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 Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-10-11 04:31


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

自恨枝無葉,---Zi4 hen4 zhi wu2 ye4,
莫怨太陽偏.---Mo4 yuan4 tai4 yang2 pian.

When the branch has no leaves.
Don't blame the sun is biased.
(自己要先看看自己有沒有毛病﹐不要總是強調他人的影響)
-------------------------------------------------

自古奸雄同一轍,---Zi4 gu3 jian xiong2 tong2 yi che2,
莫將邦國易如花.---Mo4 jiang bang guo2 yi4 ru2 hua.

Since time immemorial all the treacherous politicians were the same,
They manipulated the politics of a country like playing with flowers.
-------------------------------------

自古皆有死,---Zi4 gu3 jie you3 si3,
人無信不立.---Ren2 wu2 xin4 bu4 li4.

Since time immemorial no one cannot escape death,
If one is untrustworthy he cannot stand erect.
----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-10-11 09:03


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

美不美, 鄉中水.---Mei3 bu4 mei3, xiang zhong shui3,
親不親, 故鄉人.---Qin bu4 qin, gu4 xiang ren2

Irrespective of its quality, home water is beautiful,
Irrespective of his relationship, a fellow townsfolk is a relative.
對故鄉的東西倍感美好﹔對同鄉的人倍感親切。
---------------------------------------------

馬行無力皆因瘦,---Ma3 xing2 wu2 li4 jie yin shou4,
人不風流只為貧.---Ren2 bu4 feng liu2 zhi3 wei4 pin2.

A horse's stamina is limited by its constitution,
A man's flirtation is limited by poverty.
馬跑不起來都是因為太瘦﹐沒力氣﹔
人不能揚眉吐氣就是因為窮。
-----------------------------------------

欲求生富貴,---Yu4 qiu2 sheng fu4 gui4,
須下死工夫.---Xu xia4 si3 gong fu.

To have a luxurious living,
One has to labour hard.
要想得到富貴﹔必須要用氣力下工夫。
----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-10-11 23:35


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

人無遠慮---Ren2 wu2 yuan3 lu4,
必有近憂.---Bi4 you3 jin4 you.

Worries worry
If a man without foresight.

人沒有遠大的思慮,
必有旦夕的禍患憂慮.
---------------------------------------------

人心不足蛇吞象
Ren2 xin bu4 zu2 she2 tun xiang4

A man's greed is like a snake
that wants to swallow an elephant.
---------------------------------------------------

光陰黃金難買,---Guang yin huang2 jin nan2 mai3,
一世如駒過隙.---Yi shi4 ru2 ju guo4 xi4.

Time cannot be bought by gold,
The life of a man is like a horse galloping through a crevice.

黃金難買光陰﹐人生如世間過客。
形容人生短暫﹐應萬分珍惜。
----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-11-11 03:10


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

相逢好似初相識,---Xiang4 feng2 hao3 si4 chu xiang4 shi2,
到老終無怨恨心.---Dao4 lao3 zhong wu2 yuan4 hen4 xin.

Meeting my friend as if we first met,
Ageing, we bear no resentment to each other.

人和人的交往不要太深﹐免得到老產生怨恨之心。
------------------------------------------------------------

捧人飯碗,---Peng3 ren2 fan4 wan3.
聽人使喚.---Ting ren2 shi3 huan4.

Holding up someone's rice bowl in both hands,
You must obey his directions.
-------------------------------------

親者成仇仇者親,---Qing4 zhe3 cheng2 chou2 chou2 zhe3 qing4,
迎狼入室為何因?--Ying2 lang2 ru4 shi4 wei2 he2 yin?

When a relative becomes an enemy, the relative is an enemy,
That is why the wolf is invited into the house?
----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-11-11 05:26


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

孔子曰:
Confucius said:

逝者如斯天!---Shi4 zhe3 ru2 si tian,
不舍晝天.-------Bu4 she3 zhou4 tian.

孔子站在河邊, 看了那河水流個不停, 感歎著說:
"逝去的就像流水一般! 不分晝夜,永無止息".

Confucius, standing near the bank of a river watching the flowing water,
said:
"When one dies, one is like the flowing water, flowing endlessly day and
night".
--------------------------------------------------

不學楊柳隨風擺,---Bu4 xue2 yang2 liu3 sui2 feng bai3,
要學青松立山岡.---Yao xue2 qing song li4 shan gang.

Don't learn from the poplar and willow swaying with the wind,
Must learn from the pine standing straight on the ridge of a hill.
------------------------------------------

花開堪折只需折,---Hua kai kan zhe2 zhi xu zhe2,
莫待無花空折枝.---Mo4 dai4 wu2 hua kong zhe2 zhi

Pluck the flowers while they bloom,
Do not wait lest you will have only twigs.
---------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-11-11 05:32


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

花對花, 柳對柳,-----Hua dui hua, liu3 dui liu3,
破糞箕對爛掃帚.---Po4 fen4 qi dui lan4 sao4 zhou3.

A flower matches a flower, a willow matches a willow,
The broken manure basket matches the worn-out broom.
--------------------------------------------------

花香不一定美麗,---Hua xiang bu4 yi ding4 mei3 li4,
能說不一定會做.---.Neng2 shuo bu4 yi ding4 hui4 zuo4.

A fragrant flower is not necessarily beautiful,
An orator is not necessarily a crackerjack.
------------------------------------------------------

花有重開日,---Hua you3 chong2 kai ri4,(P)
人無再少年.---Ren2 wu2 zai4 shao3 nian2.

A flower will bloom again.
But a man has only one youth.
-------------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-11-11 07:27


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

莫待是非來入耳,---Mo4 dai4 shi4 fei lai2 ru4 er3,
從前恩愛反為仇.---Cong2 qian2 en ai4 fan3 wei4 chou2.

Do not wait to hear the right or wrong,
The kindness of the past will be requited with enmity.

要少聽或不聽事非話﹐聽多了﹐
再好的人也反會成為仇人。
----------------------------------------------

愛人者, 人恆愛,---Ai4 ren2 zhe3, ren2 heng2 ai4,
敬人者, 人恆敬.---Jing4 ren2 zhe3, ren hrng2 jing4.

If a man really loves other people, he will be loved forever by others,
If a man really respects other people, he will be respected by others eternally.

------------------------------------------

莫待是非來入耳,---Mo4 dai4 shi4 fei lai2 ru4 er3,
從前恩愛反為仇.---Cong2 qian2 en ai4 fan3 wei4 chou2.

Do not wait to hear the right or wrong,
The kindness of the past will be requited with enmity.

要少聽或不聽事非話﹐聽多了﹐
再好的人也反會成為仇人。
----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-11-11 09:45


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

冰凍三尺厚,---Bing dong4 san chi3 hou4,
非一日之寒.---Fei yi ri4 zhi han2.

It takes more than one cold day
For the river to freeze three feet deep.
(The trouble has been brewing for quite some time)
--------------------------------------------------------

初生牛兒不怕虎,---Chu sheng niu2 er2 bu4 pa4 hu3,(P)
長出角來倒怕狼.---Zhang3 chu jiao3 lai2 dao4 pa4 lang2.

Newborn calves are not afraid of tigers,
However, when their horns are grown they are afraid of foxes.
------------------------------------------------

閨女十八變,---Gui nu3 shi2 ba bian4, (P)
越變越好看.---Yue4 bian4 yue4 hao3 kan.

At 18 a girl has many changes,
The more she changes the more beautiful she looks.
----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-11-11 12:56


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

枯木逢春猶在發,---Ku mu4 feng2 chun you2 zai4 fa,
人無兩度在少年.---Ren2 wu2 liang2 du4 zai4 shao3 nian2.

The withered tree gets a new lease of life when spring comes,
But a person cannot be young twice.
------------------------------------------

苦海無邊,---Ku3 hai3 wu2 bian,
回頭是岸.---Hui2 tou2 shi4 an4.

The sea of bitterness has no bounds,
Repent and the shore is at hand.
-------------------------------------------

苦口是藥,---Ku3 kou3 shi4 yao4,
甜言致病.---Tian2 yan2 zhi4 bing4.

Bitter words are medicine,
Sweet words bring illness.
-----------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-11-11 13:06


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom


孟子曰 Meng Zi said:

老吾老及人之老,---Lao3 wu2 lao3 ji2 ren2 zhi lao3,
幼吾幼及人之幼.---You4 wu2 you4 ji2 ren2 zhi you4.

Respect the elderly as you respect your parents.
Care for the youngsters, as you care for your children.
---------------------------------

老鴉笑豬黑,---Lao3 ya xiao4 zhu hei,
自黑不覺得.---Zi4 hei bu4 jue2 de2.

The crow laughs at the little pig for being black,
But the crow does not know itself is black too.
----------------------------------

老鷹捉小雞,----------Lao3 ying zhuo xiao3 ji,
一個憂愁一個喜.---Yi ge4 you chou2 yi ge4 xi3

A small chicken is caught by an eagle,
One is worried and the other is happy.
------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-11-11 13:52


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

牡丹雖好,---Mu3 dan sui hao3,
還靠綠葉扶持.---Hai2 kao4 lu4 ye4 fu2 chi2.

Though the peony is beautiful,
It is supported by its green leaves.
--------------------------------------

目不視邪色,---Mu4 bu4 shi4 xie2 se4,
耳不聽淫聲.---Er3 bu4 ting yin2 sheng.

My eyes are not for seeing evil scene,
My ears are not for listening to obscene sound.
---------------------------------------------------------------

牡丹花好空入目,---Mu3 dan hua hao3 kong4 ru4 mu4,
棗花須結小實成.---Zao3 hua xu jie2 xiao3 shi2 cheng2.

Peony flower is only good for the eyes to appreciation
The date flowers produce eatable dates.
--------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-11-11 19:32


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

千靠萬靠,---Qian1 kao4 wan4 kao4,
不如自靠.---Bu4 ru2 zi4 kao4

One would not achieve anything if one were depending on others all the time,
It is much better to depend on oneself.
----------------------------------------------------

千里搭長棚,---Qian li3 da chang2 peng2,
盛筵席必散.---Sheng4 yan2 xi2 bi4 san3.

Even the longest and the grandest feast,
Must break up at last.
------------------------------------------------

千里送鵝毛,---Qian li3 song4 e2 mao2,
禮輕情意重.---Li3 qing qing2 yi4 zhong4.

Sending a goose feather from a thousand miles away,
The gift itself may be light as a goose feather,
but sent from afar, it conveys deep feeling.
--------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-11-11 19:46


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

孔子曰: Confucius said:

其言之不怍,---Qi2 yan2 zhi bu4 zuo,
則為之也難.---Ze2 wei2 zhi ye3 nan2.

( 白話)

說大話不感覺慚愧的人﹐
要他去實地做起來就難了。

Confucius said:
When a person does not feel ashamed in brazenly bragging,
It will be very hard for him to undertake a serious task.
----------------------------------------

虎瘦友心在,---Hu3 shou4 you3 xin zai4,
人窮志不窮.---Ren2 qiong2 zhi4 bu4 qiong2.

Having had my bravery emaciated I still have my friendly heart,
Being poor but my ambition is not poor.
--------------------------------------------

虎餓逢人吃,---Hu3 e4 feng2 ren2 chi,
人窮起盜心.---Ren2 qiong2 qi3 dao4 xin.

A hungry tiger will eat any human whom it comes upon,
A poor man will think of stealing.
----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-11-11 19:58



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

孔子曰: Confucius said:

樂而不淫,---Le4 er2 bu4 yin2,
哀而不傷.---Ai er2 bu4 shang.

In simple Chinese (白話)
快樂而不淫放蕩,
悲哀而不傷身心.

Be happy but do not loose your morals,
Grieved but do not harm your body and mind.
------------------------------------------

朋友千個好,---Peng2 you3 qian ge4 hao3,
怨家一個少.---Yuan4 jia yi ge4 shao3.

It is good to have a thousand friends,
To have one enemy is more than enough.
-----------------------------------------

朋友如初見,---Peng2 you3 ru2 chu jian4,
到老方不厭.---Dao4 lao3 fang bu4 yan4.

Always treat your friend as when you first meet them,
Then in old age you will have not hatred in your heart.
----------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-11-11 20:17


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

出籠的鳥兒難回,---Chu1 long2 de niao3 er2 nan2 hui2,
出口的話兒難收.---Chu kou3 de hua4 er2 nan2 shou.

Once a bird is out of the cage it is hard for it to return,
Once a word is said it cannot be unsaid.
------------------------------------------------

出其言善,------------Chu qi2 yan2 shan4,
則千里之外應之.---Ze2 qian li3 zhi wai4 ying zhi,

If the words are wise, people living a thousand miles
away will response favourably,

出其言不善,---------Chu qi2 yan2 bu4 shan4,
則千里之外違之.---Ze2 qian li3 zhi wai4 wei2 zhi.

If the words are not wise people living a thousand miles
away will violate them.
-----------------------------------------------

假的真不得,---Jia4 di2 zhen bu4 dei3,
真的假不得.---Zhen di2 jia3 bu4 dei3.

The fake one cannot be true,
The true one cannot be fake.
-------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-11-11 21:44


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

老虎屁股摸不得
Lao3 hu3 pi4 gu mo bu4 de2.

No one dares to touch the backside of a tiger
-------------------------------------

老驥伏櫪,---Lao3 ji4 fu2 li,
志在千里.---Zhi4 zai4 qian li3.

An old horse lying in the stable,
Still aspires to gallop a thousand miles
(Old people may still cherish high aspiration)
---------------------------------------------

老母豬下崽兒,---Lao3 mu3 zhu xia4 zai3 er2,
一窩不如一窩.---Yi wo bu4 ru2 yi wo.

Old mother pig gives birth to piglets,
Each lair is worse than the last.
-------------------------------------------------

老鼠過街,---Lao3 shu3 guo4 jie,
人人喊打.---Ren2 ren2 han3 da3.

When a rat is running across the street,
Everybody shouts: " Kill it".
(A person or thing hated by everyone)
--------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-12-11 01:06


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

作善天降百祥,---Zuo4 shan4 tian jiang4 bai3 xiang2,
作惡天降百殃.---Zuo4 e3 tian jiang4 bai3 yang.

For doing good, may the gods be propitious unto you
For doing evil you may meet with disasters.
-----------------------------------------------

做一天和尚,---Zuo4 yi tian he2 shang4,
得撞一天鐘.---De2 zhuang4 yi tian zhong.

As long as one is a monk,
One must go on tolling the bell.
---------------------------------------

做賊的心虛,---Zuo4 zei2 di2 xin xu,
放屁的臉紅.---Fang4 pi4 di2 lian3 hong2.

A thief has a guilty conscience,
The one who farts blushed.
------------------------------------------

斬草不除根,---Zhan3 cao3 bu4 chu2 gen,
逢春芽又生.---Feng2 chun ya2 you3 sheng.

If you cut the weeds without digging up the roots,
Young shoots will shoot out when spring comes.
----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-12-11 02:32


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

不到黃河不死心.---Bu4 dao4 Huanghe bu4 si3 xin,
不見棺材不流淚.---Bu4 jian4 guan cai2 bu4 liu2 lei4.

One will not give up until one reaches the Yellow River,
One will not shed tears until one sees the coffin that is for him.
------------------------------------------------

不怪自家麻繩短,---Bu4 guai4 zi4 jia ma2 sheng2 duan3,
只怪他人古井深.---Zhi3 guai4 ta ren2 gu3 jing3 shen.

You never complain that your own rope is too short,
Instead you grumble that people's well is too deep.
-----------------------------------------------

不管牠是烏貓或白貓,---Bu4 guan3 ta shi4 wu2 mao huo4 bai2 mao,
會捉老鼠的就是好貓.---Hui4 zhuo lao3 shu3 jiu4 shi4 hao3 mao

It does not matter whether it is a black cat or a white cat,
As long as it knows how to catch mice it is a good cat.
-------------------------------------------------

孔子曰: Confucius said:

不患人之不己知,---Bu4 huan4 ren2 zhi bu4 ji3 zhi, (P)
患不知人也.----------Huan4 bu4 zhi ren2 ye3.

In simple Chinese (白話)

不要怕別人不知自己﹐
只怕自己不知道別人。

Don't be afraid of people not knowing you,
But you should be afraid of not knowing people.
----------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-12-11 04:06


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

毒人的莫食,---Du2 ren2 di2 mo,
犯法的莫做.---Fan4 fa3 di2 mo4 zuo4.

Do not eat thing that is poisonous,
And do not do thing that is illegal.
-----------------------------------

讀書好,--------Du2 shu hao3,
耕田好,--------Geng tian2 hao3,
學好更好.-----Xue2 hao3 geng hao3,

To study is good,
To cultivate the land is good,
Learning to be good is the best.

創業難,--------Chuang4 ye4 nan2,
守業難,--------Shou3 ye4 nan2,
知難不難.----Zhi nan2 bu4 nan2.

To start a business is hard,
To maintain an established business is hard,
Knowing it is hard is not hard.
-------------------------------------------

讀書人談書,---Du2 shu ren2 tan2 shu,
殺豬人談豬.---Sha zhu ren2 tan2 zhu.

