Chinese Proverbs

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A

Proverbs
Annotation And Connotations
Accumulate knowledge as you do your wealth; attain morality as you do your fame; love your parents as you do your wife and children; protect your country as you do your titular rank.
(Chinese original: 以积货财之心积学问，以求功名之念求道德，以爱妻子之心爱父母，以保爵位之策保国家。Chinese Pinyin: Yi3 ji1 huo4 cai2 zhi1 xin1 ji1 xue2wen4, yi3 qiu2 gong1ming2 zhi1 nian4 qiu2 dao4de1, yi3 ai1 qi1 zi3 zhi1 xin1 ai4 fu4mu3, yi3 bao3 jue2wei4 zhi1 ce4 bao3 guo2jia1.)

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Add a flower to a bouquet.
(Chinese original: 锦上添花。Chinese Pinyin: Jin3 shang4 tian1 hua1.)
Add Flower to Bouquet
Make improvements upon something good with an attempt at perfection.
Add frost to snow.
(Chinese original: 雪上加霜。Chinese Pinyin: Xue3 shang4 jia1 shuang1.)
(Similar proverb: A weasel bit a sick duck. 黄鼠狼单咬病鸭子: Huang2shu3lang2 dan1 yao3 bing4 ya1zi)
Add Frost to Snow
Add insult to injury.
 
Add legs to the snake one has just painted.
(Chinese original: 画蛇添足。Chinese Pinyin: Hua4 she2 tian1 zu2.)
Add Legs to Snake
Do something that is totally unnecessary and spoil what you already have done.
 
Add oil to a fire.
(Chinese original: 火上加油。Chinese Pinyin: Huo3 shang4 jia1 you2.)
Add Oil to Fire
Isn't it "adding fuel to a flame?"
 
Aged ginger is more pungent.
(Chinese original: 姜是老的辣。Chinese Pinyin: Jiang1 shi4 lao3de la4.)
Aged Ginger More Pungent
Elderly people are more experienced.
 
An aged steed confined to the stable still aspires after the glory of galloping a thousand miles.
(Chinese original: 老骥伏枥，志在千里。Chinese Pinyin: Lao3 ji4 fu2 li4, zhi4 zai4 qian1 li3.)
Aged Steed Aspires Glory
Ambition survives even in senior age.
 
An ant may well destroy an entire dam.
(Chinese original: 千里之堤，溃于蚁穴。Chinese Pinyin: Qin1li3 zhi1 di1, kui4 yu2 yi3xue2.)
Ant and Dam
If a small problem is overlooked, it could develop into a big disaster as ant can multiply, making tunnels in the dam to allow water soak in and consequently bring it to a collapse.
 
Any book you open will benefit your mind.
(Chinese original: 开卷有益。Chinese Pinyin: Kai1 juan4 you3 yi4.)
  
Approach heaven with a single stride.
(Chinese original: 一步登天。Chinese Pinyin: Yi2 bu4 deng1 tian1.)
Approach Heaven with One Stride
Make an extremely fast progress or get a huge promotion.
 
As a snipe and a clam are entangled in a fight, a fisherman catch them both.
(Chinese original: 鹬蚌相争，渔翁得利。Chinese Pinyin: Yu4 bang4 xiang1 zheng1, yu2 weng1 de2 li4.)
Two in a Fight, a Third Benefits
When two dogs fight for a bone, a third runs always with it. The proverb tells us that all parties in a dispute may end up being losers to the benefit of others.
 

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B

Proverbs
Annotation And Connotations
A base person often thinks of a man of honor as mean as he himself.
(Chinese original: 以小人之心，度君子之腹。Chinese Pinyin: Yi3 xiao3ren2 zhi1 xin1 du4 jun1zi3 zhi1 fu4.)
 		  
Be considerable to others and you will be treated likewise.
(Chinese original: 与人方便 自己方便。Chinese Pinyin: Yu4 ren2 fang1bian4, zi4ji3 fang1bian4.)
 		  
Begin to dig a well only when one feels thirsty.
(Chinese original: 临渴掘井。Chinese Pinyin: Lin2 ke3 jue2 jing3.)
Dig Well Only When Thirsty
 
A book holds a house of gold.
(Chinese original: 书中自有千金屋。Chinese Pinyin: Shu1 zhong1 zi4 you3 qian1jin1 wu1.)
Book Is Gold
It is a motto adults use to encourage youngsters to study. If you study hard, you'll have a good job and a chance to make good money.
 
A bottle half filled (with vinegar) tends to rock.
(Chinese original: 半瓶醋-乱晃荡。Chinese Pinyin: Ban3 ping2 cu4 - luan4 huang4dang1.)
  
Burn a forest to farm and drain a pond to fish.
(Chinese original: 焚林而田,竭泽而渔。Chinese Pinyin: Fen2 lin2 er3 tian2, jie2 ze2 er3 yu2.)
Burn Forest to Farm and Drain Pond to Fish
Isn't this what some of us doing today to our environment against the 3000-year old proverbial warning? In many other aspects we are also prone to such mistakes: in trying to achieve an end by all means, we wittingly or unwittingly ignore the consequences.
 
Butcher the donkey after it finished his job on the mill.
(Chinese original: 卸磨杀驴。Chinese Pinyin: Xie4 mo4 sha1 lü2.)
Dismantle Bridge and Kill Donkey
Isn't that ungrateful and mean? There are people who after taking advantage of you turn their back to you.
 
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C

Proverbs
Annotation And Connotations
A camel standing amidst a flock of sheep.
(Chinese original: 羊群里边出骆驼。Chinese Pinyin: Yang2qun2 li3bian1 chu1 luo4tuo.)
Crane, Camel, and Flea
A crane is too obvious when it stands among a flock of chickens and looks very awkward. It is also true with a camel amidst a flock of sheep and a flea when it stands on top of a hairless head. They all carry a pejorative tone: the thing that out stands others is something awkward if not necessarily bad.
 
