叶归根
Luò yè guī gēn
"Fallen leaves return to their roots"
尘归尘，土归土
Chén guī chén, tǔ guī tǔ
"Dust returns to dust, earth returns to earth"
死有重于泰山，或轻于鸿毛
Sǐ yǒu zhòng yú Tài Shān, huò qīng yú hóng máo
"Death may be heavier than Mount Tai, or lighter than a goose feather"
天有不测风云
Tiān yǒu bù cè fēng yún
"The heavens have unpredictable winds and clouds"
居安思危
Jū ān sī wēi
"In times of peace, think of danger"
贫贱不能移
Pín jiàn bù néng yí
"Poverty and lowliness cannot make one waver"
试金之石可试金，金可试人
Shì jīn zhī shí kě shì jīn, jīn kě shì rén
"A touchstone can test gold, and gold can test a person"
金钱不是万能的
Jīn qián bù shì wàn néng de
"Money is not omnipotent"
树欲静而风不止
Shù yù jìng ér fēng bù zhǐ
"The tree wants to stay quiet, but the wind won't stop blowing"
塞翁失马，焉知非福
Sài wēng shī mǎ, yān zhī fēi fú
"When the old man from the frontier lost his horse, how could he know it was not a blessing?"
猫哭老鼠假慈悲
Māo kū lǎo shǔ jiǎ cí bēi
"When the cat cries over the mouse, it is fake mercy"
欲速则不达
Yù sù zé bù dá
"Haste does not bring success"
十年树木，百年树人
Shí nián shù mù, bǎi nián shù rén
"It takes ten years to grow trees, but a hundred years to rear people"
光阴似箭
Guāng yīn sì jiàn
"Time flies like an arrow"