A scholar discusses books,
A pork butcher talks of pigs.
----------------------------------------------

讀書使人充實,---Du2 shu shi3 ren2 chong shi2,
交談使人精明.---Jiao tan2 shi3 ren2 jing ming2

To study is to enrich our mind,
To talk to friends is to polish our mind.
--------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-12-11 06:01

中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom


根深不怕風搖動,---Gen shen bu4 pa4 feng yao2 dong4,
樹正無愁月影斜.---Shu4 zheng4 wu2 chou2 yue4 ying3 xie2.

If the roots of a tree are deep, the tree is not afraid of the storm,
If the tree is straight, the tree is not worried about the oblique moon.
(樹根長得深才不怕風的搖動﹐樹長得正怎麼會怕影子斜呢﹖)。
意指自己正確﹐就不怕別人議論指責。
---------------------------------------

根深蒂固,---Gen shen di4 gu4,
不易搖動.---Bu4 yi4 yao2 dong4.

A deep-rooted tree,
Cannot be easily shaken.
------------------------------------------------

功夫用的深,---Gong1 fu2 yong3 de2 shen,
鐵杵磨成針.---Tie3 chu3 mo4 cheng2 zhen.

If you continually grind a bar of iron,
You can make a needle of it.
------------------------------------------------

工欲善其事,---Gong yu4 shan4 qi2 shi4,
必先利其器.---Bi4 xian li4 qi2 qi4.

If the workman is planning to do a good job,
He must first sharpen his tools.
----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-12-11 18:11



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

好漢憑志強,---Hao3 han4 ping2 zhi4 qiang2,
好馬憑膽壯.---Hao3 ma3 ping2 dan3 zhuang.

For a real man it is his aspiration,
For a horse it is its courage and bravery.
------------------------------------------------

好話不背人,---Hao3 hua4 bu4 bei4 ren2,
背人沒好話.---Bei4 ren2 mei2 hao3 hua4.

Good words should not be said behind his back
Words spoken behind his back are not good words.
----------------------------------------------

好話難聽到,---Hao3 hua4 nan2 ting dao4,
懷話容易聞.---Huai2 hua4 rong2 yi4 wen2.

It is difficult to get a good word,
It is easy to hear a bad one.
---------------------------------

好花不常開,---Hao3 hua bu4 chang2 kai,
好景不常再.---Hao3 jing3 bu4 chang2 zai4.

Beautiful flowers do not often bloom,
Good times do not last.
---------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

教書不離書,---Jiao1 shu bu4 li2 shu,
窮人不離豬.---Qiong2 ren2 bu4 li2 zhu

The schoolteacher should not leave his book,
And the poor man his pig.
-----------------------------------------------

教唆犯自己不出頭,---Jiao suo fan4 zi4 ji3 bu4 chu tou2,
傳唆使少年幹壞事.---Chuan2 suo shi3 shao3 nian2 gan4 huai4 shi4.

Abettors of crime put youngsters up to all sorts of evil
While staying in the underground themselves.
----------------------------------------------

教學相長
Jiao1 xue2 xiang zhang3

Men learn while they teach
---------------------------------------

交友一年難,---Jiao1 you4 yi nian2 nan2,
得罪一瞬間.---De2 zui4 yi shun4 jian.

It is difficult to win a friend in a year,
It is easy to offend one in an hour.
--------------------------------------------

驕者必敗---Jiao1 zhe3 bi4 bai4.

Pride goes before a fall.
or
Pride will have a fall.
--------------------------

腳踏兩條船,---Jiao3 ta4 liang3 tiao2 chuan2,
必定落空.-------Bi4 ding4 luo4 kong.

In pursuing two objects at once, one does not gain either.
(Between two stools a person fails to the ground).
--------------------------------------

狡兔有三窟
Jiao3 tu4 you3 san ku

A wily hare has three burrows
(A crafty person has more than one hideout)
----------------------------------------------

矯枉必須要過正,---Jiao3 wang3 bi4 xu yao4 guo4 zheng4,
不過正不能矯枉.---Bu4 guo4 zheng4 bu4 neng2 jiao3 wang3.

Proper limits have to be exceeded in order to right a wrong,
Or else the wrong cannot be righted.

(This old Chinese phrase, "exceeding the proper limits in righting a wrong"
is often quoted for the purpose of restricting people's activities: reforms
that remain within the framework of the established order are to be permitted,
but activities at the complete destruction of the old order are to be forbidden.
Actions within this framework are regarded as "proper", but those that aim
at completely destroying the old order are described as "exceeding the proper
limits". Or else the wrong cannot be righted).
----------------------------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom


守口莫談人過短,---Shou3 kou3 mo4 tan2 ren2 guo4 duan3,
自短何曾說與人.---Zi4 duan3 he2 zeng shuo yu3 ren2.

Do not talk about other people's shortcomings,
How often do you talk about your own shortcomings to other people?
-----------------------------------------

手裏一只鳥,---Shou3 li3 yi zhi niao3,
勝於林里兩只鳥.---Sheng4 yu2 lin2 li3 liang3 zhi niao3.

A bird in the hand
Is worth two in the bush.
(到手的東西才是可靠的)
----------------------------------------

手無縛雞之力
Shou3 wu2 fu4 ji4 zhi li4

Lack the strength to truss up a chicken.
----------------------------------

手藝是活寶,---Shou3 yi4 shi4 huo2 bao3,
天下餓不著.---Tian xia4 e4 bu4 zhao2.

One's skills are his treasure,
That keep him from going hungry.
-----------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

水有源,---Shui3 you3 yuan2,
樹有根.---Shu4 you3 gen.

Every river has its source,
And every tree has its roots.
(Everything has its origin).
----------------------------------

水至情則無魚
Shui3 zhi4 qing ze2 wu2 yu2

When the water is too clear there are no fish.
(One should not demand absolute purity)
--------------------------------

順風放火火燒人,---Shun4 feng fang4 huo3 shao ren2,
豈料風回燒自身.---Qi3 liao4 feng hui2 shao zi4 shen.

Starting a fire in the direction of wind is a good way to burn others,
But one will be surprised how often the fire comes back to burn oneself.
----------------------------------------------

順天者存,---Shun4 tian zhe3 cun2,
逆天者亡.---Ni4 tian zhe2 wang2.

To follow the will of Heaven is to prosper,
To rebel against the will of Heaven is to be destroyed.
(一切遵從天命的人會過得很好﹐反之就會無法生存下去)。
------------------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

溪雲初起日沉閣,---Xi yun2 chu qi3 ri4 chen2 ge2,
山雨欲來風滿樓.---Shan yu3 yu4 lai2 feng man3 lou2.

The cloud has just risen and the sun does not shine on the pavilion.
The wind sweeping through the tower heralds a rising storm in the mountains


I took this Xian Wen (賢文) from a Tang Poem by Xu Hun (許渾 ??AD to 858AD):

A Tang poem by Xu Hun, who was an official during the reign of Emperor Wen
Zong Li Ang (文宗皇帝 827AD to 840AD).

咸陽城東樓 [*1A] At the city gate tower of East Xianyang

一上高城萬里愁,---Yi shang4 gao cheng2 wan4 li3 chou2,
蒹葭楊柳似汀洲.---Jian jia yang2 liu3 si4 ting zhou.
溪雲初起日沉閣,---Xi yun2 chu qi3 ri4 chen2 ge2,
山雨欲來風滿樓.---Shan yu3 yu4 lai2 feng man3 lou2.

鳥下綠蕪秦苑夕,---Niao3 xia4 lu4 wu2 Qin Yuan4 [*2B] xi,
蟬鳴黃葉漢宮秋.---Chan2 ming2 huang2 ye4 Han Gong [*3C] qiu.
行人莫問當年事,---Xing2 ren2 mo4 wen2 dang nian2 shi4,
故國東來渭水流.---Gu4 Guo2 [*4D] dong lai2 Weishui liu2.
.............................................................................
.

The explanations in plain Chinese and English.

(1) 我一登上這高高的城樓上, 向遠處望去, 便不禁生出滿懷的哀愁.
As soon as I have ascended to this tall tower, I look towards the far distance
and I feel a bit sad.
(2) 看吧! 那長滿著蘆葦和楊柳的地方, 似乎就是水邊的一片沙洲.
You see! The area, where the reeds and willows grown, seems to be the edge
of a shoal.
(3) 溪邊的雲氣剛剛飄浮起來, 那斜掛在樓閣上的一輪夕陽逐漸的隱沒了.
The cloud has just risen and the sun does not shine on the pavilion.
(4) 可能將有一陣山雨要來吧! 強烈的風正吹滿這整座城樓.
The wind sweeping through the tower heralds a rising storm in the mountains.

(5) 鳥兒飛下一片綠色的草叢, 那秦代殘留的苑囿, 一慢慢籠近夜色中.
Birds fly down on the green grass, which is in the abandoned garden of the
Qin Dynasty and it is getting dark.
(6) 蟬兒在疏落的黃葉間啼叫著, 那古老的漢朝宮殿也瀰漫著一層秋意.
The cicadas are crying in the sparsely yellow leaves in the trees and the
ancient Han Palace is showing the coming of autumn.
(7) 經過這裡的遊客啊! 你們不要去追問當年秦漢的盛事吧!
Those tourists, who had been here before, don't you want to know the glory
past of the Dynasties of Qin and Han!
(8) 你沒看到嗎? 如今此地空留下這座古老的京城, 只有那渭水依然不變的向東邊
滾滾地奔流過來.
Don't you see, only the old empty ancient capital remains and that the water
of the Wei Shui River nearby continues to flow east ceaselessly.

Notes:
[*1A]咸陽城東樓
咸陽, 秦朝的國都, 故址在今陝西長安縣. 樓, 指城樓.

[*2B) 秦苑
秦朝的苑宥

[*3B] 漢宮
漢朝的宮殿

[*4D] 故國
古老的京城
--------------------------------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

鴨蛋里尋出骨頭來
Ya1 dan4 li3 xun2 chu gu3 tou2 lai2

Seeking for a bone in a duck's egg.
---------------------------------------------

鴨蛋裡摸毛,---------Ya1 dan4 li3 mo mao2,
象牙筷上尋竹絲.---Xiang4 ya2 kuai4 shang4 xun2 zhu2 si.

Trying to feel the hair in a duck's egg,
Seeking for bamboo silk on an ivory chopstick.
------------------------------------------------

衙門八字開,------Ya2 men2 ba zi4 kai,
有理無錢莫進來.---You3 li3 wu2 qian2 mo4 jin4.lai2

Though the door of the court opens widely,
Those who have reasons but have no money rather not to go in.
(Yamen was the government office in feudal China)
(告狀﹐打官司﹐不管有理沒理﹐沒有錢通融就不要去了)
---------------------------------------------------

啞子吃黃蓮,---Ya3 zi3 chi huang2 lian2,
有苦說不出.---You3 ku3 shuo bu4 chu.

A mute is eating the bitter rhizome,
He cannot complain of the bitter taste.
(He is compelled to suffer in silence).
-------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

在家從父,---Zai4 jia cong2 fu4,
出嫁從夫.---Chu jia4 cong2 fu.

Obey your father while at home,
Obey your husband after married.
----------------------------------

三軍可奪帥也,---San jun ke3 duo2 shuai4 ye3,
匹夫不可奪志.---pi3 fu2 bu4 ke3 duo2 zhi4.

You can win over the commander-in-chief of the armed forces,
But you cannot win over the aspiration of a person.
三軍的主帥, 可以把他奪過來,
個人的立氣是自己立定, 卻是不能劫奪的.
--------------------------------------------------

在接在勵莫放手,---Zai4 jie zai4 li4 mo4 fang4 shou3,
失敗為成功之母.---Shi bai4 wei3 cheng2 gong zhi mu3.

Don't give up but continue to exert oneself,
As failure is the mother of success.
-------------------------------------------------------

早起的鳥兒能捕到蟲
Zao3 qi3 de4 niao3 er2 neng2 bu3 dao4 chong2 (P)

The early bird catches the worm.
---------------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

時勢造英雄,---Shi2 shi4 zao4 ying xiong2,
英雄造時勢.---Ying xiong2 zao4 shi2 shi4.

The times produce their heroes,
Or the heroes produce the times.
---------------------------------------

食荀當記種竹人
Shi2 sun3 dang ji4 zhong4 zhu2 ren2

When eating bamboo sprouts, remember the man who planted them.
-------------------------------------------

石頭變成金,---Shi2 tou2 bian4 cheng2 jin,
人心不滿足.---Ren2 xin bu4 man3 zu2

Though stone were changed to gold,
The heart of man would not be satisfied.
------------------------------------------

使口不如自行,---Shi3 kou3 bu4 ru2 zi4 xing2,
求人不如求己.---Qiu2 ren2 bu4 ru2 qiu2 ji3.

To go there yourself personally is better than sending someone there,
It is better to do a thing by yourself than asking people to do it for you.
------------------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom


事雖小不做不成,---Shi4 sui xiao3 bu4 zuo4 bu4 cheng2,
子雖賢不教不明.---Zi3 sui xian2 bu4 jiao4 bu4 ming2.

Although it is only a small matter it will not be completed
without working on it.
A son is wise but he does not know it unless he is taught.
-----------------------------------------------

水太清則無魚,---Shui3 tai4 qing ze2 wu2 yu2,
人太緊則無智.---Ren2 tai4 jin3 ze2 wu2 zhi4.

There are no fish if the water is too clear,
One cannot think intelligently if one is in a pressing situation.
(水如果太清沏了就不會有魚﹐人如果脾氣太急了就不會有智謀)。
------------------------------------------------------------

一正壓百邪,---Yi1 zheng4 ya bai3 xie2,
少見必多怪.---Shao3 jian4 bi4 duo guai4.

One upright overwhelms hundreds of odds,
Things seldom seen are certainly to be strange.
---------------------------------

一知半解,---Yi1 zhi ban4 jie3,
自欺欺人.---Zi4 qi qi ren2.

He who has a smattering of knowledge,
Knows that he deceives himself as well as others.
--------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

井底的青蛙,---Jing3 di3 di2 qing wa,
沒見過大天.---Mei2 jian4 guo da4 tian.

A frog in a well
It sees only a piece of the sky.
---------------------------------------

井幹方知水可貴
Jing3 gan fang zhi shui3 ke3 hui4

We never know the worth of water
Till the well is dry.
-----------------------------------------

井水不犯河水
Jing3 shui3 bu4 fan4 he2 shui3

Well water does not intrude into river water.
[I'll mind my own business, you mind yours.]
-----------------------------------------

靜坐當思已過,---Jing4 zuo4 dang si yi3 guo4,
閒談莫論人非.---Xian tan2 mo4 lun4 ren2 fei.

When you sit alone, meditate on your own faults,
When you converse , do not discuss the faults of others.
------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

一人傳虛,---Yi ren2 chuan2 xu,
百人傳實.---Bai3 ren2 chuan2 shi2.

One person spreads the false,
A hundred people spread the true.

一個人說假話﹐但經過許多人這麼一傳﹐便成真的一樣了。
指以訛傳訛﹐信一為真。這樣做害人害己。
-------------------------------------

口說不如身逢,---Kou3 shuo bu4 ru2 shen feng2,
耳聞不如目見.---Er3 wen2 bu4 ru2 mu4 jian4.

To be there in person is better than talking about it,
To look at it is better than hearing about it.

口說不如親自去做﹐耳聽不如親眼去看。
------------------------------------------------------

養兵千日,---Yang3 bing qian ri4﹐
用兵一時---Yong3 bing yi shi2

Maintaining an army for a thousand days,
Just to be used for a moment.

長期供養訓練軍隊﹐為的就是一旦用兵打仗。
----------------------------------------------------

養不教﹐父之過,---Yang3 bu4 jiao, fu4 zhi guo4,
教不嚴﹐師之惰.---Jiao bu4 yan2, shi zhi duo4.

It is the parents fault if they don't send their children to school.
At school the children should be taught properly otherwise
the teachers would be blamed for being lazy.
-------------------------------------------------

養兒待老,---Yang3 er2 dai4 lao3,
積穀防饑.---Ji gu3 fang2 ji.

Having children is to await getting old,
Storing up grain is to prevent a lean year.
---------------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

苗從地發,---Miao2 cong2 di4 fa,
樹向枝分.---Shu4 xiang4 zhi fen4.

The seedling shoots from the earth,
And the tree spreads from the branches.

苗是從的裏發出來的﹐樹枝是從樹上分發出來的。
指任何結果都是有原因的。
-----------------------------------------

國有才將,---Guo2 you3 cai jiang,
邊境自靖.---Bian4 jing4 zi4 jing4.

If there are brave generals in the country,
The country's borders will be peaceful.
.......................................................

This Xian Wen (賢文) derived from a Tang poem.
A Tang poem by Wang Changling (王昌齡 690AD to 756AD)

He passed the Imperial Examinations during the reign of
Emperor Xuan Zong Li Longji (玄宗皇帝李隆基 713AD to 755AD).