Carry out an execution before seeking the decree.
(Chinese original: 先斩后奏。Chinese Pinyin: Xian1 zhan3 hou4 zou4.)
Execution First, Decree Afterwards
There are situations when one has to act before reporting to his superior. Shouldn't it be avoided as much as possible?
 
A chat with a friend is worth over ten years of schooling.
(Chinese original: 与君一席话，胜读十年书。Chinese Pinyin: Yu4 jun1 yi4 xi2 tan2, sheng4 du2 shi2 nian2 shu1.)
Chat Worth Ten Years of Schooling
This is a hyperbole. However, books may not be able to teach us everything.
 
A clay figure fears rain; a lie fears truth.
(Chinese original: 泥人怕雨，谎言怕理。Chinese Pinyin: Ni2ren2 pa4 yu3, huang3yan2 pa4 li3.)
 		  
A clay idol of bodhisattva fording a river can hardly save itself, let alone anyone else.
(Chinese original: 泥菩萨过河，自身难保。Chinese Pinyin: Ni2 pu2sa4 guo4 he2, zi4shen1 nan2 bao3.)
Clay Idol Crossing a River
Bodhisattva is believed to be an enlightened Buddhist god (goddess in Chinese beliefs) who, out of compassion, forgoes nirvana in order to save others. However, such a savior made in clay could save nobody on the other side of a river as the water would soak and dissolve it. When one is in serious trouble, he may not be able to save his own tail, let alone others'.
 
A clumsy bird flies first.
(Chinese original: 笨鸟先飞。Chinese Pinyin: Ben4 niao3 xian1 fei1.)
Clumsy Bird Flies First
Usually as an expression of modesty and humbleness, it means that one who is slow in learning should make extra efforts.
Conjure up clouds with one turn of one's hand and rain with another.
(Chinese original: 翻云覆雨。Chinese Pinyin: Fan1 yun2 fu4 yu3.)
Conjure Clouds and Rain at Will
To say that someone can conjure up clouds and rain with his turn of hand is to say that he is capricious or skillful at playing tricks.
A crane standing amidst a flock of chickens.
(Chinese original: 鹤立鸡群。Chinese Pinyin: He4 li4 ji1qun2.)
Crane, Camel, and Flea
A crane is too obvious when it stands among a flock of chickens and looks very awkward. It is also true with a camel amidst a flock of sheep and a flea when it stands on top of a hairless head. They all carry a pejorative tone: the thing that out stands others is something awkward if not necessarily bad.
 
Crows everywhere are equally black.
(Chinese original: 天下乌鸦一般黑。Chinese Pinyin: Tian1xia4 wu1ya1 yi1ban1 hei1.)
Crows Are Universally Black
It is a metaphorical statement of "Bad people are bad no matter where you find them because human nature never changes".
 

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D

Proverbs
Annotation And Connotations
A dagger can be concealed in a smile.
(Chinese original: 笑里藏刀。Chinese Pinyin: Xiao4 li3 cang2 dao1.)
Dagger Concealed in Smile
Beware of this "kiss of death."
A deliberate inaction is better than a blind action.
(Chinese original: 一动不如一静。Chinese Pinyin: Yi1 dong.)
Inaction Better Than Action?
Think before you leap.
Diligence is the vehicle on the paths of Mountains of Books; endurance is the vessel on the courses of the Seas of Learning.
(Chinese original: 书山有路勤为径, 学海无涯苦作舟。Chinese Pinyin: Shu1 shan1 you3 lu4 qin2 wei2 jing4, xue2 hai3 wu2 ya2 ku3 zuo4 zhou1.)
  
Disasters never come alone.
(Chinese original: 祸不单行。Chinese Pinyin: Huo4 bu4 dan1 xing2.)
Disasters Never Walk Alone
Talking of extremely bad luck. Similar to "Misery loves company.“
A dish of carrot hastily cooked may still has soil not cleaned off the vegetable.
(Chinese original: 萝卜快了不洗泥。Chinese Pinyin: Luo2bo1 kuai4 le bu4 xi3 ni2.)
Hasty Dish of Carrot Unclean
When hurry through a job it is impossible to attend to the minute details.
Dismantle the bridge after crossing it.
(Chinese original: 过河拆桥。Chinese Pinyin: Guo4 he2 chai1 qiao2.)
Dismantle Bridge and Kill Donkey
Isn't that ungrateful and mean? There are people who after taking advantage of you turn their back to you.
Display one's proficiency of axe in front of the master carpenter.
(Chinese original: 班门弄斧。Chinese Pinyin: Ban1 men2 nong4 fu3.)
Display Axe Proficiency Before Master Carpenter
Display one's minimal skill before an expert.
Distant water won't help to put out a fire close at hand.
(Chinese original: 远水救不了近火。Chinese Pinyin: Yuan3 shui3 jiu4 bu4 liao3 jin4 huo3.)
 
Distant water won't quench your immediate thirst.
(Chinese original: 远水解不了近渴。Chinese Pinyin: Yuan3 shui3 jie3 bu4 liao3 jin4 ke3.)
 
A dog will jump over a wall when cornered.
(Chinese original: 狗急跳墙。Chinese Pinyin: Gou3 ji2 tiao4 qiang2.)
 
Don't hit one on the face; Do not grab one’s spoon from his mouth.
(Chinese original: 打人不打脸，吃饭不夺碗。Chinese Pinyin: Da3 ren2 bu4 da3 lian3; chi1fan4 bu4 duo2 wan3.)
Don't Hit One on the Face
Disclose one's shortcomings in public would only antagonize him. Be diplomatic or tactic and he may accept your criticism.
Don't mention the word "dwarf" in front of a short person.
(Chinese original: 当着矮人，别说矮话。Chinese Pinyin: Dang1 zhe ai3ren2 bie2 shuo1 ai3 hua4.)
Don't Say the "D" Word in Front of a Dwarf
 
Don't suspect your employee. If one is suspicious, don't employ him.
(Chinese original: 用人不疑，疑人不用。Chinese Pinyin: Yong4 ren2 bu4 yi2, yi2 ren2 bu2 yong4.)
  