出塞 (At the Frontier Fortress)

秦時明月漢時關,---Qin shi2 ming2 yue4 Han shi2 guan,
萬里長征人末還;---Wan4 li3 chang2 zheng ren2 mo4 huan2;
但使龍城飛將在,---Dan4 shi3 Longcheng fei jiang zai4,
不教胡馬渡陰山.---Bu4 jiao4 Hu ma3 du4 Yinshan.
...............................................................

The explanations in plain Chinese and English\

(1) 秦朝時候的明月, 都照在漢朝的雁門關上,
The bright moon of the Qin Dynasty [*1A] also shines on the Yanmen Pass
[*2B] of the Han Dynsty [*3C]
(2) 那在萬里以外遠征的人, 現在還沒有回來;
Those, who were sent out thousands of miles afar to stop the invaders, had
yet to return.
(3) 我想假使在龍城地方這位飛將軍現在還在這裏,
I believe if the Flying General [*4D] from Longcheng [*5E] is still around,
(4) 那末他一定不會讓胡人的兵馬走到陰山那邊了.
He will not allow the soldiers of the Hu People to approach Yinshan [*6F].

Notes:
[*1A]秦(Qin)
秦朝 (Qin Dynasty 221BC to 207BC)

[*2B] 關 = 雁門關 (Yamen Pass)
In the north of Ningwu county (寧武縣) in Shanxi province (山西省)

[*3C] 漢 (Han)
= 漢朝 (Han Dynasty 202BC to 220AD)

(*4D) 飛將 (The flying General) =
稱勇猛神速的將軍. 漢李廣居右北平 (Beijing 北京), 匈奴人很畏懼, 稱他為漢的
飛將軍. 李廣與匈奴大小七十餘戰, 皆勝, 匈奴號為飛將軍, 因數奇不遇, 自殺.

(*5E) 龍城 (Longcheng) = in the present day of Nei Menggu (內蒙古).
In the ancient times the leaders of the Mongolian tribes
congregated here to offer sacrifices to Heaven.

(*6F) 陰山 (Yinshan)=
橫障漠北, 東西千里, 在今綏遠 (present day Inner Menggu 內蒙古).
---------------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

發奮識遍天下字,---Fa fen4 shi2 bian4 tian xia4 zi4,
立志讀盡人間書.---Li4 zhi4 du2 jin4 ren2 jian shu.

I want to recognize all the words in the world,
and determine to read all the books written by the people.
--------------------------------------------

法律治光棍,---Fa3 lu4 zhi4 guang gun4,
惡狗治橫人.---E4 gou3 zhi4 heng2 ren2.

The law is to control the ruffians;
The fierce dog is to go after violent people.
-------------------------------------------------

翻船折桅一時窮,---Fan1 chuan2 zhe2 wei2 yi shi2 qiong2,
討壞老婆一世窮.---Tao3 huai4 lao3 po2 yi shi4 qiong2.

The mast of a boat snapped only once in a blue moon,
Whereas marrying a wrong wife is a life time affair.
---------------------------------------------------

翻覆之水,---Fan fu4 zhi shui2,
收之實難.---Shou zhi shi2 nan4.

Chopping and changing of mind,
Is very hard to believe
-----------------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

父子和而家不退,---Fu4 zi3 he2 er2 jia bu4 tui4,
兄弟和而家不分.---Xiong di4 he2 er2 jia bu4 fen.

When the father and sons can live in harmony the family will not decline,
When the brothers can live peacefully they will not break up the family

and live apart.

父親和兒子團結一致﹐家不會衰敗﹐
兄弟之間和睦相處就不會分家。
-------------------------------------------------

父子雖親,---Fu4 zi3 sui qing4,
財心各別.---Cai2 xin ge4 bie2.

Although father and son are very closely related,
When it comes to money they are different.
------------------------------------------------


骨肉相殘,---Gu3 rou4 xiang can2,
煮豆燃萁.---Zhu3 dou4 ran2 qi2

Fratricidal strife,
Is like burn beanstalks to cook beans

This xian wen (賢文) derived from the fratricidal strife among the children
of Cao Cao (曹操 155AD - 220AD), who was the Prime Minister of the Later
Han Dynasty (東漢 25AD to 220AD).

It was during the reign of Emperor Xian Di Liu Xie (獻帝皇帝劉協 190AD
to 220AD) of the Later Han Dynasty (東漢朝 25AD to 220AD) that Cao Cao (曹
操155AD to 220AD) was the Prime Minister. Cao Cao had twenty five sons.
The most five famous five sons were. Cao Ang (曹昂), Cao Pi (曹丕), Cao
Zhang (曹彰), Cao Zhi (曹植 192AD to 232AD)) alias Cao Zi Jian (曹子健)
and Cao Xiong (曹熊). Cao Cao's eldest son Cao Ang died in Wan Cheng (宛城
). Cao Zhi was an alcoholic. Yet Cao Cao loved Cao Zhi the most. Cao Zhang
was a brave man but without much brian. Cao Xiong was a sick man and Cao
Cao believed that Cao Xiong would not live long. Cao Pi was much closer,
more polite to Cao Cao and due to this Cao Cao inducted him as his heir
apparant. In 211AD, Cao Cao appointed Cao Pi the Deputy Prime Minister.


In 216AD, the 21st year reign of Xian Di, Cao Cao proclaimed himself the
Wei Wang (魏王) or the Prince of Wei. Cao Cao adopted a phrase from the
book "Yi Yun Qi 易運期“ as his title. The phrase was:「鬼在山, 禾女連,
王天下 The ghost is in the mountain, Joins with the female crop, Rules the
world]. Cao Cao arranged the three words of 「禾女鬼 The ghost of the female
crop」to form the word 魏(Wei) for Wei Dynasty. 王天下 meant to rule the
whole world (the country).Cao Cao believed that eventually Wei, that was
he and his offspring, would rule the whole world (the Han empire).

The following year Cao Cao inducted Cao Pi the Crown Prince of Wei as well
as his heir apparant. Cao Cao died in 220AD in Luoyang (洛陽), aged 66,
and Cao Pi became the Prince of Wei and the Prime Minister.

Cao Zhi, who was a brilliance scholar particularly in composing poems. Cao
Pi was jealous of his talent and was contemplating an excuse to kill him.
When Cao Cao died Cao Zhi was in Linzi (臨淄 in the present day province
of Shandong 山東省) and he did not attend Cao Cao's funeral. Cao Pi was
angry and he dispatched an officer called Xu Chu (許褚) with an army to arrest
Cao Zhi. Eventually Cao Zhi was arrested and brought to Luoyang to face Cao
Pi. Before he killed his younger brother Cao Pi wanted to test his talent.
Cao Pi told his younger brother that if he could, after pacing seven steps,
compose a poem about two brothers without using the word brothers he would
be spared.

After he had paced seven steps Cao Zhi said:

煮豆特作羹,---Zhu3 dou4 te zuo4 geng
漉鼓以為汁.---Lu4.gu3 yi3 wei2 zhi.
萁在釜下燃,---Qi2 zai4 fu3 xia4 ran2,
豆在釜中泣.---Dou4 zai4 fu3 zhong qi4.
本是同根生,---Ben3 shi4 tong2 gen sheng
相煎何太急.---Xiang jian he2 tai4 ji2.

Boiling beans in a caldron to make bean curd and juice,
It requires fire to heat the caldron.
The fire under the caldron is from the burning of the dry beanstalks,
The sizzling in the caldron is from the beans.
Since the beans and beanstalks are from the same roots,
Why should it be in such a hurry to burn the beanstalks
and boil the beans?

Cao Zhi was using the way of cooking beans to make bean juice (萁豆相煎)
to compare why brother should not kill brother - fratricide (骨肉相殘).
It was an excellent poem and Cao Pi was greatly moved. It would be a great
waste to get rid of such a talented brother. So Cao Pi spared his brother's
life and Cao Zhi was banished to Anxiang (安鄉 in present day Anxiang county
in Hunan province 湖南省).

In the tenth month of that year Cao Pi abolished the Emperorship of Xian
Di and he established the Wei Dynasty (魏朝 221AD to 265AD). Cao Pi ascended
the throne as Emperor Wen (文帝), the first Emperor of the Wei Dynasty.

-----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-14-11 00:07



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

如果失去健康,---Ru2 guo3 shi qu4 jian4 kang, (P)
錢再多也沒用.---Qian2 zai4 dou ye3 mei2 yong4

However much money one has, it is useless,
If one has lost his health.
----------------------------------------

百年成之不足,---Bai3 nian2 cheng2 zhi bu4 zu2, (P)
一旦壞之有餘.---Yi dan4 huai4 zhi you3 yu2.

Having been good for a hundred years is not good enough,
To be bad in a single day is more than enough.

經過多年努力也還不夠﹐一旦毀懷卻十分徹底。
--------------------------------------------

旁觀者清,---Pang2 guan zhe3 qing, (P)
當局者迷.---Dang ju2 zhe3 mi2.

The spectators see most clearly,
The players are confused.
[The bystanders see more clearly than the players].
-------------------------------------------

善惡到頭終有報,---Shan4 e4 dao4 tou2 zhong you3 bao4, (P)
只爭來早與來遲.---Zhi zheng lai2 zao3 yu3 lai2 chi2.

Good and bad will eventually be rewarded,
It is only a matter of time
(What goes around comes around).

行為好壞最後都有好壞結果﹐也只是推遲和提前的問題。
---------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-14-11 01:18



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

但將冷眼看螃蟹,---Dan4 jiang leng3 yan4 kan4 pang2 xie4,
看你橫行到幾時.---Kan4 ni3 heng3 xing2 dao4 ji3 shi2.

Coolly I look at the crab,
To see how long it can run sideways.
(用泠靜的眼光盯著橫行霸道的人﹐看你還能活動多久)。
意指對惡人的蔑視。
----------------------------------------------

但教兒孫好,---Dan4 jiao er2 sun hao3,
不必求財寶.---Bu4 bi4 qiu2 cai2 bao3.

Do not pray for gold and jade and precious things,
But pray that your children and grandchildren may all be good.
---------------------------------------

但看三五日,---Dan4 kan4 san wu3 ri4,
相見不如初.---Xiang4 jian4 bu4 ru2 chu.

Knowing him for three or five days,
My feeling towards him is not as good as the first time I met him.
-----------------------------------------

蛋尚未孵先數雞,---Dan4 shang4 wei4 fu xian shu4 ji, (P)
過早樂觀.------------Guo4 zao3 le4 guan.

Count one's chickens before they are hatched.
--------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-14-11 01:46



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

送君千里,---Song4 jun qian li3,
終須一別.---Zhong xu yi bie2.

A friend being sent a distance,
In the end has to depart.

送人送得再遠﹐最後也要分別。
-----------------------------------------

送禮沒利錢,---Song4 li3 mei3 li4 qian2,
一錢換一錢.---Yi qian2 huan4 yi qian2.

Giving a present to a friend will not make a profit,
As it is an exchange of gift
---------------------------------------

酒要小口飲,---Jiu3 yao4 xiao kou3 yin3,
書要大量讀.---Shu yao4 da4 liang2 du2.

Wine should be taken in small doses,
Knowledge in large.
----------------------------------------

酒債尋常行處有,---Jiu3 zhai4 xun2 chang2 xing2 chu3 you3,
人生七十古來稀.---Ren2 sheng qi shi2 gu3 lai2 xi.

It is common to own money to the wine shop owner,
But to find someone who is over seventy-years-old is not common.
(喝酒欠債的事到處都有﹐ 但人活到七十歲的情況卻很少)。

-----------------------------------------------

酒中不語真君子,---Jiu3 zhong bu4 yu3 zhen jun zi3
財上分明大丈夫.---Cai2 shang4 fen ming2 da4 zhang4 fu2.

A gentleman does not talk after a drink,
A reliable man is clear in financial account.
-----------------------------------------

久住令人賤,---Jiu3 zhu4 ling4 ren2 jian4,
貧來親也疏.---Pin2 lai2 qin ye3 shu.

Taking shelter under other's eaves is humiliating,
Relatives are distant for the poor.
---------------------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-14-11 02:52



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

十年窗下無人問,---Shi2 nian2 chuang xia4 wu2 ren2 wen2,
一舉成名天下知.---Yi ju3 cheng2 ming2 tian xia4 zhi.

No one asked about me while I was studying for ten years in this room,
Once I have become famous the whole world knows.

十年在寒窗內苦讀無人之曉﹐一下子成了名後天下人都知道。
--------------------------------------------------

十年河東轉河西,---Shi2 nian2 he2 dong zhuan3 he2 xi,
莫笑窮人穿破衣.---Mo4 xiao4 qiong2 ren2 chuan po4 yi.

Don't laugh at a poor man dressed in rugs and tatters,
In ten years time even a river will change its course.
----------------------------------------------------

十年教書不富,---Shi2 nian2 jiao shu bu4 fu4,
一年不教就窮.---Yi nian2 bu4 jiao jiu4 qiong2.

He had been a teacher for ten years and he was not rich,
For one year he did not teach and he became a poor man.
--------------------------------------------------

十年樹木,---Shi2 nian2 shu4 mu4,
百年樹人.---Bai3 nian2 shu4 ren2.

It takes ten years to grow trees,
But a hundred years to rear people
(Long planning)
----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-14-11 04:33



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

少時不努力,---Shao3 shi2 bu4 nu3 li4,
老來徒悲傷.---Lao3 lai2 tu2 bei shang.

If youthful years are not well spent,
Maturity will bring nothing but grief.

年紀小的時候不努力學習上進﹐
等到年紀大了只有枉子悲傷了。
-------------------------------------------------

蛇爬無聲,---She2 pa2 wu2 sheng,
奸計無影.---Jian ji4 wu2 ying3.

A snake crawls with no sound,
A plot casts no shadows.
---------------------------------------------

身殘志不殘,---Shen can2 zhi4 bu4 can2,
人老心不老.---Ren2 lao3 xin bu4 lao3.

Broken in health but not in spirit,
------------------------------------

十個指頭,---Shi2 ge4 zhi3 tou2,
有長有短.---You3 chang2 you3 duan3.

There are long and short fingers in our hands.

一棵果樹,---Yi ke guo3 shu4,
有酸有甜.---You3 suan you3 tian2

There are sour and sweet fruit from a fruit tree.
------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-16-11 03:05



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

沒食過豬肉,---Mei2 shi2 guo4 zhu rou4,
也看過豬走.---Ye3 kan guo4 zhu zou3.

Even if you have not tasted pork,
You must be old enough to have seen a pig runs.
--------------------------------------------------

眉頭一皺,---Mei2 tou2 yi zhou4,
計上心來.---Ji4 shang3 xin lai2.

Knit the brows,
And a stratagem comes to mind.
-----------------------------------------------

美言美語愛人敬,---Mei2 yan2 mei yu3 ai4 ren2 jing3,
惡言惡語傷人心.---E4 yan2 e4 yu4 shang ren2 xin.

Beautiful words and beautiful language make people to respect,
Vicious words and slandering languages hurt people.
-------------------------------------

沒有牧羊人的羊群
Mei2 you3 mu4 yang2 ren2 de4 yang2 qun2.

Sheep without a shepherd
(烏合之眾---a disorderly band)
--------------------------------------------

沒有十全十美的朋友。
Mei2 you3 shi2 quan2 shi2 mei3 de4 peng2 you3

One will never find a friend who is perfect in every way.
-----------------------------------------------

沒有無刺的玫瑰.
Mei2 you3 wu2 ci4 di2 mei2 gui.

No rose without a thorn.
(或: 沒有十全十美的幸福)
----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-16-11 03:30



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

忠言逆耳利于行,---Zhong yan2 ni4 er3 li4 yu2 xing2,
苦藥難吃利于病.---Ku3 yao4 nan2 chi li4 yu2 bing4.

Honest advice, though unpleasant to the ear, induces good conduct,
Bitter medicine, though hard to swallow, cures the illness.
忠言雖然刺耳但有利於一個人的行動﹐良藥雖然苦口卻能治病。
--------------------------------------------------------

種麻得麻,---Zhong4 ma2 de2 ma2,
種豆得豆.---Zhong4 dou4 de3 dou4.

If you plant sesame you will harvest sesame,
If you plant beans you will harvest beans.
(As you sow, so will you reap)

下什麼功夫得什麼結果。
-------------------------------------------------------------

天下烏鴉一般烏,---Tian xia4 wu2 ya yi ban wu2.
鹽到處都是鹹的.---Yan2 dao4 chu3 du shi4 xian2 di2.

Crows, all over the world are black,
At all places, the salt is saltish
--------------------------------------------------------

天下原來共一家,---Tian xia4 yuan2 lai2 gong4 yi jia,
四海之內皆兄弟.---Si4 hai3 zhi nei4 jie xiong di4.

The land under heaven was originally one family,
All men are brothers in the world.
-------------------------------------------------------------

肚飽不知肚餓人,---Du4 bao3 bu4 zhi du4 e4 ren2,
好命不知鄙命人.---Hao3 ming4 bu4 zhi bi3 ming4 ren2.