Don't want others to know what you have done? Better not have done it anyway.
(Chinese original: 要想人不知，除非己莫为。Chinese Pinyin: Yao4 xiang3 ren2 bu4 zhi1, chu2fei1 ji3 mo4 wei2.)
  
A donkey has limited abilities.
(Chinese original: 黔驴技穷。Chinese Pinyin: Qian2 lü2 ji4 qiong2.)
Donkey Has Limited Defense Options
The story goes that when a tiger sees a donkey for the first time it does not know whether the donkey is a threat. After a few teases, the tiger learned the limits of its ability. The result is apparent. The proverb is used to refer to someone who has exhausted his limited ability. Never use this proverb with your colleague or friends. It is derogatory: the slight of donkeys seems universal.
Donkey's lips do not fit in with a horse's mouth.
(Chinese original: 驴唇不对马嘴。Chinese Pinyin: Lü2chun2 bu2 dui4 ma3zui3.)
Donkey's Lips Won't Fit Horse's Mouth
It refers to something totally irrelevant.
The dragon has nine sons, each different from the others.
(Chinese original: 一龙生九种，种种不同。Chinese Pinyin: Yi1 long2 sheng1 jiu3 zhong3, zhong3 zhong3 bu4 tong2.)
Dragon Has Nine Sons; Each Is Different
Rarely do sibblings have the same temperament and characters.
A dragon will be teased by a shrimp in a shoal water; a tiger will be bullied by a dog on a treeless plain.
(Chinese original: 龙游浅水遭虾戏，虎落平阳被犬欺。Chinese Pinyin: Long2 you2 qian3 shui3 zao1 xia1 xi4, hu3 luo4 ping2 yang2 bei4 quan3 qi1.)
(A similar proverb: A mighty dragon cannot subdue a local snake. 强龙不按地头蛇: Qiang2 long2 bu1 an4 di4 tou2 she2.)
Dragon Teased by Shrimp
One thrives in his or her own territory. An able person in an adverse environment cannot bring his talent into full play. Instead, he or she may become an underdog of a less able person who has been in that environment for a long time with a lot of connections.
Draw a cake to satisfy one's hunger.
(Chinese original: 画饼充饥。Chinese Pinyin: Hua4 bing3 chong1 ji1.)
Draw Cake to Satisfy Hunger
An unrealistic solution to a problem serves no other purpose than self deception.
Dripping water can eat through a stone.
(Chinese original: 滴水穿石。Chinese Pinyin: Di1 shui3 chuan1 shi2.)
Dripping Water Eats Through Stone
Perseverance will lead to success.
A dog won't forsake his master because of his poverty; a son never deserts his mother for her homely appearance.
(Chinese original: 狗不嫌家贫，儿不嫌娘丑。Chinese Pinyin: Gou3 bu1 xian2 jia1 pin2, er2 bu1 xian2 niang2 chou3.)
  
Drinking with a bosom friend, a thousand shots are too few; Talking with a disagreeable person, half a sentence is too many.
(Chinese original: 酒逢知己千杯少，话不投机半句多。Chinese Pinyin: Jiu3 feng2 zhi1ji3 qian1 bei1 shao3, hua4 bu4 tou2 ji1 ban4 ju4 duo1.)
  
Dream different dreams on the same bed.
(Chinese original: 同床异梦。Chinese Pinyin: Tong2 chuang2 yi4 meng4.)
 
A dream that lasts merely a millet soup's cooking time.
(Chinese original: 黄粱一梦 or 一枕黄粱。Chinese Pinyin: Huang2liang2 yi1 meng4 or Yi1 zhen3 huang2liang2.)
Dream That Lasts a Meal's Cooking Time
Some got a magic pillow and dreamed all the happiness a human being could think of, but upon his awakening, he realized that the pot of millet soup was not yet ready next door. The proverb is akin to "day dreaming" - a fond hope that can never materialize.
Dripping water can eat through a stone.
(Chinese original: 滴水穿石。Chinese Pinyin: Di1 shui3 chuan1 shi2.)
Dripping Water Eats Through Stone
Perseverance will lead to success.
Drinking the water of a well, one should never forget who dig it.
(Chinese original: 吃水不忘掘井人。Chinese Pinyin: Chi1 shui3 bu1 wang4 jue1 jing3 ren2.)
Never Forget Who Dig the Well
One should always be grateful to those who helped him succeed.
A drop of sweat spent in a drill is a drop of blood saved in a battle.
(Chinese original: 平时多流汗，战时少流血。Chinese Pinyin: Ping2shi2 duo1 liu2 han4, zhan4shi2 shao3 liu2 xue4.)
  

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E

Proverbs
Annotation And Connotations
Each law suit is a fire that burns despite one’s innocence.
(Chinese original: 一场官司一场火，任你好汉没处躲。Chinese Pinyin: Yi1 chang3 guan1si1 yi1 chang3 huo3, ren4 ni3 hao3han4 mei2 chu4 duo3.)
Law Suits Damaging to the Innocent?
It may not be true, but this is a traditional Chinese belief. People would rather suffer some loss than find themselves entangled in a law suit that could prove more costly.
Each sovereign maintains his own courtiers.
(Chinese original: 一朝天子一朝臣。Chinese Pinyin: Yi1 chao2 tian1zi1 yi1 chao2 chen2.)
Each Sovereign Maintains His Own Courtiers
For instance, each president has his own cabinet.
Eight Immortals cross the sea, each employing his or her theurgy.
(Chinese original: 八仙过海，各显神通。Chinese Pinyin: Ba1xian1 guo4 hai3, ge4 xian3 shen2tong1.)
Eight Immortals Crossing Sea
The Eight Immortals (Baxian) are legendary, each has a special miraculous power. The proverb describes a situation where people bring their diverse talents into play in accomplishing a task.
Even a rabbit will bite when it is cornered.
(Chinese original: 兔子急了也咬人。Chinese Pinyin: Tu4zi ji2 le ye3 yao3 ren2.)
  