A man, whose stomach is always full, does not know the hungry people,
He, who has a good life, does not know the humble people
-------------------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-16-11 04:20



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

不求金玉重重貴,---Bu4 qiu2 jin yu4 zhong4 zhong4 gui4,
但願兒孫個個賢.---Dan4 yuan4 er2 sun ge4 ge4 xian2.

I do not ask the gold and jade to have high value,
But I wish that all my offspring will be wise.
(不求金銀財寶越多越好﹐但願子孫個個都有出息)
--------------------------------------------

雞窠換鴨窠,----------Ji1 ke huan4 ya ke,
換來換去差不多.---Huan4 lai2 huan4 qu4 cha4 bu4 duo.

Changing the chicken nest to a duck nest,
The changing is not too much difference.
----------------------------------------------------------------

飽暖思淫慾,---Bao3 nuan3 si yin2 yu4,
飢寒起盜心.---Ji han2 qi3 dao4 xin.

When a person is full and warm he thinks of having sex,
When a person is hungry and cold he thinks of stealing.
-----------------------------------------------

飽人不知餓人飢,---Bao3 ren2 bu4 zhi e4 ren2 ji,
富人不知窮人苦.---Fu4 ren2 bu4 zhi qiong2 ren2 ku3.

The well-fed don't know how the starving suffer,
The rich don't know how the poor struggle.
---------------------------------------------

不入虎穴,---Bu4 ru4 hu3 xue2,
焉得虎子.---Yan de2 hu3 zi3.

If you do not go inside the tiger den,
How can you get the tiger cubs.
(If you don't take risk, how can you succeed).

Ban Chao (班超 32AD to 102AD), was a general and a diplomat during the Later
Han Dynasty (東漢 25AD to 220AD). In 73AD, during the reign of Emperor Ming
Liu Zhuang (明皇帝劉莊 58AD to 75AD), he was appointed as the leader of
a delegation of 36 members to visit many countries in the northwest.

He and the delegation first arrived in a country called Shanshan (鄯善國
). Knowing that Ban Chao was a Han general and a renowned diplomat, the
King of Shanshan gave Ban Chao and his delegation a warm welcome and a VIP
treatment. However, several days later, the King of Shanshan treated Ban
Chao and the delegates indifferently and the King was cold to the Han delegation.


Ban Chao called for a meeting with the 36 members of the delegation. Ban
Chao told the members that there was something wrong with the King of Shanshan
who had become cold and indifferent towards them. He suspected a delegation
of the Xiongnu (匈奴) from the north might have arrived in Shanshan. The
Xiongnu must have threatened the King that his country could be in trouble
if he were to have good diplomatic relation with the Han. Ban Chao told every
member to be careful and to inquire about what was happening to the King.

After a day, members of the Han delegation discovered that, indeed, the
Xiongnu envoy and his bodyguards were in Shanshan and they were trying to
win over the King to support their country by hook or by crook. The King
was in a difficult position to make up his mind of either to support the
Han or the Xiongnu. Seeing that the King was indifferent to the Han delegation,
Ban Chao told his members that they were in danger and within a short period
the King might arrest them and gave them to the Xiongnu. Ban Chao continued,

"不入虎穴, 那能得到虎子. 現在唯一的辦法, 就是
在今天夜裏火攻匈奴營地, 迅速把他們的使者殺了.
只有這樣, 鄯善國王才會誠心歸順漢朝.

If you do not go inside the tiger den, how can you get the tiger cubs?
Tonight, we will use fire to attack the Xiongnu camps and kill them all.
This is the only to make the King of Shanshan to come over and pledge
allegiance to Han Dynasty."

That night, Ban Chao, leading the 36 members of the delegation, went to
attack the Xiongnu camps. They killed all the Xiongnu and burned their camps.
That was the end of Xiongnu envoy to the Kingdom of Shanshan. After this
classic incident many countries in the northwest pledged allegiance to the
Later Han Dynasty.

Source:
後漢書, 班超傳
"不入虎穴, 焉得虎子."
----------------------------------------------


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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-16-11 05:29



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

天不生無用之人,---Tian bu4 sheng wu2 yong4 zhi ren2,
地不長無根之草.---Di4 bu4 zhang3 wu2 gen zhi cao3.

God does not produce useless men,
The earth would not allow rootless grass to grow.
-------------------------------------------------------------

天不言自高,---Tian1 bu4 yan2 zi4 gao,
地不言自厚.---Di4 bu4 yan2 zi4 hou4.

The sky does not say that it is high,
And the earth does not say that it is thick.
----------------------------------------------

天眼恢恢---Tian1 yan3 hui hui (P)
疏而不漏----Shu er2 bu4 lou4.

The eyes of the sky are everywhere,
They are scattered but they never miss.

天到廣大﹐但決不會漏掉什麼東西。
法度無邊﹐不會放掉一個壞人。
--------------------------------------------

成功不驕傲,---Cheng2 gong bu4 jiao ao4, (P)
失敗不灰心.---Shi bai4 bu4 hui xin.

Don't get conceited in success,
And don't be dejected in failure.
-----------------------------------------

成家容易養家難
Cheng2 jia rong2 yi4 yang3 jia nan2 (P)

Getting married is easy but supporting the family is hard
-------------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-16-11 06:42



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

吹毛求疵,---Chui mao2 qiu2 ci,
無事生非.---Wu2 shi4 sheng fei.

To find fault,
And make trouble out of nothing.
-----------------------------------------

吹牛与說謊本是同宗
Chui1 niu2 yu4 shuo huang3 ben3 shi4 tong2 zong2

A boaster and a liar are of the same clan.
---------------------------------------------

春蠶到死絲方盡,---Chun can2 dao4 si3 si fang jin4,
蠟炬成灰淚始乾.---La4 ju4 cheng2 hui lei4 shi3 gan.

The silkworm will produce all its silk before it dies,
The candle will burn off its rush pith before the wax dries up.
-----------------------------------------

唇齒相依,---Chun2 chi3 xiang yi,
唇亡齒寒.---Chun2 wang2 chi3 han2.

Lips and teeth are interdependent,
If the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold.
------------------------------------------------

聰明用於邪路,---Cong ming2 yong4 yu2 xie2 lu4, (P)
愈聰明愈不好.---Yu4 cong ming2 yu4 bu4 hao3.

If an intelligent man is using the evil ways to earn his living,
The more intelligent he is the more evil he will become.

聰明用於正路,---Cong ming2 yong2 yu2 zheng4 lu4,
愈聰明就愈好.---Yu4 cong ming2 jiu4 yu4 hao3.

If an intelligent man is using the right way to earn his living,
The more intelligent he is the more is better for him.
-------------------------------------------------

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Date:   08-16-11 08:37



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

在家不會迎賓客,---Zai4 jia bu4 hui4 ying bin ke4,
出外方知少主人.---Chu wai4 fang zhi shao3 zhu3 ren2.

A poor host failing to entertain,
Begets few hosts to entertain him.

在家不會接待客人﹐出去後才知道這個問題的重要性。
---------------------------------------------

不作風波於世上,---Bu4 zuo4 feng bo yu2 shi4 shang4,
但留清白在人間.---Dan4 liu2 qing bai2 zai4 ren2 jian4.

I would not create any storm in this world,
But want to remain a clean personal record behind.
--------------------------------------------

立下凌雲志,---Li4 xia4 ling2 yun2 zhi4,
敢去摘星星.---Gan3 qu4 zhai xing xing.

Having resolved my aspiration as high as the sky,
I dare to go up there to pluck the stars.
-----------------------------------------------------

蜡燭不能兩頭點,---La4 zhu2 bu4 neng2 liang3 tou2 dian3,
精力不可過分耗,---Qing li4 bu4 ke3 guo4 fen hao4.

No one can burn the candle at both ends,
And energy cannot be consumed beyond the limit.
-------------------------------------------------------

狼無狽不立,---Lang2 wu2 bei4 bu4 li4, (P)
狽無狼不行.---Bei4 wu2 lang4 bu4 xing2.

The above proverb is from 博物典彙.
It means work hand in glove with,
or
co-operate with people in evil doing.

It is better be explained in the original text
as 狼狽為奸---Lang3 bei4 wei2 jian

狼和狽都是野獸。所不同的是狼的前腳長﹐後腳短﹔
而狽則前腳短﹐後腳長。這兩種動物時常一同出去
偷吃人家的牲畜或其他的東西。

有一次﹐狼和狽走到一個人家羊圈的外面﹐知道裡面
有不少羊只。但是圈子又高又堅固﹐既跳不過去也撞
不倒。於是想出了一個注意﹕
讓狼騎在狽的頸子上﹐在由狽用兩條長的後腳直立起來﹐
把狼馱得很高﹔然後狼就用牠﹔兩條長長的前腳﹐樊住
羊圈﹐ 把羊拖走了.
------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-16-11 09:09



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

防人之心不可無,---Fang2 ren2 zhi xin bu4 ke3 wu2,
欺人之心不可有.---Qi ren2 zhi xin bu4 ke3 you3.

One must have a cautious mind,
But not a deceiving one.
---------------------------------------------------

喜是翻身離虎穴,---Xi3 shi4 fan shen li2 hu3 xue2,
誰知失足在鱷潭.---Shui2 zhi shi zu2 zai4 e4 tan2.

With sheer luck I escaped from the tiger den,
But accidentally I fell into the crocodile pond.
---------------------------------------------

兒不嫌母醜,---Er2 bu4 xian2 mu3 chou3,
犬不嫌家貧.---Quan3 bu4 xian2 jia pin2.

A son will never dislike the ugliness of his mother,
A dog will never dislike the poverty of its master.
(My mother is the most beautiful woman in the world!)
---------------------------------------

人不犯我, 我不犯人,---Ren2 bu4 fan4 wo3, wo3 bu4 fan4 ren2.
人若犯我, 我必犯人.---Ren2 ruo4 fan4 wo3, wo3 bi4 fan4 ren2.

I will not attack if I am not being attacked;
If I am being attacked, I will certainly counterattack.
---------------------------------------

螳螂捕蟬,---Tang2 lang2 bu3 chan2,
黃雀在後.---Huang2 que zai4 hou4.

The mantis stalks the cicada,
Unaware of the oriole behind.
[covet gains ahead without being aware of danger behind]
------------------------------------------------

I took this Xian Wen from an idiom story:

The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind
螳螂捕蟬 (Tang2 Lang2 Bu3 Chan2)
黃雀在後 (Huang2 Que4 Zai4 Hou4)

During the Spring and Autumn Period (春秋時代 722BC to 481BC) of the Zhou
Dynasty (周朝 1134BC to 256BC), in 495BC Fu Cha (夫差) was installed the
25th ruler of the State of Wu (吳國 present day Wu Xian 吳縣 in Jiangsu
province 江蘇省). Fu Cha wanted to wage war on the State of Chu (楚國 present
day Jiang Ling county 江陵縣 in Hubei province 湖北省) and was busy making
preparations. However, all his Court officials unanimously disagreed with
him because Wu was not strong enough to go to war with Chu and Wu would
most certainly lose the war against Chu. The officials tried to block his
plans, but Fu Cha was stubborn and insisted on going to war.

Fu Cha was really serious and decreed that anyone who tried to stop him
would face public execution in the market place.

You (友), the crown prince of Wu, was the son of Fu Cha. You was also against
his father's plan of waging war with the State of Chu. However, he was afraid
to express his feeling verbally to his father. He devised a plan on how
to discourage his father.

One day, early in the morning he brought his slingshot and small marbles
and lingered in the garden at the back of the palace. Although his gowns
were wet by the morning dew he did not mind because he wanted to attract
his father's attention. But his father did not come out into the garden.

The next morning he did the same thing by going to the garden. Again his
father did not venture out into the garden. He tried again the third day.
This time his father saw him in the garden and, curious about You's behaviour,
enquired:

"What are you doing, my son?
Look, your gowns are wet by the morning dew."

Pointing his finger at the treetop, You replied:

"You see father. There is a cicada up there on the treetop.
It is sucking the morning dew and is singing happily. It thinks it is safe.
But it does not know there is a praying mantis behind it.
The praying mantis is raising its two arms ready to strike.
The praying mantis thinks it is sure to have the cicada for breakfast.
However, the praying mantis does not know that a sparrow is behind it.
The sparrow is only thinking of the juicy meal the praying mantis represents.

The sparrow does not know that I am aiming at it with my slingshot, and
I am ready to shoot at it.
You see, my father. These insects and the bird are only thinking of the
benefits before their eyes. But they don't know the serious consequences
awaiting behind them. I feel sorry for them."

Actually there were no insects or bird on the treetop. You purposely created
a fictitious incident of them to warn his father indirectly that there was
always someone who could be better than him (強中還有強中手). Fu Cha realized
that his son was trying to tell him something. Suddenly the upcoming action
against Chu came to his mind and he said to his son,

"Yes, yes, I know you are right, my son."
Immediately he called off the impending military actions against the State
of Chu.

The moral is that covet gains ahead without being aware of danger behind

說苑正諫:
"蟬高居悲鳴飲露, 不知螳螂在其後也,
螳螂委身曲附欲取蟬, 而不知黃雀在其旁也."
---------------------------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-22-11 02:29



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom


癩蛤蟆想吃天鵝肉,---Lai4 ha2 ma2 xiang3 chi tian e2 rou4,
癡心妄想不知自量.---Chi xin wang4 xiang3 bu4 zhi zi3 liang.

A toad is lusting after a swan's flesh.
Aspiring after something that one is not worthy of.
-------------------------------------------

打江山易,---Da3 jiang shan yi4,
坐江山難.---Zuo4 jiang shan nan2.

It is easy to fight to win state power
But hard to rule the state.
-------------------------------------------------


哀兵必勝
Ai1 bing bi4 sheng4

An army burning with righteous indignation is bound to win.
-----------------------------------------------------

言必信, 行必果
Yan2 bi4 xin4, xing2 bi4 guo3

Promise must be kept and action must be resolute
(always be true in word and resolute in deed)
---------------------------------------------------

改過不嫌晚
Gai1 guo4 bu4 xian2 wan3

It is never too late to mend.
------------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-22-11 06:47



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

江山易改,---Jiang shan yi4 gai, (P)
本性難移.---Ben3 xing4 nan2 yi2.

It is easy to change rivers and mountains ,
But hard to change a person's nature.
---------------------------------------------

有了千田想萬田,---You3 le qian tian2 xiang3 wan4 tian2, (P)
做得皇帝想成仙.---Zuo4 de2 huang2 di4 xiang3 cheng2 xian.

Having had a thousand acres of farmland he is thinking of ten thousand acres,

Having become an emperor he wants to become an immortal.
------------------------------------------

豆腐心腸,---Dou4 fu3 xin chang 2 (P)
越煮越硬.---Yue4 zhu3 yue4 ying4.

His heart is like bean curd,
The more it is cooked the harder it will become.

鐵打心腸,---Tie3 da4 xin chang2,
見火就烊.---Jian4 huo3 jiu4 yang2.

His heart is like iron,
It melts when it is burned with fire.
-----------------------------------------------

人不相同,---Ren2 bu4 xiang tong2, (P)
皮肉相同.---Pi2 rou4 xiang tong2.

Every man is different,
But their skins and flesh are the same.
------------------------------------------

男人肯笑必痴,---Nan2 zi3 ken3 xiao4 bi4 chi (P)
女子肯笑必賤.---Nu3 zi3 ken3 xiao4 bi4 jian4.

A man who often has silly smile is an idiot,
A woman is a low-down woman if she laughs easily.
-----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-22-11 21:51



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom


愛護公物,---Ai4 hu4 gong wu4, (P)
人人有責.---Ren2 ren2 you3 ze4.

It is everybody's duty to take care of public property.
--------------------------------------------

藏頭露尾,---Cang2 tou2 lu4 wei3, (P)
顧前忘後.---Gu4 qian2 wang4 hou4.

Hide the head but showing the tail,
Attending to the front but forget the back.
----------------------------------

曹操有相好,---Cao2 Cao you3 xiang hao3, (P)
關公有對頭.---Guan Gong you3 dui tou2.

Cao Cao had friends too,
And Guan Gong also had enemies.

(Cao Cao was the Prime Minister of the Later Han Dynasty
東漢 25AD to 220AD. Guan Gong was a general of Han Shu (漢蜀)
-----------------------------------------

人不在大小, 要有本事,
Ren2 bu4 zai4 da4 xiao3, yao you3 ben3 shi4, (P)
山不在高低, 要有景致.
Shan bu4 zai4 gao di, yao you3 jing3 zhi4.

For a man it does not matter if his size is big or small,
he must be capable,
For a mountain it does not matter if it is high or low,
it must have beautiful scenery.
--------------------------------------

曾着賣糖君子哄,---Zeng zhao2 mai4 tang2 jun zi3 hong3, (P)
到今不信口甜人.---Dao4 jin bu4 xin4 kou3 tian2 ren2.