The evil is dreaded by men but not heaven; the kind-hearted is cheated by mortals but not God.
(Chinese original: 人恶人怕天不怕, 人善人欺天不欺。Chinese Pinyin: Ren2 e4 ren2 pa4 tian1 bu2 pa4, ren2 shan4 ren2 qi1 tian1 bu4 qi1.)
  

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F

Proverbs
Annotation And Connotations
Fail to steal a chicken, which instead ate up your bait.
(Chinese original: 偷鸡不成反蚀一把米。Chinese Pinyin: Tou1 ji1 bu4cheng2 fan3 shi1 yi1ba3 mi3.)
Lose Chicken and Bait
Kind of like "Shoot Your Own Feet". Starting out to hurt others but ending up in being hurt.
A fall into a ditch, a gain in your wit.
(Chinese original: 吃一堑长一智。Chinese Pinyin: Chi1 yi2 qian4 zhang3 yi2 zhi4.)
Fall Makes One Wiser
People learn from their mistakes.
Fallen leaves return to the root.
(Chinese original: 落叶归根。Chinese Pinyin: Luo4ye4 gui1 gen4.)
Fallen Leaves Return to Root
Wherever they are, Chinese would like to return to their motherland in their senior ages.
Fearing laws makes one happy every day; withholding truth from heaven worries one all the time.
(Chinese original: 惧法朝朝乐 欺天日日忧。Chinese Pinyin: Ju4 fa3 tian1 tian1 le4, qi1 tian1 ri4 ri4 you1.)
  
A feet can be shorter while an inch can be longer.
(Chinese original: 尺短寸长。Chinese Pinyin: Chi3 duan3 cun4 chang2.)
Feet Shorter Than Inch?
Compared with something longer, a feet may be shorter; compared with something shorter, an inch seems longer. Things are relative: everything has its merits and demerits.
Fifty steps laugh at a hundred steps.
(Chinese original: 五十步笑百步。Chinese Pinyin: Wu3 shi2 bu4 xiao4 yi1 bai3 bu4.)
  
A fierce dog ruins a liquor store business.
(Chinese original: 狗猛酒酸。Chinese Pinyin: Gou3 meng3 jiu3 suan1.)
Dog Ruins Liquor Business?
A once successful liquor store suddenly sees its business faltering: customers stop coming. Finally the owner realizes that it was his fierce dog that has scared them away. A bad company may drive other friends away. Another dog-related proverb that does injustice to the animal.
Fight poison with poison.
(Chinese original: 以毒攻毒。Chinese Pinyin: Yi3 du2 gong1 du2.)
Fight Poison with Poison
Use the opponent's tactics to attack the opponent. Similar to "Fight fire with fire."
Fighting a wolf with a flex stalk - either side is afraid of the other.
(Chinese original: 麻秆打狼-两头怕。Chinese Pinyin: Ma2gan3 da3 lang2 - liang3tou2 pa4.)
Fight Wolf with Flex Stalk
Each party is fearful of the other: the wolf thought the stalk could be a fatal weapon while the person fears the consequence of his trick seen through by the wolf. Are you ever caught in a situation like this?
Fill in the eyes to a painted dragon.
(Chinese original: 画龙点睛。Chinese Pinyin: Hua4 long2 dian3 jing1.)
Fill in Eyes to Painted Dragons
It is said that a famous Chinese painter painted four dragons without eyes. When asked, he explained that with eyes they would fly away. Incredulous, his friends insisted on his filling in the eyes. Sure enough, as soon as the painter added eyes to two of the dragons, they started flying away. This proverb is most often used to describe a situation where one who uses succinct remarks to summarize the gist of an article or a speech.

Fish a needle in the sea.
(Chinese original: 大海捞针。Chinese Pinyin: Da4 hai3 lao2 zhen1.)
Fish Needle from Sea
Probably you have already thought of the English counterpart: looking for a "needle in a haystack."
Fish cannot survive absolutely clear water.
(Chinese original: 水至清则无鱼。Chinese Pinyin: Shui3 zhi4 qing1 ze2 wu2 yu2.)
 
Fish for the moon in the water.
(Chinese original: 水中捞月。Chinese Pinyin: Shui3 zhong1 lao1 yue4.)
Fish for Moon in Water
It is a useless attempt.
Fish in muddled water.
(Chinese original: 混水摸鱼。Chinese Pinyin: Hun2 shui3 mo1 yu2.)
Fish in Muddled Water
Take the advantage of a confused situation to make personal gains.
A flea on the top of a bald head - it is only too apparent.
(Chinese original: 秃子头上的虱子 - 明摆着的事。Chinese Pinyin: Tu1zi tou2shang de shi1zi - ming2 bai3 zhe de shi4.)
Crane, Camel, and Flea
A crane is too obvious when it stands among a flock of chickens and looks very awkward. It is also true with a camel amidst a flock of sheep and a flea when it stands on top of a hairless head. They all carry a pejorative tone: the thing that out stands others is something awkward if not necessarily bad.
Flies never infest an egg without cracks.
(Chinese original: 苍蝇不叮无缝蛋。Chinese Pinyin: Cang1ying2 bu4 ding1 wu2 feng4 dan4.)
Flies Love Flawed Eggs
Cracked eggs that yield odors are as vulnerable to flies as problem children to gangs or bad company.
A flower you plant may not necessarily bloom; but the seed of a tree you happen to drop may grow into a forest.
(Chinese original: 有意栽花花不发，无意插柳柳成荫。Chinese Pinyin: You3 yi4 zai1 hua1 hua1 bu4 kai1, wu2 yi4 cha1 liu3 liu3 cheng2 yin1.)
Flower Not Bloom, But Tree into a Forest
This irony happens often in real life. For instance, one's spouse may not be the sweetheart one used to spent so much time and energy to woo. Some discoveries and inventions happen in the same manner: Coca Cola is for one.
Flowers look different in different eyes.
(Chinese original: 各花入各眼。Chinese Pinyin: Ge4 hua1 ru4 ge4 yan3.)
Flows Look Different in Different Eyes
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Flowing water never goes bad; door hubs never gather termites.
(Chinese original: 流水不腐，户枢不蠹。Chinese Pinyin: Liu2shui3 bu4 fu3, hu4shu1 bu2 du4.)
Flowing Water Never Become Stale
It means that people got to renew their knowledge not to stay behind. The English "Rolling stone gathers no moss" has a different meaning.
A flying moth throws itself into a fire.
(Chinese original: 飞蛾投火。Chinese Pinyin: Fei1 e2 tou2 huo3.)
Flying Moth Embraces Fire
To say one is a flying moth that throws itself into a fire is to say that he is looking for his own demise.
The following situations can tell a genuine friendship from a fake one: life and death, poverty and wealth, and noble and humble family backgrounds..
(Chinese original: 一死一生，乃知交情；一贫一富，乃知交态；一贵一贱，交情乃见。Chinese Pinyin: Yi1 sheng1 yi1 si3, nai3 zhi1 jiao1 qing2; yi1 pin2 yi1 fu4, nai3 zhi1 jiao1 tai4; yi1 gui4 yi1 jian4, jiao1 qing2 nai3 jian4.)
  