Having had followed the vendor selling sweets,
Now, I do not trust anyone who has a sweet mouth.
---------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-22-11 23:48



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

一失足成千古恨,---Yi shi zu2 cheng2 qian gu3 hen4, (P)
再回頭是百年身.---Zai4 hui2 tou2 shi4 bai3 nian2 shen.

One wrong step will cause you a thousand regrets,
By the time you repent your old score you are already an old person.
(The error of a moment becomes the regret of a lifetime)
----------------------------------------------------

凡事非財難著手,---Fan2 shi4 fei cai2 nan2 zhao2 shou3, (P)
一朝無糧不住兵.---Yi chao2 wu2 liang2 bu4 zhu4 bing.

People would not touch anything that does not involve with money,
Without provision the army would not make camp.
----------------------------------------------

馬到臨崖收韁晚,---Ma3 dao4 lin2 ya2 shou jiang wan3, (P)
船駛江心轉柁難.---Chuan2 shi3 jiang xin zhuan3 tuo2 nan2.

It is too late to draw the rein when the horse has reached the cliff;
It is too late to reverse the girder when the boat is in midstream.
----------------------------------------------

打蛇先打頭,---Da3 she2 xian da3 tou2, (P)
擒賊先擒王.---Qin2 zei2xian qin2 wang2.

To beat a snake beat its head first,
To catch thieves catch the thief leader first.
-----------------------------------------

害人之心不可有,---Hai4 ren2 zhi xin bu4 ke3 you3, (P)
防人之心不可無.---Fang2 ren2 zhi xin bu4 ke3 wu2.

One should not have a mind to harm others,
One should have a mind to guard against being harmed.
-----------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-23-11 02:25



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom


老狗學不出新把戲.
Lao3 gou3 xue2 bu4 chu xin ba3 xi4 (P)

An old dog cannot learn new tricks.
-----------------------------------------------------


塞翁失馬,---Sai4 weng shi ma3, (P)
安知非福.---An zhi fei fu2.

When the old man, who lived in the frontier, lost his horse,
Who could have known that it was a blessing in disguise.
(a loss may turn out to be a gain)
------------------------------------

欺人是禍,---Qi1 ren2 shi4 huo4, (P)
饒人是富.---Rao2 ren2 shi4 fu2.

To deceive people is calamity,
To have mercy on people is blessing.
(傷害人會帶來災禍﹐寬恕人卻能給人帶來福分)。
-----------------------------------

習慣成自然
Xi2 guan4 cheng2 zi4 ran2 (P)

Once you form a habit, it comes natural to you.
--------------------------------------------

不以失敗自餒,---Bu4 yi3 shi bai4 zi4 nei3, (P)
不以成功自滿.---Bu4 yi3 cheng2 gong zi4 man3.

Don't be disheartened due to failure,
Don't be complacent due to success.
---------------------------------------------

塔影自量自,---Ta3 ying3 zi4 liang2 zi4, (P)
壞話人毀人.---Huai4 hua4 ren2 hui3 ren2.

Towers are measured by their shadows,
Great men by those who speak evil of them.
--------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-23-11 03:09



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

拿着木柴去救火,---Na2 zhao2 mu4 chai2 qu4 jiu4 huo3,
越救火越旺盛.------Yue4 jiu4 huo3 yue4 wang4 sheng4.

He carried faggots to put out a fire,
The more he saved the more the fire burned vigorously.
(adopt a wrong method to save a situation and ended up by making it worse).
-----------------------------------------------------------

納上錢糧不怕官,---Na4 shang4 qian2 liang2 bu4 pa4 guan,
孝敬父母不怕天.---Xiao4 jing4 fu4 mu3 bu4 pa4 tian.

Having paid my taxes I am not afraid of the officials,
As I respect and give presents to my parents I am not afraid of Heaven.
------------------------------------------------

挖補紙窗容易補,---Wa bu3 zhi3 chuang rong2 yi4 bu3,
傷人陰騭最難修.---Shang ren2 yin zhi4 zui4 nan2 xiu.

A broken paper window can be repaired easily,
However, it is hard to cure a man who is hurt by an evildoer.
------------------------------------------------------

瓦罐不離井上破,---Wa3 guan4 bu4 li2 jing3 shang4 po4,
將軍難免陣前亡.---Jiang jun nan2 mian3 zhen4 qian2 wang2.

The clay water pitcher would be broken before it left the well,
The general could hardly be avoided to die in battles.
-----------------------------------------------

飢不擇食,---Ji bu4 ze2 shi2,
寒不擇衣,---Han2 bu4 ze2 yi,
慌不擇路,---Huang bu4 ze2 lu4,
貧不擇妻.---Pin2 bu4 ze2 qi

A hungry person is not choosy about his food,
A person in cold is not choosy about his clothes,
When a person is in a great rush he is not choosy about
which road he takes as long as it leads to his destination.
An impoverished person is not choosy in marrying a wife
--------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-23-11 05:49



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

蠟 燭照亮別人,---La4 zhu2 zhao4 liang4 bie2 ren2
卻毀滅了自己.---Que4 hui3 mie4 le zi4 ji3.

A candle lights others,
And consumes itself.
--------------------------------------------

鵝食礱糠鴨食穀,---E2 shi2 long2 kang ya shi2 gu3,
各人自有各人福.---Ge4 ren2 zi4 you3 ge4 ren2 fu2.

The swan eats husk and the duck eats grains,
Each has its own way of liking.
------------------------------------

財多惹禍,---Cai2 duo re3 huo4,
樹大招風.---Shu4 da4 zhao feng.

Excessive rich court disaster,
Big trees catch the wind.
---------------------------------------

一鳥在你手裡,---Yi niao3 zai4 ni3 shou3 li3,
勝過百鳥在林.---Sheng4 guo4 bai3 niao3 zai4 lin2.

One bird in your hand,
Is better than one hundred in the forest.
-----------------------------------------

一瓶子不響,---Yi ping2 zi3 bu4 xiang3,
半瓶子晃蕩.---Ban4 ping2 zi3 huang4 dang4.

The half-filled bottle sloshes,
The full bottle remains still.
(The dabbler in knowledge chatters away
whereas the wise man stays silent
------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-23-11 07:22



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

智者嘴在心里,---Zhi4 zhe3 zui3 zai4 xin li3,
愚者心在嘴里.---Yu2 zhe3 xin zai4 zui3 li3.

The wise men have their mouths in their hearts,
The fools have their hearts in their mouths.
----------------------------------

忠臣謀國﹐百折不回,---Zgong1 chen2 mou2 guo2, bai3 zhe2 bu4 hui2,
勇士赴難﹐萬死不辭.---Yong shi fu4 nan2,wan4 si3 bu4 ci2.

An official loyal to his sovereign is to keep on fighting in spite of all
setbacks,
A brave and strong man is going to help save the country from danger is
willing to risk any danger to do one's duty.
----------------------------------------------------

矮子面前不說短話
Ai3 zi3 mian4 qian2 bu4 shuo duan3 hua4

When with dwarfs do not talk about pygmies.
-------------------------------------------------

人在世上練,---Ren2 zai4 shi4 shang4 lian4,
刀在石上磨.---Dao1 zai4 shi2 shang4 mo4.

People are training in the world,
Knives are grinding on the stone.
-------------------------------------

人長千年終是死,---Ren2 zhang3 qian nian2 zhong shi4 si3,
樹長千年劈柴燒.---Shu4 zhang3 qian nian pi chai2 shao3

Even a man can live for a thousand years, in the end he dies,
A tree may grow for a thousand years, eventually, it will be
chopped down and use as firewood.
----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-23-11 08:11



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

學好三年,---Xue2 hao3 san nian2,
學壞三天.---Xue2 huai4 san tian.

It takes three years to learn to be a good man,
But it takes three days to become a degraded person.
------------------------------------------------

學了就用處處行,---Xue2 le jiu4 yong4 chu4 chu4 xing2,
光學不用等於零.---Guang xue2 bu4 yong4 deng3 yu2 ling2.

Making used of what one had learned would help one in whatever one undertook,

To learn for learning sake was equalled to zero.
-------------------------------------------

孔子曰: Confucius said:

學如逆水行舟,---Xu2 ru2 nni4 shui3 xing2 zhou,
如果不進則退.---Ru2 guo3 bu4 jin4 ze2 tui4.

Studying is like rowing against the current,
If you are not moving forward, you are moving backward.
-------------------------------------------

開始好就等於一半成功
Kai1 shi3 hao3 jiu4 deng3 yu2 yi ban4 cheng2 gong (P)

Well begun is half done
------------------------------------------

愷悌君子,---Kai3 ti jun zi3,
民之父母.---Min2 zhi fu mu.

A love and respected gentleman, (P)
Is like a parent to the people.
----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-23-11 18:12



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

知人知面不知心
Zhi1 ren2 zhi mian4 bu4 zhi xin

You may know a person's face but not his heart
(One may know a person for a long time without understanding his true nature)

---------------------------------------

知事少時煩惱少,---Zhi shi4 shao3 shi2 fan2 nao3 shao3,
識人多處是非少.---Shi2 ren2 duo chu3 shi4 fei shao3.

To know less thing is to have less trouble,
To know more people is to have less problem.
-------------------------------------------

天堂有路無人到,---Tian tang2 you3 lu4 wu2 ren2 dao4,
牢門緊閉有人敲.---Lao2 men2 jin3 bi4 you3 ren2 qiao.

There are roads to heaven and no one has been there,
The prison door is tightly closed yet there are people knocking at it.
----------------------------------------------

天無絕人之路
Tian wu2 jue2 ren2 zhi lu4 (P)

Heaven never seals off all the exits.
(There is always a way out).
---------------------------------------

老虎頭上拍蒼蠅
Lao3 hu3 tou2 shang4 pai can ying2

Trying to hit a fly on the tiger's head.
----------------------------------------

不是東風壓到西風,---Bu4 shi4 dong feng ya dao4 xi feng,
就是西風壓倒東風.---Jiu4 shi4 xi feng ya dao4 dong feng.

If it is not the East Wind prevails over the West wind,
Then it is the West Wind prevails over the East wind.
---------------------------------------------

不是好漢不出鄉,---Bu4 shi4 hao3 han4 bu4 chu xiang,
不是肥土不栽薑.---Bu4 shi4 fei2 tu3 bu4 zai jiang.

Unless you are a brave man, don't leave your village.
Unless the soil is fertile don't plant ginger.
------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-23-11 18:48


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

天有不測風雲,---Tian you3 bu4 ce4 feng yun2,
人有旦夕禍福.---Ren2 you2 dan4 xi huo4 fu2.

A storm my arise from a clear sky,
Something unexpected may happen any time
(In nature there are unexpected storms,
And in life unpredictable vicissitudes.)
--------------------------------------------------------

天有風雲江有浪
Tian1 you3 feng yun2 jiang you3 lang4

When there is wind in the clouds there are waves on the river
-------------------------------------------

算命若有靈,---Suan4 ming4 ruo4 you3 ling2,
世上無窮人.---Shi4 shang4 wu2 qiong2 ren2.

If the fortune tellers are correct,
There would be any poor people in the world.
------------------------------------------------

雖鞭之長,---Sui1 bian zhi chang2,
不及馬腹.---Bu4 ji2 ma3 fu4.

Although the whip is long,
It cannot reach the belly of the horse.
(it is too far away for one to be able to help)
--------------------------------------------------------

壞戲鑼鼓多,---Huai4 xi4 luo2 gu3 duo, (P)
小人說話多.---Xiao3 ren2 shuo hua4 duo.

There are more gongs and drums in a bad play,
A vile character has plenty to say.
------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-23-11 19:57


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

苦裡生,---Ku3 li3 sheng,
甜裡長.---Tian2 li3 zhang3.

Being born in misery,
But brought up happily.
---------------------------------

快刀割不斷好親戚
Kuai4 dao ge bu4 duan4 hao3 qing4 qi

A sharp knife cannot cut off a good relative.
--------------------------------------

快刀斬亂麻
Kuai4 dao zhan3 luan4 ma2

Cut a tangled skein of jute with a sharp knife
(用迅速爽快的手段, 處理紛繁糾葛的事情)
---------------------------------------

快快活活活了命,---Kuai4 kuai4 huo2 huo2 huo2 le ming4,
氣氣惱惱成了病.---Qi4 qi4 nao3 nao3 cheng2 le bing4.

Live happily and have a good life,
Getting angry too often will make you sick.
------------------------------------------

快樂似天堂,---Kuai4 le4 si tian tang2,
憂愁如地獄.---You1 chou2 ru2 di4 yu4.

A mind enlightened is like the halls of Heaven,
A mind in darkness is like the realm of Hell.
------------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-23-11 20:32


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

不善始者不善終
Bu4 shan4 shi3 zhe3 bu4 shan4 zhong

When a beginning is bad the ending will also be bad.
--------------------------------------------------

不上高山,---Bu4 shang4 gao shan,
不顯地平.---Bu4 xian3 di4 ping2.

If you don't climb up the high hill,
You won't know that the land is flat.
----------------------------------------------

不識廬山真面目,---Bu4 shi2 Lushan zhen mian4 mu4,
只緣身在此山中.---Zhi yuan2 shen zai4 ci3 shan zhong.

I cannot see the true face of Lushan,
Because I am in the mountains of Lushan.
-----------------------------------------------

不實心, 不成事.---Bu4 shi2 xin, bu4 cheng2 shi4.

If you are not sincere,
You wouldn't be able to accomplish anything.

不虛心, 不知事.---Bu4 xu xin, bu4 zhi shi4.

If you are not open-minded,
You wouldn't know anything.
----------------------------------------------

不是撐船手,---Bu4 shi4 cheng chuan2 shou3,
休弄竹篙頭.---Xiu nong4 zhu2 gao tou2.

If you cannot pole a boat,
Do not meddle with the pole.
--------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-23-11 21:04


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

沒有十全十美的朋友。
Mei2 you3 shi2 quan2 shi2 mei3 de4 peng2 you3

One will never find a friend who is perfect in every way.
-----------------------------------------------

沒有無刺的玫瑰.
Mei2 you3 wu2 ci4 di2 mei2 gui.

No rose without a thorn.
(或: 沒有十全十美的幸福)
----------------------------------------

沒做虧心事,---Mei2 zuo4 kui xin shi4,
不怕鬼叫門.---Bu4 pa4 gui3 jiao4 men2.

If you have not done anything to be ashamed of,
You would not be afraid of ghosts knocking at your door.
------------------------------------------------

美德遠遠勝美貌
Mei3 de2 yuan3 yuan3 sheng4 mei3 mao4

Virtue is much much better than beautiful appearance.
------------------------------------

爬得高,---Pa2 de2 gao,
跌得重.---Die de2 zhong4.

The higher you climb,
The heavier you fall.
---------------------------------

皮之不存,---Pi2 zhi bu4 cun2,
毛將焉附.---Mao2 jiang yan fu.

With the skin gone,
What can the hair adhere to.
(A thing cannot exist without its basis)
---------------------------------------------

便宜無好貨,---Pian2 yi2 wu2 hao3 huo4,
好貨不便宜.---Hao3 huo4 bu4 pian2 yi2.

Goods sold at bargain prices are usually of poor quality
Goods of high quality would not be sold for bargain prices
-------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-23-11 22:22


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

女大不中留,---Nu3 da4 bu4 zhong liu2,
留下結冤仇.---Liu2 xia4 jie yuan chou2.

Parents should not keep a grown up daughter at home,
Lest she would become an enemy of the parents.
----------------------------------

女婿當不了兒郎,---Nu3 xu4 dang bu4 liao3 er2 lang2,
蒿麥當不了陳糧.---Hao mai4 dang bu4 liao3 chen2 liang2.

One cannot take one's son-in-law as one's own son,
Wormwood cannot be taken as grain.
--------------------------------------------

人心高過天,-----Ren2 xin gao guo4 tian,
想做皇帝想成仙.---Xiang3 zuo4 huang2 di4 xiang3 cheng2 xian.

The ambition of a man is higher than the sky,
He wants to become an Emperor and an immortal.
---------------------------------------

人心隔肚皮,---Ren2 xin ge2 du3 pi2,
看人看行為.---Kan4 ren2 kan 4xing2 wei2.

A man's heart is separated by the skin of his stomach,
In order to know about him is by looking at his behaviour.
-----------------------------------

又要馬兒跑得好,---You4 yao4 ma3 er2 pao3 de2 hao3
又要馬兒不吃草.---You4 yao4 ma3 er2 bu4 chi cao3.

You can't expect your horse to run fast,
When you don't let it graze.
----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-23-11 23:15


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

外表嚴厲,---Wai4 biao3 yan2 li4
內心怯懦.---Nei4 xin qie4 nuo4.

Outwardly he appears stern,
But his innermost being is timid and overcautious.
--------------------------------------------

外披羊皮,---Wai4 pi yang2 pi2,
內藏狼心.---Nei4 zang4 lang2 xin.

Outside he is clothed in a sheep's skin,
Inside his heart is a wolf's.
------------------------------------------

萬惡淫為首,---Wan4 e4 yin2 wei2 shou3,
百善孝為先.---Bai3 shan4 xiao4 wei2 xian.

The root of all evil begins from licentious,
Of all the good conduct of a man filial piety is his first act.
------------------------------------

萬句言語吃不飽,---Wan4 ju4 yan2 yu3 chi bu4 bao3,
一捧流水能解渴.---Yi peng3 liu2 shui3 neng2 jie3 ke3.

Talking thousands of words cannot fills one's stomach,
Scooping up some water with both hands can quench one's thirst.
--------------------------------------------------

萬兩黃金容易得,---Wan4 liang3 huang2 jin rong2 yi4 de2,
知心一個也難求.---Zhi xin yi ge4 ye3 nan2 qiu2.

Ten thousand taels of gold may be easy to come by,
But it is very hard to find an intimate friend.
------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-23-11 23:25


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom


酒能成事,---Jiu3 neng2 cheng2 shi4, (P)
酒能敗事.---Jiu3 neng2 bai4 shi4.

Wine can make you a successful man,
But it can also destroy you.
---------------------------------------------------

九牛二虎之力
Jiu3 niu2 er4 hu3 zhi li4 (P)

The strength of nine bulls and two tigers
(tremendous effort)
------------------------------------------

九牛亡一毛
Jiu3 niu2 wang2 yi mao2 (P)

Like one hair on the back in each of the nine cows. (P)
(in actual fact it is very light)
(好像九條牛身上的一根毛)
----------------------------------------

救人救了落水狗,---Jiu4 ren2 jiu4 le luo4 shui3 gou3, (P)
回轉頭來咬一口.---Hui2 zhuan4 tou2 lai2 yao3 yi kou3

Trying to save a man in the water he ended up rescuing a dog,
Which it turned around and gave him a bite.
------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-24-11 02:58


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

天可度, 地可量,---Tian ke3 du4, di4 ke3 liang4,
惟有人心最難防.---Wei2 you3 ren2 xin zui4 nan2 fang2.

The sky can be calculated, the earth can be measured,
Only human beings' hearts are the hardest to guard against.
---------------------------------------------------------------

天理良心,---Tian li3 liang2 xin,
天下通行.---Tian xia4 tong xing2.

With a heart of heavenly principles (justice),
You have a free passage to everywhere in the world.
-------------------------------------------------------

天平地平,---Tian ping2 di4 ping2,
人心不平.---Ren2 xin bu4 ping2.

The heaven is peaceful and the earth is peaceful,
But the public feeling of the people is not peaceful.

人心一平,---Ren2 xin yi ping2,
天下太平.---Tian xia4 tai4 ping2

Once the public feeling of the people is peaceful,
It will be peaceful under heaven.
----------------------------------------------

天上無雲不落水,---Tian shang4 wu2 yun2 bu4 luo4 shui3
世間無人事不成.--Shi4 jian4 wu2 ren2 shi4 bu4 cheng2.

It would not rain when there are no clouds in the sky,
A job will not be accomplished if there are no men in the world.
------------------------------------------------

天上雲多月不明,---Tian shang4 yun2 duo yue4 bu4 ming2,
池裏魚多水不清.---Chi2 li3 yu2 duo shui3 bu4 qing.

There are lots of clouds in the sky and the moon is not bright,
And there are many fish in the pond and the water is not clear.
--------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-24-11 03:41

盲公打燈籠,---Mang2 gong da4 deng long2, (P)
照人不照己.---Zhao4 ren2 bu4 zhao4 ji3.

A blind man carrying a lantern,
The lantern shines for others but not for himself.
--------------------------------------------

忙家不會,---Mang2 jia bu4 hui4,(P)
會家不忙.---Hui4 jia bu4 mang2.

He, who does not know the job, is too busy,
He who knows the job is not busy.
--------------------------------------------

忙里偷閒,---Mang2 li3 tou xian2, (P)
苦中作藥.---Ku3 zhong zuo4 yao4,

Snatch a little leisure from a busy life,
Make some medicine while you are in pain.
----------------------------------

茫茫大海無邊岸,---Mang2 mang2 da4 hai3 wu2 bian an4, (P)
渺渺天涯有盡頭.---Miao3 miao3 tian ya you jin tou.

The boundless and indistinct sea has no shore,
However, the distant and remoteness of the world has an end.
---------------------------------------

忙忙如喪家之狗,---Mang2 mang2 ru2 sang4 jia zhi gou3, (P)
急急如漏網之魚.---Ji2 ji2 ru2 lou4 wang3 zhi yu2.

As stealthily as a stray dog,
And as swiftly as a fish escaping from the net.
-------------------------------------
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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-24-11 04:56


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

偷盜一次, 做賊一世.
Tou1 dao4 yi ci4, zuo4 zei yi shi4

To steal once, one has become a thief for life
----------------------------------------

偷雞貓不改性,---Tou2 ji mao bu4 gai xing4,
狼到死還想羊.---Lang2 dao4 si3 hai2 xiang3 yang2.

The cat that steals chicken will never change its character,
Until it dies the fox is still thinking of the sheep.
--------------------------------------------

言多語失皆因酒,---Yan2 duo yu3 shi jie yin jiu3,
義斷情疏只為錢.---Yi4 duan4 qing2 shu zhi3 wei2 qian2.

Owing to his drinking, he talks a lot of rubbish,
Due to money, he breaks up relationship with friends.
-------------------------------------------

嚴父出孝子,---Yan2 fu4 chu xiao4 zi3,
慈母出巧女.---Ci2 mu3 chu qiao3 nu3.

A stern father produced worthy progeny,
A loving mother produced clever daughters.
--------------------------------------------

不信直中直,---Bu4 xin4 zhi2 zhong zhi2,
須防仁不仁.---Xu fang2 ren2 bu4 ren2.

Do not believe the true completely,
Beware the imposters among the kind people.
-------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-24-11 05:37


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

不受苦中苦,---Bu4 shou4 ku3 zhong ku3,
難得甜中甜.---Nan2 de2 tian2 zhong tian2.

If you cannot stand hardship,
It is hard to have happiness.
---------------------------------------

不挑擔子不知重,---Bu4 tiao dan4 zi3 bu4 zhi chong2,
不走長路不之遠.---Bu4 zou3 chang2 lu4 bu4 zhi yuan3.

If one has not carried with its load before one will not know the weight,
If one has not walked in a long road before one will not know the distance.
--------------------------------------

不聽老人言,---Bu4 ting lao3 ren2 yan2,
吃苦在眼前.---Chi ku3 zai4 yan3 qian2.

He who does not heed to the advice of the elders,
Is in for a tough time.
------------------------------

不同人爭,---Bu4 tong2 ren2 zheng,
要同命爭.---Yao tong2 ming4 zheng.

Do not contest with people,
But you have to struggle for your life.
--------------------------------------

菜沒鹽無味,---Cai3 mei2 yan2 wu2 wei4,
話沒理無力.---Hua4 mei2 li3 wu2 li4.

Food without salt is tasteless,
Talking unreasonably is not forceful.
------------------------------------

甘蔗沒有兩頭甜
Can1 zhe3 mei2 you3 liang3 tou2 tian2

A sugarcane is never sweet at both ends.
(You can't have it both ways)
----------------------------------------------------------


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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-24-11 06:17


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

一寸光陰一寸金,---Yi cun4 guang yin yi cun4 jin,
寸金難買寸光陰.---Cun4 jin nan2 mai4 cun4 guang yin.

An inch of time is an inch of gold,
But an inch of gold will not buy an inch of time.
[Time is more precious than gold]
----------------------------------

一兒一女一枝花,---Yi er2 yi nu3 yi zhi hua,
無兒無女活菩薩,---wu2 er2 wu2 nu3 huo2 Pusa,
多兒多女多冤家.---Duo er2 duo nu2 duo yuan jia.

One son and one daughter is like having one branch of flower,
Without a son and a daughter is like a living Buddha,
For having more sons and daughters is like having more enemies.
----------------------------------------------

一個井底之蛙,---Yi ge2 jing3 di2 zhi wa,
不知天地之大.---Bu4 zhi tian di4 zhi da4.

A frog from a well,
It does not know the vastness of the sky and the earth.
-------------------------------------

一個巴掌拍不響,---Yi ge4 ba zhang3 pai bu4 xiang3.
一人難唱獨板腔.---Yi ren2 nan2 chang4 du2 ban3 qiang.

You cannot clap with one hand
It is hard for one actor to perform a drama.
-------------------------------

一個和尚挑水喝,---Yi1 ge4 he2 shang4 tiao shui3 he,
兩個和尚抬水喝,---Liang3 ge4 he2 shang4 tai2 shui3 he,
三個和尚沒水喝.---San ge4 he2 shang4 mei2 shui3 he.

It is not well for too many persons to be engaged on the same work,
lest their plans and labours conflict.
(Too many cooks spoil the broth).
-------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-24-11 06:59


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

養兒怕當兵,---Yang3 er2 pa4 dang4 bing,
養女怕進宮.---Yang3 nu3 pa4 jin4 gong.

Parents do not like their sons becoming soldiers,
And daughters becoming maids in an imperial palace.
(That was under the environment of the Feudal Society)
-------------------------------------------

養花一年,---Yang3 hua yi nian2,
看花十日.---Kan hua shi2 ri4.

You raise flowers for a year,
You see them for but ten days.
------------------------------------

養軍千日,---Yang3 jun qian ri4,
用在一朝.---Yong4 zai4 yi zhao.

To maintain an army for a thousand days,
Only to be used for one day.
-----------------------------------------

養子不讀書,---Yang3 zi3 bu4 du2 shu,
不如一頭豬.---Bu4 ru2 yi tou2 zhu.

It is better to raise a pig,
If one's son does not want to study.
----------------------------------------

養子不能養其心,---Yang3 zi3 bu4 neng2 yang3 qi xin,(P)
養女不能養其身.---Yang3 nu3 bu4 neng2 yang3 qi shen.

You can raise a son, but not his heart,
[meaning keep him home or guarantee he will be a moral person.]
You can raise a daughter, but not her body.
[meaning for life, since she will be married away.]
------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-24-11 08:12


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

人生的榮華富貴,----------Ren2 sheng di2 rong2 hua2 fu4 gui4,
有如春日的一場幻夢.---You3 ru2 yi chang3 chun ri4 di2 yi chang3 huan4 meng4.

Life is like a glory, splendour, wealth and rank,
Dream in spring time.

This Xian Wen derived from an idiom story "一場春夢'. or a dream in spring.

A scholar named, Zhao Jinshi (趙今時), in the Song Dynasty (宋朝 960AD to
1279AD) wrote a book titled 侯鯖錄 (Hou Qing Lu) about the scholars of the
previous generations.

At one time, he wrote about the famous Song poet Su Dongpo (蘇東坡 1036AD
1101AD).

Su Dongpo was living in Changhua county (昌化縣), in Zhejiang province (浙
江省).
One day, Su Dongpo was holding a bottle of wine walking in a field humming
a song, happily. Not long he met an old lady who saw him so happy humming
away. She stopped and talked to Su Dongpo, saying,
"內翰 [官名]裏昔日的富貴榮華﹐祇不過像是一場春夢罷了."

Not long after the residents of this county heard about what the old lady
said to the famous poet Su Dongpo. The residents nicknamed this old lady
Chun Meng (春夢).
----------------------------------------------------

海枯終見底,---Hai3 ku zhong jian4 di3,
人死不知心.---Ren2 si3 bu4 zhi xin.

When the sea run dry, eventually, we can see the bottom,
However, when a man dies we cannot see his heart.
----------------------------------------------

來得容易,---Lai2 de2 rong2 yi4,
去得快.------Qu4 de2 kuai4.

Light come, light go.
(或: 不義之財, 理無久享 easy come, easy go).
--------------------------------------

鰲魚脫了金鉤釣,---Ao2 yu2 tuo le jin gou diao,
擺尾搖頭再不來.---Bai3 wei3 yao2 tou2 zai4 bu4 lai2.

A fish has just got off the golden hook,
It shook its head and tail meaning it would not come again.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

早把甘旨勤奉養,---Zao3 ba3 gan zhi3 qin2 feng4 yang3,
夕陽光陰不多時.---Xi yang2 guang yin bu4 duo shi2.

It is better served one's parents well,
As they are getting old like the setting sun.
--------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-24-11 16:34


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

平時不燒香,---Ping2 shi2 bu4 shao xiang,
急來抱佛腳.---Ji2 lai2 bao4 fo2 jia3.

Never burn incense when all is well,
But clasp Buddha's feet when in distress,
.(Do nothing until the last minute).
-------------------------------------------

平時多流汗,---Ping2 shi2 duo liu2 han4,
戰時少流血.---Zhan4 shi2 shao3 liu2 xue4.

A drop of sweat spent in a drill,
Is a drop of blood saved in a battle.
-------------------------------------------

破帽子底下有好人
Po4 mao3 zi3 di4 xia4 you3 hao3 ren2

There is many a good man to be found
under a shabby hat.
---------------------------------------

兔死狐悲,---Tu4 si3 hu2 bei,
物傷其類.---Wu4 shang qi2 lei4.

The fox mourns the death of the hare,
Things of one kind are harming themselves.
-------------------------------------------

拖延即浪費時間.
Tuo1 yan2 ji2 lang4 fei4 shi2 jian.

Procrastination is the thief of time.
-------------------------------------------------

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Date:   08-24-11 17:14


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

眼見還存疑,---Yan2 jian4 hai2 cun2 yi2,
怎信背後話.---Zen xin4 bei4 hou4 hua4.

If what we see before our eyes is doubtful,
how can we believe all that is spoken behind our backs.
-------------------------------------------

嚴師出高徒
Yan2 shi chu gao tu2

Stern teachers brought up good students.
---------------------------------------------

嚴以律己,---Yan2 yi3 lu4 ji3,
寬以待人.---Kuan yi3 dai4 ren2.

Be strict with oneself,
And broad-minded towards others.
----------------------------------------

羊兒伴老虎,---Yang2 er2 ban4 lao3 hu3,
怎樣靠得住.---Zen3 yang4 kao4 de2 zhu4

A lamb is keeping the tiger company,
It is a shaky business.
---------------------------------------------

羊毛出在羊身上
Yang2 mao2 chu zai4 yang2 shen shang4

After all, the wool still comes from the sheep's back
(In the long run, whatever you are given, you have to pay)
------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-24-11 17:34


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom


死人不會告密
Si3 ren2 bu4 hui4 gao3 mi4

Dead men tell no tales.
------------------------------------------

死人臭一里,---Si3 ren2 chou4 yi li3,
壞人臭千里.---Huai4 ren2 chou4 qian li3.

A dead man stinks within one mile,
Whereas a bad man stinks a thousand miles.
------------------------------------------------

死有重于泰山,---Si3 you3 zhong4 yu2 Taishan,
或則輕于鴻毛.---Huo4 ze2 qing yu2 hong2 mao2.

One's death may be weightier than Taishan Mountain,
Or lighter than a goose feather.
----------------------------------------------

死得其所,---Si3 de2 qi2 suo3,
流芳百世.---Liu2 fang bai3 shi4.

To die a worthy death,
Will leave a good name for a hundred generations.
(to leave a reputation which will go down to posterity)
------------------------------------------------------

四海之內,---Si4 hai3 zhi nei4,
皆兄弟也.---Jie xiong di4 ye3.

All the people in the four seas (the whole world)
Can be brothers.
-----------------------------------


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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-25-11 00:34


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

說起來容易,---Shuo1 qi3 lai2 rong2 yi4,
做起來困難.---Zuo4 qi3 lai2 kun4 nan2.

It is easy to talk about things,
But it is difficult to do them.
-------------------------------------

私臣不忠,---Si chen2 bu4 zhong,
忠臣不私.---Zhong chen2 bu4 si.

A corrupted official is not loyal,
A loyal official is not corrupted.
---------------------------------------


真正的富有﹐是歡喜而不是財富。
Zhen1 zheng4 di2 fu4 you3, shi4 huan xi3 er2 bu4 shi4 cai2 fu4.
真正的貧窮﹐是無知而不是無錢。
zhen1 zheng4 di2 pin2 qiong2, shi4 wu2 zhi er2 bu4 shi2 wu2 qian2.

The real wealth of a person is happiness, not money.
The real poverty of a person is ignorance, not wanting of money.
------------------------------------------------------

月有圓有缺,---Yue4 you3 yuan2 you3 que,
人有聚有別.---Ren2 you ju4 you3 bie2.

Sometimes the moon is round and sometimes cleaved,
Men sometimes are getting together and sometimes separated.
---------------------------------------------

運去黃金減價,---Yun4 qu4 huang2 jin jian3 jia4,
時來頑鐵生光.---Shi2 lai2 wan2 tie3 sheng guang.

When luck runs out the gold prices drop very low,
When luck is around even the scrap iron becomes a valuable metal.
--------------------------------------------



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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-25-11 01:37


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

有風方起浪,---You3 feng fang qi3 lang4,
無潮水自平.---Wu2 chao2 shui3 zi4 ping2.