"The Foolish Old Man" Removes a Mountain.
(Chinese original: 愚公移山。Chinese Pinyin: Yu2gong1 yi2 shan1.)
Foolish Old Man Removing Mountain
The legend goes that an old man was leading his family in picking away at a mountain in front of his house. When passers-by thinking of him as foolish asked how could he accomplished this mission impossible, the "Foolish Old Man" replied that if his family and their posterity work ceaselessly generation after generation, the mountain would eventually be removed. For, he said, "The mountain will not grow. With each inch removed, it becomes an inch lesser." This proverb was once quoted by Mao Tse-tung to encourage the Chinese to fight the formidable Japanese invaders during WWII. The moral is, in dealing with a seemingly very difficult task, keep on working at it without fear, and you will eventually succeed.
Force tells weak from strong for a time; truth tells right from wrong all the time.
(Chinese original: 一时强弱在于力，万古胜负在于理。Chinese Pinyin: Yi4shi2 qiang2 ruo4 zai4yu2 li4, wan4gu3 sheng4 fu4 zai4yu2 li3.)

  
Forget the fishing gear as soon as the fish is caught.
(Chinese original: 得鱼忘筌。Chinese Pinyin: De2 yu2 wang4 quan2.)
(An annotation is available here.)
Forget Fishing Gear After Catching Fish
Forget the means by which the end is attained.
A fox borrows the tiger's might.
(Chinese original: 狐假虎威。Chinese Pinyin: Hu3 jia3 hu3 wei1.)
Fox Borrows Tiger's Might
A fox caught by a tiger struck an idea of survival. He led the tiger to parade among the other animals, who of course scampered for life as they came. The fox, however, made the tiger believe that the animals feared the fox instead of him. As a result, the tiger dared not eat the fox any more. The proverb says of a bully borrowing a bigger bully's might to intimidate others.
Foxes grieve over the death of rabbits.
(Chinese original: 兔死狐悲。Chinese Pinyin: Tu4 si3 hu2 bei1.)
Fox Grieves Over Rabbit's Death
The proverb is used derogatorily to refer to the forlornness that bad people feel upon learning the misfortune of their like.
A fragrant bloom is not necessarily a beautiful flower; an orator may not be a crackerjack.
(Chinese original: 花香不一定美丽，能说不一定会做。Chinese Pinyin: Hua1 xiang1 bu4 yi2ding4 mei3li4, neng2 shuo1 bu4 yi2ding4 hui4 zuo4.)
  
Fragments of fox fur, sewn together, will make a robe.
(Chinese original: 集腋成裘。Chinese Pinyin: Ji2 ye4 cheng2 qiu2.)
Fragments of Fur Make a Robe
"Many a little makes a mickle."
A friend made is a road paved; an enemy created is a wall built.
(Chinese original: 交个朋友多条路，树个敌人多堵墙。Chinese Pinyin: Jiao1 ge4 peng2you3 duo1 tiao2 lu4, shu4 ge4 di2ren2 duo1 du3 qiang2.)
Friend Is Road, Enemy Is Wall
How true: friends help while people you offend may turn out to be your liability. We should make more friends than enemies.
A frog in a well shaft
(Chinese original: 井底之蛙。Chinese Pinyin: Jing3 di2 zhi1 wa1.)
Frog and the Sky
There is an argument between a bird who stopped to drank at a well and a frog therein. They were arguing about how the sky looked like. Regarding where they were, they each had a different view. The frog's vision was of course very limited. Therefore, this proverb refers to somebody who has a very narrow-minded and insulated view of what they see or what they think.
Fruits of the same tree have different tastes; children of the same mother display varied inteligence.
(Chinese original: 一树之果，有酸有甜；一母之子，有愚有贤。Chinese Pinyin: Yi2 shu4 zhi1 guo3 you3 suan1 you3 tian2, yi1 mu3 zhi1 zi3 you3 yu2 you3 xian2.)
Fruit of Same Tree Have Different Taste

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G

Proverbs
Annotation And Connotations
The gate of charity is hard to open nor close; a guest is easy to invite but hard to turn away.
(Chinese original: 善门难开，善门难闭; 招之则来，推之不去。Chinese Pinyin: Shan4 men2 nan2 kai1, shan4 men2 nan2 bi4. Zhao1 zhi1 ze2 lai2, tui1 zhi1 bu2 qu4.)
Gate of Charity Is Hard to Open Nor Close
When offering charity or help, be cautious of people that may take advantage of you.
A girl apes her neighbor's frowning.
(Chinese original: 东施效颦。Chinese Pinyin: Dong1shi1 xiao4 pin4.)
Girl Apes Neighbor's Frowning
A beauty is beautiful even when she was sick and frowned all day. A homely girl in her neighborhood tried to ape her frowning thinking that she could become pretty but instead made herself look uglier.
Give it to the Yangtze that rambles east to the sea.
(Chinese original: 付诸东流。Chinese Pinyin: Fu4 zhu1 dong1 liu2.)
Give It to the Yangtze
When you give something to the Yangtze that brings it to the waters, then everything you have been doing is in vain.
Give one fish and he's fed for only a day. Teach one how to fish and he'll be free from hunger all his life.
(Chinese original: 授人以鱼只救一时之急，授人以渔则解一生之需。Chinese Pinyin: Shou4 ren2 yi3 yu2 zhi3 jiu4 yi1 shi2 zhi1 ji2, shou4 ren2 yi3 yu2 ze2 jie3 yi1 sheng1 zhi1 xu1..)
Better Teach One to Fish than Give Him Fish
"God help those who help themselves." Wouldn't be better to enable one to help themselves?
A good fortune may forebode a bad luck, which may in turn disguise a good fortune.
(Chinese original: 祸兮福所依，福兮祸所依。Chinese Pinyin: Huo4 xi1 fu2 suo3 yi1, fu2 xi1 huo4 suo3 yi1.)
Good Fortune or Bad Luck?
Do not over rejoice over good fortune and be over dejected by a mishap. There are always the unforeseeable turns for the better or worse.
A governor may commit arson while the governed are not allowed to light a lamp.
(Chinese original: 只许州官放火，不许百姓点灯。Chinese Pinyin: Zhi3 xu3 zhou1guan1 fang4 huo3, bu4 xu3 bai3xing4 dian3 ding1.)
Governor May Commit Arson while His People Can't Light a Lamp
One may steal a horse while another may not look over the hedge. A bully may do whatever he wants but won't bear the sight of others doing a fraction of what he is doing.
Good will be rewarded with good and evil with evil; it is only a matter of time.
(Chinese original: 善恶到头终有报 只等来早与来迟。Chinese Pinyin: Shan4 e4 dao4 tou2 zhong1 you3 bao4, zhi3 deng3 lai2 zao3 yu4 lai2 chi2.)
  
Guard against disgrace in times of honor; be prepared for danger in times of safety.
(Chinese original: 得宠思辱，安居思危。Chinese Pinyin: De2 chong3 si1 ru3, an1 ju1 si1 wei1.)
  

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H

Proverbs
Annotation And Connotations
Harmony makes both a family and a nation prosperous.
(Chinese original: 家和日子旺，国和万事兴。Chinese Pinyin: Jia1 he2 ri4zi4 wang4; guo2 he2 wan4 shi4 xing1.)
  
Have a mouth as sharp as a dagger but a heart as soft as tofu.
(Chinese original: 刀子嘴豆腐心。Chinese Pinyin: Dao1zi zui3 dou4fu xin1.)
Mountain of Knives, Sea of Fire
Extremely difficulty and dangerous situation.
Have one's ears pierced only before the wedding ceremony starts.
(Chinese original: 临上轿现扎耳朵眼儿。Chinese Pinyin: Lin2 shang4 jiao4 xian4 zha1 er3duo yan3r.)
Pierce Ears At Wedding
It is a criticism of procrastination. Like a bride who waited till the last minute to get things done that should have been done earlier. It also has the connotation that it might be too late to wait till the last minute.
He who plays with fire may become its victim.
(Chinese original: 玩火自焚。Chinese Pinyin: Wan2 huo3 zi4 fen2.)
He Who Plays with Fire May Become Its Victim
An evil doer will eventually end up being punished.
He who stays near vermilion gets stained red; he who stays near ink gets stained black.
(Chinese original: 近朱者赤，近墨者黑。Chinese Pinyin: Jin4 zhu1 zhe3 chi4, jin4 mo4 zhe3 hei1.)
Color of Vermilion or Ink
One takes on the color of his company.
Heaven gives full protection to those with good wishes.
(Chinese original: 人有善愿 天毕佑之。Chinese Pinyin: Ren2 you3 shan4 yuan4, tian1 bi4 you4 zhi1.)
  
Help the needy but not the poor.
(Chinese original: 救急不救穷。Chinese Pinyin: Jiu4 ji2 bu4 jiu4 qiong2.)
Help the Needy But Not the Poor
There are too many poor people to help. Those who are in dire need are the ones that need your help the most.
A honeyed mouth hides a daggered heart.
(Chinese original: 口蜜腹剑。Chinese Pinyin: Gou3 na2 hao4zi4 -- Kou3 mi4 fu4 jian4.)
Honeyed Mouth Hides Daggered Heart
Beware of this "kiss of death."
Hidden dragons, crouching tigers.
(Chinese original: 藏龙卧虎。Chinese Pinyin: Cang2 long2 wo4 hu3.)
Hidden Dragons, Crouching Tigers
When you say some place has "hidden dragons and crouching tigers" you mean that that place has able people who are kept willingly or unwillingly in a low profile. The proverb is usually used to advise people not to take a place like that lightly.
Hit a stone with an egg.
(Chinese original: 以卵击石。Chinese Pinyin: Yi3 luan3 ji1 shi2.)
Hit Stone with Egg
Overrate one's power and gets defeated because of it.
Honing your hatchet will not delay your effort of wood cutting.
(Chinese original: 磨刀不误砍柴工。Chinese Pinyin: Mo2 dao1 bu2 wu4 kan3 chai2 gong1.)
Honing Hatchet Makes Woodcutting Efficient
It seems to take some time to do a good preparation for doing, but it pays off in the long run.
A horse cannot gain weight if not fed with extra fodder during the night; a man cannot become wealthy without earnings apart from his regular salaries.
(Chinese original: 马无夜草不肥，人无外快不富。Chinese Pinyin: Ma3 wu2 ye4 cao3 bu4 fei2, ren2 wu2 wai4 kuai4 bu2 fu4.)
  