There are waves because of the wind,
If there are no tides the water by itself will be smooth.
-----------------------------------------

有福不享真是呆,---You3 fu2 bu4 xiang3 zhen shi4 dai,
無福要享哪裡來.---Wu2 fu2 yao xiang3 na4 li3 lai2.

One is an idiot if one does not enjoy life if one has the money,
How to enjoy life if one has no money.
-------------------------------------

有心﹐卻使十萬里路也不算遠﹐
you3 xin, que4 shi43 shi2 wan4 li3 bu4 suan4 yuan3,
無心﹐卻使近在隔鄰也走不到。
wu2 xin, que4 shi4 jin4 zai4 ge2 lin2 ye3 zou3 bu4 dao4.

With will, a hundred thousand miles is not far,
Without will, your neighbour is far away.
--------------------------------------------------

有眼不識泰山,---You3 yan3 bu4 shi2 Taishan;
不知天高地厚.---Bu4 zhi tian gao di4 hou4.

He has eyes but he fails to see Mount Taishan,
And he does not know the immensity of heaven and earth.
--------------------------------------------------------

有爺有娘常常歸,---You3 ye2 you3 niang2 chang2 chang2 gui,
無爺無娘永不來.---Wu2 ye2 wu2 niang2 yong3 bu4 lai2.

He often comes home when his parents are around,
After his parents have gone he never goes home.
-----------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-25-11 02:20


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

別人的莊稼好,---Bie2 ren2 di2 zhuang jia4 hao3,
自己的兒女好.---zi4 ji3di2 er2 nu3 hao3.

Other people's harvests are always the best harvests,
But one's children are always the best children.
---------------------------------------------------

別時容易見時難,---Bie2 shi2 rong2 yi4 jian4 shi2 nan2,
南柯夢裏在見面.---Nan Ke Meng [*] li3 zai4 jian4 mian4.

Saying farewell is easier than meeting each other,
As the only way to see each other is in the dream.

[*] 南柯夢 Nan Ke Meng
南柯一夢 Nanke dream is from the story of a man who dreamed that he became
governor of Nan Ke in the Kingdom of the Ants.
The moral of this idiomatic story is 'illusory joy'.
-------------------------------------------------

久病無孝子,---Jiu3 bing4 wu2 xiao4 zi3,
久賭神仙輸.---Jiu3 du3 shen2 xian shu.

Being sick for so long one has no dutiful son,
At steady gambling even the gods and immortals lose.
-----------------------------------------------

酒不醉人人自醉,---Jiu3 bu4 zui4 ren2 ren2 zi4 zui4,
色不迷人人自迷.---Se4 bu4 mi2 ren2 ren2 zi4 mi2

Wine does not intoxicate a man, he intoxicates himself.
Men are not enticed by vice, they entice themselves.
--------------------------------------------

孝心感動天和地
Xiao4 xin gan3 dong4 tian he2 di4

Filial piety moves heaven and earth
--------------------------------------------

笑一笑, 少一少,---Xiao4 yi xiao4, shao3 yi shao3,
惱一惱, 老一老.---Nao3 yi nao3, lao3 yi lao3

When you are smiling you feel younger,
When you are angry you feel older.
-------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-25-11 04:55


立法者應當守法
Li4 fa3 zhe3 ying dang shou3 fa3 (P)

Those who make the laws ought especially to keep them.
(Lawmakers should not be lawbreakers)
----------------------------------------

歷史有人﹐才成為歷史,---Li4 shi3 you4 ren2, cai2 cheng2 wei2 li4 shi3, (P)
人有歷史﹐才成其為人.---Ren2 you3 li4 shi3, cai2 cheng2 qi2 wei2 ren2.

People make history,
History gives fame to people.
--------------------------------------------------

立下凌雲志,---Li4 xia4 ling2 yun2 zhi4, (P)
敢去摘星星.---Gan3 qu4 zhai xing xing.

Having resolved my aspiration as high as the sky,
I dare to go up there to pluck the stars.
---------------------------------------
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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-25-11 05:10


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

學問是寶隨身帶
Xue2 wen4 shi2 bao3 sui2 shen dai4

Learning is a treasure which follows its owner everywhere.
-------------------------------------------

學無止境
Xue2 wu2 zhi3 jing4

Knowledge is infinite.
(there is no limit to knowledge)
---------------------------------

急行慢行,------------Ji2 xing2 man4 xing2,
前程只有多少路.---Qian2 cheng2 zhi3 you3 duo shao3 lu4.

Whether one is walking faster or slower,
It does not matter as the distance is the same.
--------------------------------------------

孔子曰: Confucius said:

己所不欲,---Ji3 suo3 bu4 yu4,
勿施於人.---Wu4 shi yu2 ren2.

( 白話)
自己心裡所不願的,
不要加到別人身上去.

What you do not want to do it to yourself,
Do not do it to others.

(自己心裡所不願的, 不要加到別人身上去).
------------------------------

血濃於水---Xue4 nong2 yu2 shui3

Blood is thicker than water
(Persons of the same family are closer to one another than to others.)
---------------------------------------

迅雷不及掩耳
Xun4 lei2 bu4 ji2 yan3 er3.

A sudden peal of thunder leaves no time for covering the ears.
(As sudden as lightning).
------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-25-11 06:22


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

物以類聚,---Wu4 yi3 lei4 ju4,
人以群分.---Ren2 yi3 qun2 fen4.

Birds of a feather flock together,
People of the same type.
--------------------------------------------------

孔子曰: Confucius said:

勿以善小而不為,---Wu4 yi3 shan4 xiao3 er2 bu4 wei2
勿以惡小而為之.---Wu4 yi3 e4 xiao3 er2 wei2 zhi.

You are not doing it because the benefit is too small,
You are doing it just for a minor excuse.
-----------------------------------------------------

身在福中不知福
Shen zai4 fu2 zhong bu4 zhi fu2.

Growing up in happiness, one often fails to appreciate what happiness really
means.
(not appreciate the happy life one enjoys).
-----------------------------------------------

身在萬物中﹐要有人無我,
Shen1 zai4 wan4 wu4 zhong, yao you3 ren2 wu2 wo3,
心在三界外﹐要有我無人.
Xin zai4 san jie wai4, yao you3 wo3 wu2 ren2.

Show selfless concern others,
Transcend the three realms of existence by cultivating yourself.
------------------------------------------------

冷粥冷飯好吃,---Leng3 zhou leng3 fan4 hao3 chi,
冷言冷語難受.---Leng3 yan2 leng3 yu3 nan2 shou4.

Cold porridge and cold rice are good to eat,
But, sarcastic comments are hard to take.
---------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-25-11 07:28


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

三更燈火五更雞,---San geng deng huo3 wu3 geng ji,
正是男兒立志時.---Zheng4 shi4 nan2 er2 li4 zhi4 shi2.

Going to bed late at night and getting up early in the morning,
Is what an ambitious young man is resolving for.
---------------------------------------

三顧茅廬,---San gu4 mao2 lu2,
求賢相助.---Qiu2 xian2 xiang zhu4.

The purpose of making three calls at the thatched cottage,
Is to ask a person of virtue for help.

During the Period of the Three Kingdoms (三國時代 220AD to 265AD), the three
sworn brothers of Liu Bei (劉備), Guan Yu (關羽) and Zhang Fei (張飛) went
to Zhuge Liang's (諸葛亮) cottage three begging him to be their advisor.

------------------------------------------------------------

黑暗之中,---------Hei1 an4 zhi zhong,
總有一線光明.---Zong3 you3 yi xian4 guang ming2.

Every cloud has a silver lining.
(Every trouble has something hopeful that you can see in it,
like the bright edge around a dark cloud)
------------------------------------------

黑髮不知勤學早,---Hei fa4 bu4 zhi qin2 xue2 zao3,
白頭方悔讀書遲.---Bai2 tou2 fang hui3 du2 shu chi2.

A black hair young man did not study diligently,
It was too late for him to study when his hair had turned white.
(年輕時不知勤學惜時﹐轉眼間光陰逝過﹐很快便會成為白髮人.)
-------------------------------------------------

黑心敢進衙門,---Hei xin gan3 jin4 ya2 men2,
不敢進廟門.------ Bu4 gan3 jin4 miao4 men2.

An evil man dares to enter a court house,
But he is afraid of entering a temple.
----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-25-11 07:52


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

明槍易躲,---Ming2 qiang yi4 duo3,
暗箭難防.---An4 jian4 nan2 fang2.

It is easy to dodge a spear in the open,
But hard to guard against an arrow shot from hiding.
-----------------------------------------

明人不做暗事,---Ming2 ren2 bu4 zuo4 an4 shi4,
是非難逃眾口.---Shi4 fei nan2 tao2 zhong4 kou3.

An honest man doesn't do anything underhand,
Right or wrong cannot escape the public clamour.
----------------------------------------------

明者為智,---Ming2 zhe3 wei2 zhi4
暗者為愚.---An4 zhe3 wei2 yu2.

He who knows is wise
He who does not know is foolish.
---------------------------------------

孤陰則不生,---Gu yin ze2 bu4 sheng,
獨陽則不長.---Du2 yang2 ze2 bu4 zhang3.

If there are only females they cannot produce,
And if there are only males they cannot develop.
--------------------------------------------

鼓不打不響,---Gu3 bu4 da3 bu4 xiang3,
鐘不撞不鳴.---Zhong bu4 zhuang4 bu4 ming2.

The drum will not sound unless you beat it,
The bell will not chime unless you toll it.
----------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-25-11 11:38


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

子智父親樂,---Zi3 zhi4 fu4 qing4 le4,
狗瘦主人羞.---Gou3 shou4 zhu3 ren2 xiu.

When the son is intelligent the father is happy,
When the dog is thin its master is ashamed.
-----------------------------------------------------------

自搬石頭自打腳
Zi4 ban shi2 tou2 zi4 da3 jiao3

Lifting up a rock only to drop it on one's own feet.
---------------------------------------------

自暴自棄,---Zi4 bao4 zi4 qi4,
不肯勤學.---Bu4 ken3 qin2 xue2.

He is self forsaking,
As he is unwilling to study.
--------------------------------------

自慚無枝葉,---Zi4 can2 wu2 zhi ye4,
莫怨太陽偏.---Mo4 yuan4 tai4 yang2 pian.

Blame yourself if you have no branches or leaves,
Do not accuse the sun of partiality.
---------------------------------------------

自古紅顏多薄命,---Zi4 gu3 hong2 yan2 duo bo4 ming4,
懨懨無語對東風.---Yan yan wu2 yu3 dui dong feng.

Since time immemorial, most of the females suffered from hardship,
Sadly and silently, they lived and faced the east wind.
--------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-25-11 11:57


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

雨落不要碰高墩,---Yu3 luo4 bu4 yao4 peng gao dun.
窮人不要攀高親.---Qion2 ren2 bu4 yao4 pan gao qing4

Hoping that the rain will not rain on the highland,
The poor will not claim ties of kinship with people of higher social position.

----------------------------------------

與人方便,---Yu3 ren2 fang bian4,
自己方便.---Zi4 ji3 fang bian4.

If you are considerable to others,
Others will treat you considerably.
--------------------------------------------

鷸蚌相爭,---Yu4 bang4 xiang zheng,
漁翁得利.---Yu2 weng de2 li4.

Contention between a snipe and a clam,
Only benefits the fisherman.
.......................................................

When the snipe and the clam grapple

鷸蚌相爭 (Yu4 Bang4 Xiang Zheng)
漁人得利 (Yu2 Ren2 De2 Li4)

When the snipe and the clam grapple,
The fisherman profits.

Zhou King Wu (周武王) established the Zhou Dynasty (周朝 1134BC to 256BC)
after he had destroyed the Shang Dynasty (商朝 1783BC to 1135BC). The Zhou
Empire was a vast country. Primitive communications at that time did not
allow Zhou King Wu to rule the country directly. So he delegated authority
to his relatives, officials, generals and aristocrats to rule the other
parts of the country on his behalf.

Historical records indicated more than two hundred vassals States in the
beginning of the Zhou Dynasty. All of them acknowledged the suzerainty of
Zhou King Wu and all the future Kings of the Zhou Court.

During the Spring and Autumn Period (春秋時代 722BC to 481BC) there were
incessant wars among the vassal States of the Zhou Empire. The large and
powerful States conquered and annexed the small and weak ones. Fighting
raged for about 250 years. By the approach of the Period of Warring States
(戰國時間453BC to 221BC) there were only seven States left. The central
authority of the Zhou Court had declined and became irrelevant. The seven
States were: Qi (齊國), Chu (楚國), Yan (燕國), Qin (秦國), Han (韓國),
Wei (魏國) and Zhao (趙國).

In 334BC, Zhao Hui Wang (趙惠王), the ruler of the State of Zhao (趙國 present
day Handan county 邯鄲縣 in Hebei province 河北省) declared his intentions
to attack the State of Yan (燕國 present day Beijing city 北京市 in Hebei
province). The two states were preparing for war.

Su Qin (蘇秦), the diplomat from the central authority of the Zhou Court,
was disturbed by the news of impending war. At that time he had been encouraging
the six States to form an alliance to fight the powerful State of Qin (秦
國 present day Fengxiang county 鳳翔縣 in Shaanxi province 陜西省). Su Qin
knew that if the two States were to go to war, the end result would benefit
the State of Qin. So he went to the State of Zhao and said to its ruler,
Zhao Hui Wang,

"While on the way here, I passed through Yishui River (易水河 present day
near Yi county 易縣 in Hebei province). I saw on the river bank a clam sunbathing
and stretching out its shells. Along flew a snipe which scooped down and
gripped the clam's flesh. The clam immediately closed its shells and clasped
the snipe's beak. For a long time neither of them wanted to let go its grip
of the other.

The clam said to the snipe,
"I won't let you go today and I won't let you go tomorrow and you will die
of hunger."

The snipe replied,
"I won't let you go today and I won't let you go tomorrow and you will die
of thirst."

They stubbornly refused to release one and another. A fisherman was on his
way home and he saw the impasse of the clam and the snipe. Delighted with
his good fortune, he picked them up and put them into his basket. He went
home happily. That night he had clam and snipe for dinner."

Su Qin told Zhao Hui Wang that if the State of Zhao were to go to war with
the State of Yan, the people of both States would suffer. Zhao would be
like the clam and Yan the snipe. After the war the resources and reserves
of both States would be exhausted and they would be easy pickings for the
State of Qin which was likened to the fisherman. In the final analysis the
State of Qin would be the beneficiary.

Zhao Hui Wang was convinced and he asked Su Qin to represent him at the
Yan court and sue for peace. A peace agreement was later signed between
the two States of Zhao and Yan.

The moral is that it's the third party that benefits from the tussle.

Source:
戰國策燕策:
"兩者不肯相舍, 魚者得而並禽之."
------------------------------------------------------------------

玉不琢不成器,---Yu4 bu4 zhuo2, bu4 cheng2 qi4.
人不學不成才.---Ren2 bu4 xue2 bu4 cheng2 cai.

A raw gem will not be a treasure unless it is carved and polished,
A man will not become a talented person unless he studies.
-----------------------------------------------------

欲成大事---Yu4 cheng2 da4 shi4,
須具小心.---Xu ju4 xiao3 xin.

If you wish to be great in life,
You have to be careful in what you are undertaking.
-----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-25-11 17:19


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

三年乳哺之勞,---San nian2 ru3 bu3 zhi lao2,
十月懷胎之苦.---Shi2 yue4 huai2 tai zhi ku3.

The trouble of breast-feeding for three years,
And the suffering of ten months pregnancy.
------------------------------------------------

三人同心,---San ren2 tong2 xin,
黃土變金.---Huang2 tu3 bian4 jin.

Three men with one mind,
Makes the yellow earth turning into gold
---------------------------------------------

掀天揭地的事功,---Xian tian jie di4 di2 shi4 gong,
直向薄冰上履過.---Zhi2 xiang4 bo4 bing shang4 lu3 guo4.

To undertake a gigantic task,
Is like walking on the thin ice.
--------------------------------------------

先天下之憂而憂,---Xian tian xia4 zhi you er2 you.
後天下之樂而樂.---Hou4 tian xia4 zhi le4 er2 le4.

Firstly, when the people are worry I worry,
Lastly, when the people are happy I am happy.
-------------------------------------

先下手為強,---Xian xia4 shou3 wei2 qiang3,
後下手遭殃.---Hou4 xia4 shou3 zao yang.

He who strikes first prevails,
He who strikes late fails.
-----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-25-11 18:00


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

葉落歸根,---Ye4 lou4 gui gen,
狐死首邱.---Hu2 si3 shou3 qiu.

When the leaves fall they return to the roots,
The foxes will go back to the forest to die.
(Everything reverts to its original source).
--------------------------------------------------

一百顆星亮不過一個月亮
Yi1 bai3 ke xing liang4 bu4 guo4 yi ge4 yue4 liang4

The light of a hundred stars does not equal the light of one moon.
-------------------------------------------

一百歲的命,-------Yi bai3 sui di2 ming4,
都要自己當心.---Du yao zi4 ji3 dang xin.