How can you expect to find ivory in a dog's mouth?
(Chinese original: 狗嘴里吐不出象牙。Chinese Pinyin: Gou3 zui3li3 tu3 bu1 chu1 xiang4ya2.)
Ivory Expected from Dog's Mouth
True, that is an impossibility. The connotation is you can not expect people of evil intent to utter anything good. By the way, in the Chinese culture, dogs are almost always negative in allusions.
How can you put out a fire set on a cart-load of firewood with only a cup of water?
(Chinese original: 杯水车薪。Chinese Pinyin: Bei1 shui3 che1 xin1.)
Firewood and Cup of Water
It is useless to apply minor remedies to a major problem.

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I

Proverbs
Annotation And Connotations
If a son is uneducated, his dad is to blame.
(Chinese original: 子不教，父之过。Chinese Pinyin: Zi3 bu2 jiao4, fu4 zhi1 guo4.)
  
If the lips are gone, the teeth will grow cold.
(Chinese original: 唇亡齿寒。Chinese Pinyin: Chun2 wang2 chi3 han2.)
Lips Gone Renders Teeth Cold
Two parties share a common interest. If one is hurt, the other will, too.
If you do not study hard when young you'll end up bewailing your failures as you grow up.
(Chinese original: 少小不努力，老大徒伤悲。Chinese Pinyin: Shao4 xiao3 bu4 nu3li4, lao3 da4 tu2 shang1bei1.)
  
If you have never done anything wrong, you should not be worrying about devils to knock at your door.
(Chinese original: 无事不怕鬼叫门。Chinese Pinyin: Wu2 shi4 bu2 pa4 gui3 jiao4 men2.)
Regular Feet vs Irregular Shoes
Same as "If you have not done anything evil, you should not worry too much": the good/regular always overwhelms the bad/irregular though in real life it is not necessarily so.
An image of a bamboo has already been formed in mind before it is committed to the painting canvas.
 
(Chinese original: 胸有成竹 or 成竹在胸。Chinese Pinyin: Xiong1 you3 cheng2 zhu2, or Cheng2 zhu2 zai4 xiong1.)
Bamboo Image in Mind
One is certain about something to happen. Incidentally, it was said that there was once a translator who translated the proverb word for word as "a bamboo stick in the bosom" that made himself a laughing stock.
In face of evil, one would rather be a jade broken than a brick intact.
(Chinese original: 逢奸宁可玉碎 气正不求瓦全。Chinese Pinyin: Feng2 jian1 ning4 ke3 yu4 sui4, qi4 zheng4 bu4 qiu2 wa3 quan2.)
Rather be Broken Jade than Complete Brick
One would rather die than surrender.
An inch of time is an inch of gold but you can't buy that inch of time with an inch of gold.
(Chinese original: 一寸光阴一寸金，寸金难买寸光阴。Chinese Pinyin: Yi1 cun4 guang1yin1 yi1 cun4 jin1; cun4 jin1 nan2 mai3 cun4 guang1yin1.)
Inch of Gold for Inch of Time
Disregard the different use of unit words describing nouns in different cultures. This proverb tells the truth that time is more valuable than money. Money spent or lost can be earned; time lost is lost for good. No money can buy it back. The motto is that we got to make good use of our time.
It does not matter if your tavern sits in a remote location so long as the smell of your wine is appealing.
(Chinese original: 酒香不怕巷子深。Chinese Pinyin: Jiu3 xiang1 bu2 pa4 xiang4zi shen1.)
Remote Tavern with Good Wine
Superb quality of your product or service compensates for other shortcomings.
It is better to start weaving your fishing nets than merely coveting fish at the water.
(Chinese original: 临渊羡鱼，不如退而结网。Chinese Pinyin: Lin2 yuan1 mu4 yu2, bu4 ru2 tui4 er3 jie2 wang3.)
Better Weave Nets than Coveting Fish
One should act than daydream.
It is easy to dodge a spear that comes in front of you but hard to avoid an arrow shot from behind.
(Chinese original: 明枪易躲，暗箭难防。Chinese Pinyin: Ming2qiang1 yi4 duo3, an4jian4 nan2 fang2.)
Hard to Dodge a Shot from Behind
It is easier to guard against the obvious.
It is impossible to add much weight with a single morsel; it is hard to travel afar with a single step.
(Chinese original: 一口吃不成胖子，一步跨不到天边。Chinese Pinyin: Yi4kou3 chi1 bu1 cheng2 pang4zi3, yi2bu4 kua4 bu2 dao4 tian1 bian1.)
  
It is too late for a galloping horse to stop at a clip; it is useless for a sinking boat to be mended in the middle of a river.
(Chinese original: 马到悬崖收疆晚, 船至江心补漏迟。Chinese Pinyin: Ma3 dao4 xuan2ya2 shou1 jiang1 wan3, chuan2 dao4 jiang1xin1 bu3 lou4 chi2.)
Too Late to Stop a Galloping Horse at a Clip
Usually it is to advise people to quit bad habbits and behaviors before it is too late.
It takes one three years to learn to be a man of integrity; it only takes him three days to degrade.
(Chinese original: 学好三年, 学坏三天。Chinese Pinyin: Xue2 hao3 san1nian2, xue2 huai4 san1tian1.)
  

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J

Proverbs
Annotation And Connotations
A jade stone is useless before it is processed; a man is good-for-nothing until he is educated.
(Chinese original: 玉不琢不成器，人不教难成材。Chinese Pinyin: Yu4 bu4 zhuo1 bu4 cheng2 qi4, ren2 bu2 jiao4 nan2 cheng2 cai2.)
Useless Jade and Uneducated Man
It is an emphasis on the need of education.

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K

Proverbs
Annotation And Connotations
Keep the box but return the jewelry after purchasing them.
(Chinese original: 买椟还珠。Chinese Pinyin: Mai3 du2 huan2 zhu1.)
Keep Box but Return Jewelry
Whoever does this must lack judgment, appreciating things of less value.
Kill a chicken before a monkey.
(Chinese original: 杀鸡给猴看。Chinese Pinyin: Sha1 ji1 gei3 hou2 kan4.)
Chicken and Monkey; One and Hundred
To warn the many by punishing a few.
Kill a hen to get the egg.
(Chinese original: 杀鸡取卵。Chinese Pinyin: Sha1 ji1 qu3 lüan3.)
  
Kill one to warn a hundred.
(Chinese original: 杀一儆百。Chinese Pinyin: Sha1 yi1 jing3 bai3.)
Chicken and Monkey; One and Hundred
To warn the many by punishing a few.
Kill two vultures with one arrow.
(Chinese original: 一箭双雕。Chinese Pinyin: Yi1 jian4 shuang1 diao1.)
Two Vultures and One Arrow
“Kill two birds with one stone.“

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L

Proverbs
Annotation And Connotations
Learn from other's strong points to offset one's shortcomings.
(Chinese original: 取长补短。Chinese Pinyin: Qu3 chang2 bu3 duan3.)
  
Learning how the Handan residents walk.
(Chinese original: 邯郸学步。Chinese Pinyin: Han2dan1 xue2 bu4.)
Learning Handan Style of Walking
A man hated the way he walked and decided to learn how people in the city of Handan carried themselves. The result was, however, not only did he fail to learn the new style, but he also forgot his own way of walking. He could only but crawl back to his hometown and became a laughing stock. The moral is that one should use critical thinking rather than blindly following others' models. Copying others without applying what is useful to one's practical needs can only make things worse.
A life with love is happy; a life for love is foolish.
(Chinese original: 生活有爱幸福，为爱生活愚蠢。Chinese Pinyin: Sheng1huo2 you3 ai4 xing4fu2, wei4 ai4 sheng1huo2 yu2chun3.)
  
Lift a stone only to drop on your own feet.
(Chinese original: 搬起石头砸自己的脚。Chinese Pinyin: Ban1qi3 shi2tou2 za2 zi4ji3 de jiao3.)
Gun/Stone and the Foot
Isn't it similar to "Shoot your gun at your own foot"?
Like neither a donkey nor a horse.
(Chinese original: 非驴非马。Chinese Pinyin: Fei1 lü2 fei1 ma3.)
Neither Donkey Nor Horse
If something one has created is like neither animals, then it must be something awkward and laughable.
Like ants gnawing at a bone.
(Chinese original: 蚂蚁啃骨头。Chinese Pinyin: Ma3yi3 ken3 gu2tou2.)
Ants Gnawing at Bone
A metaphor describing a situation where people trying an overwhelmingly big task by doing bit by bit with perseverance.
Like bamboo shoots after rain.
(Chinese original: 雨后春笋。Chinese Pinyin: Yu3 hou4 chun1 sun3.)
  
Living at a river, one comes to know the nature of the fish therein; Dwelling by a mountain, one learns to recognize the language of the birds thereupon.
(Chinese original: 近水知鱼性，近山识鸟音。Chinese Pinyin: Jin4 shui3 zhi1 yu2 xing4, jin4 shan1 shi2 niao3 yin1.)
Nature of Fish and Language of Birds
Familiarity and vicinity breed more understanding.
A long march starts from the very first step.
(Chinese original: 千里之行，始于足下。Chinese Pinyin: Qian1li3 zhi1 xing2 shi3 yu2 zu2 xia4.)
Long March Starts from First Step
Success does not come from nothing, instead it comes from concrete hard work.
The longer the night lasts, the more our dreams will be.
(Chinese original: 夜长梦多。Chinese Pinyin: Ye4 chang2 meng4 duo1.)
More Dreams as Night Prolongs
The longer we stay in a disadvantageous position, the more risks we'll take.
Look at a leopard through a pipe.
(Chinese original: 管中窥豹。Chinese Pinyin: Guan3 zhong1 kui4 bao4.)
View Leopard through Pipe
You can add to the rest through your imagination. This proverb means that one can tell the entirety by looking at part of it. Note, it has a commendatory rather than a derogatory connotation.
Looking for a donkey on its very back.
(Chinese original: 骑驴找驴。Chinese Pinyin: Qi2 lü2 zhao3 lü2.)
  
Lord Ye's professed love of dragons turned into his worst fear.
(Chinese original: 叶公好龙。Chinese Pinyin: Ye4gong1 hao4 long2.)
Lord Ye's Professed Love of Dragons
A Lord Ye professed that he loved dragons. To prove it, he drew dragons everywhere. When the real dragons paid him a visit, he was scared to death. One may not do what he claims to be interested in doing.
The lotus root may be severed, but its fibered threads are still connected.
(Chinese original: 藕断丝连。Chinese Pinyin: Ou3 duan4 si1 lian2.)
Lotus Broken Still Connected by Fibers
Something apparently severed but actually connected, such as a human relationship."
Love my house, love the crow on it.
(Chinese original: 爱屋及乌。Chinese Pinyin: Ai4 wu1 ji2 wu1.)
Love My House, Love Crow Thereupon
The crow may be ugly, but love it if your really love my house. A close English counterpart of this proverb is "Love me, love my dog."
Lure a tiger out of its mountain.
(Chinese original: 调虎离山。Chinese Pinyin: Diao4 hu3 li2 shan1.)
Lure Tiger Out of Mountain
Lure an enemy out of its well defended base to annihilate it.

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M

Proverbs
Annotation And Connotations
Make a decision when a decision is called for. Hesitation only brings disaster.
(Chinese original: 当断不断，反受其乱。Chinese Pinyin: Dang1 duan4 bu2 duan4, fan3 shou4 qi2 luan4.)
  
A man's greed is like a snake that wants to swallow an elephant.
(Chinese original: 人心不足蛇吞象。Chinese Pinyin: Ren2 xin1 bu4 zu2 she2 tun1 xiang4.)
Man's Greed Is Like Snake Trying to Swallow Elephant
You can never tell what one really thinks. Sincerity shows through one's actions rather than words and appearance.
A man's heart is indiscernible behind his chest.
(Chinese original: 人心隔肚皮。Chinese Pinyin: Ren2 xin1 ge2 du4 pi2.)
(A similar proverb: You may know someone by his appearance, but you may never know what he thinks. 知人知面不知心: Zhi1 ren2 zhi1 mian4 bu4 zhi1 xin1.)