Even if you can live up to 100 years old,
Yet you have to take care of yourself
-----------------------------------------

一輩子不幹,---Yi bei4 zi3 bu4 gan3,
一輩子不會.---Yi bei4 zi3 bu4 hui4.

If you don't do a thing by yourself,
You will never know how to do it.
-------------------------------------------

一本好書,---Yi1 ben3 hao3 shu,
相伴一生.---Xiang ban4 yi sheng.

A good book is like your best friend for life.
---------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-25-11 18:22


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

做惡事須防鬼神知,---Zuo4 e4 shi4 xu fang2 gui3 shen2 zhi,
幹好事不怕旁人笑.---Gan4 hao3 shi4 bu4 pa4 pang2 ren2 xiao4.

Beware of God for doing evil deeds,
Doing good deeds should not be afraid of being laughed at.
-------------------------------------------

坐井觀天,---Zuo4 jing3 guan tian,
所見者小.---Suo3 jian4 zhe3 xiao3.

He who sits in a well to look at the sky can see but little.
------------------------------------------

做老實人,---Zuo4 lao3 shi2 ren2,
講老實話,---Jiang3 lao3 shi2 hua4
辦老實事.---Ban4 lao3 shi2 shi4.

Be an honest man,
Speak honest words,
And do honest work.
----------------------------------

做人要膽大,---Zuo4 ren2 yao dan3 da4,
處事要心細,---Chu4 shi4 yao xin xi4,
讀書要無求,---du2 shu yao wu2 qiu2,
經世要有用.---Jing shi4 yao you3 yong4.

Be courageous in all actions,
Attend to details in business,
Do not study to gain fortune or fame.
Strive to succeed in worldly affairs.
------------------------------------------------------

坐山觀虎鬥
Zuo4 shan guan hu3 dou4

To sit on top of the mountain to watch the tigers fight
(see both sides jump on each other and not get involved in it).
----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-25-11 18:45


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

站在矮檐下,---Zhan4 zai4 ai3 yan2 xia4,
那得不低頭.---Na4 de2 bu4 di tou2.

Standing under low-pitched eaves,
Must you not bow your head?
-----------------------------------------

戰戰競競,---Zhan4 zhan4 jing4 jing4.
如臨深淵,---Ru2 lin2 shen yuan,
如履薄冰.---Ru2 lu3 bo2 bing.

Quaking with terror,
As if falling into an abyss,
As if one is walking on the thin ice.

戰慄地恐懼, 小心地戒謹, 就同站在深潭的邊沿一樣,
又同踏在極薄的冰上一般.
----------------------------------------

張豆腐,---Zhang dou4 fu3,
李豆腐.---Li dou4 fu3,
Zhang is a bean curd seller,
Li is also a bean curd seller.

一夜思量千百計,---Yi ye4 si liang2 qian2 bai3 ji4,
明朝依舊賣豆腐.---Ming2 chao2 yi jiu4 mai4 dou4 fu3.

Every night, they are thinking of hundreds of ways to do business,
The next day, as usual, they are selling bean curd.
-----------------------------------------------------

張家長, 李家短,----Zhang jia chang2, Li jia duan3,
人家閑事我不管.---Ren2 jia xian2 shi4 wo3 bu4 guan3.

The Zhang family is long, the Li family is short,
It is other people's business and I don't care.
-----------------------------------------------------

張郎有錢不會用,---Zhang Lang you3 qian2 bu4 hui4 yong4,
李郎會用又無錢.---Li Lang hui4 yong4 you4 wu2 qian2.

Mr Zhang has the money but he does not know how to use it,
Mr Li knows how to use money but he has no money.
-----------------------------------------------

安分守貧﹐何等清閒.---An1 fen shou3 pin2, he2 deng3 qing xian2,
不爭人我﹐何等自在.---Bu4 zheng4 ren4 wo3, he2 deng3 zi4 zai4.

How happy it is to be content with a simple and virtuous life!
How easy it is not to quarrel and gossip!
---------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-25-11 23:29


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

三百六十行,---San bai3 liu4 shi2 hang2,
行行出狀元.---Hang2 hang2 chu zhuang4 yuan2.

There are 360 professions,
Every profession produces its own leading authority.
--------------------------------------

三杯和萬事,---San bei he2 wan4 shi4,
一醉解千愁.---Yi zui4 jie3 qian chou2.

Three glasses of wine solved everything,
Once you are drunk you forget all the worries.
----------------------------------------

三次搬家有如一次失火.
San1 ci4 ban jia you3 ru2 yi ci4 shi huo3.

Three removes are as bad as a fire.
---------------------------------------------

一顆老鼠屎,---Yi1 ke lao3 shi3 shi3,
攪壞一鍋粥.---Jiao3 huai4 yi guo zhou.

One speck of rat's dung,
Spoils a whole pot of porridge.
--------------------------------------------

一顆牙齒痛,---Yi1 ke ya2 chi3 tong4
滿嘴不安寧.---Man3 zui3 bu4 an ning2.

With an aching tooth,
The whole mouth is not at ease.
-------------------------------------------------

一口不能插二匙,---Yi kou3 bu4 neng2 cha er4 chi2,
一山不能藏二虎.---Yi shan bu4 neng2 zang4 er4 hu3.

Two spoons cannot be inserted into a mouth,
Two tigers cannot live in one hill.
-----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-26-11 00:34


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

有果必有因,---You3 guo3 bi4 you3 yin,
無風不起浪.---Wu2 feng bu4 qi3 lang4.

Every effect is the result of some cause.
There are no waves without wind.
(Where there is smoke there is fire)
-------------------------------------------

有好子孫荒成業,---You3 hao3 zi3 sun huang cheng2 ye4,
無好子孫業成荒.---Wu2 hao3 zi3 sun ye4 cheng2 huang.

If one has good offspring one's family will prosperous,
If one has useless offspring the wealth of one's family will be squandered.
----------------------------------------

有話說與知人,---You3 hua4 shuo yu4 zhi ren2,
有飯送與飢人.---You3 fan4 song4 yu4 ji ren2.

For important words one talks to one's intimate friend,
With cooked rice one gives a hungry person.
-----------------------------------

有花方酌酒,---You3 hua fang zhuo2 jiu3,
無月不登樓.---Wu2 yue4 bu4 deng lou2.

With flowers we pour out the wine,
Without the moon shining we don't go up the tower.
-----------------------------------------------------------

有計劃﹐則不亂,---You3 ji4 hua4, ze2 bu4 luan4,
有分工﹐則不忙,---You3 fen gong, ze2 bu4 mang2,
有預算﹐則不窮,---You3 yu4 suan4, ze2 bu4 qiong2,
有歡喜﹐則不苦.---You3 huan xi, ze2 bu4 ku3.

Make plans with care for a well-ordered business,
Perform your job well and you won't be pressured,
Live by your budget and you won't be poor.
Live with joy and be free from pain.
-----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-26-11 02:05


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

聽到的不可信,---Ting1 dao4 de2 bu4 ke3 xin4,
看見的纔是真.---Kan jian4 de2 cai2 shi4 zhen.

What one hears is doubtful,
What one sees with one's own eyes is certain.
--------------------------------------------------

聽過不如見過,---Ting1 guo4 bu4 ru2 jian4 guo4,
見過不如做過.---Jian4 guo4 bu4 ru2 zuo4 guo4.

Seeing is better than hearing,
But doing is better than seeing.
--------------------------------------------

聽其言觀其行
Ting1 qi2 yan2 guan qi2 xing2

Listen to what a person says and watch what he does.
(Judge people by their deeds, not just by their words)
------------------------------------------------

庭前教子,---Ting2 qian2 jiao zi3,
枕邊訓妻.---Zhen3 bian xun4 qi

Teach your son in the hall,
Your wife on the pillow
------------------------------------------

庭前生瑞草,---Ting2 qian2 sheng rui4 cao3,
好事不如無.---Hao3 shi4 bu4 ru2 wu2.

A pretty plant growing in the wrong place is a weed.
Good thing will become bad
---------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-26-11 02:40


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

孔子曰: Confucius sad:

老者安之,---Lao3 zhe3 an zhi,
朋友信之,---Peng2 you4 xin4 zhi,
少者懷之.---Shao3 zhe3 huai2 zhi.

All the old people in the world are easy and comfortable,
All the friends are trusting each other,
And all the young people are being taken care of".
--------------------------------------------

樂觀如明燈﹐照亮希望的前程。
Le4 guan ru2 ming2 deng, zhao4 liang4 xi wang4 di2 qian2 cheng2.
消極如毒品﹐腐蝕健康的心靈。
Xiao ji2 ru2 du2 pin3, fu3 shi2 jian4 kang di2 xin ling2.

Optimism is the lamp of hope.
Pessimism is the drug of sorrow.
-------------------------------------------------------------

莫貪意外之財,---Mo4 tan yi4 wai4 zhi cai2,
莫飲過量之酒.---Mo4 yin3 guo4 liang2 zhi jiu3.

Do not eye on unearned fortune,
Do not indulge in alcohol.
--------------------------------------

莫笑他人老,---Mo4 xiao4 ta ren2 lao3,
終須還到老.---Zhong xu hai2 dao4 lao3.

Do not laugh at an old person,
Eventually age will catch up with you.
--------------------------------------------

謀事在人,---Mou2 shi4 zai4 ren2,
成事在天.---Cheng2 shi4 zai4 tian.

Man proposes,
God disposes.
-------------------------------


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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-26-11 03:16


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom


咬得菜根,---Yao3 de2 cai4 gen,
百事可做.---Bai3 shi4 ke3 zuo4.

If a person can live happily in poverty,
Then there is nothing that he cannot do.
----------------------------------------

要得出人頭,---Yao4 de2 chu ren2 tou2,
還得書中求.---Hai2 de2 shu zhong qiu2.

If you want to hold up your head,
Study diligently.
---------------------------------------

要得驚人藝,---Yao4 de2 jing ren2 yi4
須下苦功夫.---Xu xia4 ku3 gong fu2.

In order to acquire exceptional skill
One must put in lots of hard work
-------------------------------------------

要求過高,---Yao4 qiu2 guo4 gao,
反難成功.---fan3 nan2 cheng2 gong.

The best is the enemy of the good
----------------------------------------------

要想人不知,---Yao4 xiang3 ren2 bu4 zhi,
除非己莫為.---Chu2 fei ji3 mo4 wei2

If you don't want people to know what you are doing,
Then don't do it.
----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-26-11 05:16


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

雙橋好走,---Shuang1 qiao2 hao3 zou3
獨木難行.---Du2 mu4 nan2 xing2.

It is easy to walk on a double bridge,
But hard on a single-plank bridge.
----------------------------------------

雙手難捉兩條鱔
Shuang1 shou3 nan2 zhuo liang3 taio2 shan4

Two hands cannot catch two eels.
-----------------------------------------

霜天聞鶴唳,---Shuang tian wen2 he2 li4,
雪夜聽雞鳴.---Xue3 ye4 ting ji ming2s.

You can hear the cry of the cranes in the frosty sky,
And the crowing of the roosters at snowy night.
--------------------------------------------

爽口食多偏作病,---Shuang3 kou3 shi2 duo pian zuo4 bing4,
快心事過恐生殃.---Kuai4 xin shi4 guo kong3 sheng yang.

Eating too much good food one might get sick,
Doing a job too fast one might make mistakes.
------------------------------------------

誰家林裏沒有彎彎樹
Shui2 jia lin2 li3 mei you wan wan shu4

Whose forest without crooked trees?
------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-26-11 05:26


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

樹高千丈,---Shu4 gao qian zhang4,
葉落歸根.---Ye4 luo4 gui gen.

A tree may grow a thousand feet high,
But its leaves fall back to the the roots.

*One Chinese Zhang (丈) is equivalent to 3 1/3 meters
In this case it means very tall.
[A person residing away from home eventually returns to his native soil.]
----------------------------------------------

樹老半空心,---Shu4 lao3 ban4 kong xin,
人老百事通.---Ren2 lao3 bai3 shi4 tong.

The trunk of an old tree is half hollow,
An old man is a knowledgeable person.
------------------------------------------

樹老根多,---Shu4 lao3 gen duo,
人老識多.---Ren2 lao3 shi2 duo

An old tree has more roots,
An old man has more knowledge.
----------------------------------------

樹立那怕日影斜
Shu4 li4 na4 pa ri4 ying3 xie2

The tree is straight, it is not afraid of the oblique sun.
---------------------------------------------------------

樹欲靜而風不止
Shu4 yu4 jing4 er3 feng bu4 zhi3

The tree may prefer calm, but the wind will not subside.
-----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-26-11 08:27


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

孔子曰: Confucius said:

善與人交,---Shan4 yu4 ren2 jiao,
久而敬之.---Jiu3 er2 jing4 zhi

When you are associating with friends,
You still continue to respect them after a long time.
和人交朋友﹐相交的日子久了﹐
依然是那樣敬重別人。
--------------------------------------------

早睡早起身體健康
Zao3 shui4 zao3 qi3 shen ti3 jian4 kang

Early to bed and early to rise makes
a man healthy, wealth and wise.
-------------------------------------------

一著之失,---Yi zhao2 zhi shi,
滿盤皆錯.---Man3 pan2 jie cuo4.

With one careless move,
The whole game is lost.
---------------------------------------

滴水不間斷,---Di shui3 bu4 jian duan4,
能使石頭穿.---Neng2 shi3 shi2 tou2 chuan.

Water constantly dripping,
Will eventually cut through a rock.
-------------------------------------

滌盡渣滓罪,---Di2 jin4 zha zi2 zui4,
斬絕惡萌芽.---Zhan3 jue3 e4 meng2 ya2.

Wash off the dregs of crime,
And chop off the sprouts of evil
---------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-26-11 08:58

中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

傷人一語,---Shang ren2 yi yu3,
利如刀割.---Li4 ru2 dao ge.

Hurting someone with one word,
Is like giving him a deep cut.
----------------------------------

富貴可輕,---Fu4 gui4 ke3 qing,
名義宜重.---Ming2 yi4 yi2 zhong4.

Riches and honour may not be that important,
But the reputation of name is supreme.
---------------------------------------

萬丈高樓平地起,---Wan4 zhang4 gao lou2 ping di4 qi3,
英雄何論出身低.---Ying xiong2 he2 lun chu shen di

Lofty towers are built up from the ground,
Why should a hero discuss about his humble up bringing.
-----------------------------------------------

人生自古誰無死,---Ren2 sheng zi4 gu3 shui2 wu2 si3,
留得丹心照汗青.---Liu2 de2 dan xin zhao4 han4 qing.

From time immemorial, what man was ever immune from death?
Let me but leave a loyal heart shining in the pages of history.
-----------------------------------------------

麻雀雖小,---Ma2 que4 sui xiao3,
五臟俱全.---Wu3 zang4 ju4 quan2.

Although a sparrow is small,
It has all the vital organs.
(small but complete)
--------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-26-11 13:59


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

換湯不換藥
Huan4 tang bu4 huan4 yao.

The same medicine differently prepared;
the same old stuff with a different label;
a change in form but not in content (or essence)
-----------------------------------------

船大不怕浪高,---Chuan2 da4 bu4 pa4 lang4 gao,
志大不怕艱險.---Zhi4 da4 bu4 pa4 nan2 xian3.

A big boat is not afraid of big waves.
An ambitious person is not afraid of hardship and danger.
-------------------------------------------

船到江心補漏遲,---Chuan2 dao4 jiang xin bu3 lou4 chi2,
馬到臨崖收韁晚.---Ma3 dao4 lin2 ya2 shou jiang wan3.

It is too late to plug the leak when the boat is in midstream,
And it is too late to draw the rein when the horse has reached the cliff.
----------------------------------------------

船到橋頭自然直
Chuan2 dao4 qiao2 tou2 zi4 ran2 zhi2.

In the end, eventually, the true will come out naturally.
------------------------------------------

傳家二字耕與讀,---Chuan2 jia er2 zi4 geng yu4 du2,
防家二字盜與奸,---Fang2 jia er2 zi4 dao4 yu4 jian,
傾家二字淫與賭,---Qing1 jia er2 zi4 yin2 yu4 du3,
守家二字勤與儉.---Shou3 jia er2 zi4 qin2 yu4 jian3.

The two words of keeping the family going are to till the land and study,
The two words to guard the family are against the robbers and treachery,
The two words to loose the family are licentious and gamble,
The two words to defend the family are diligent and thrifty.
-------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-26-11 14:13


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

魚吃新鮮米吃熟
Yu2 chi xin xian mi3 chi shu2

Eating fish we must eat the fresh and rice cooked.
--------------------------------------

魚見食而不見鉤,---Yu2 jian4 shi2 er2 bu4 jian4 gou,
人見利而不見害.---Ren2 jian4 li4 er2 bu4 jian4 hai4.

The fish sees the bait, not the hook,
Man sees the gain, not the danger.
---------------------------------------

魚見之深入,---Yu2 jian4 zhi shen ru4,
鳥見之高飛.---Niao3 jian4 zhi gao fei.

She was so beautiful that
When the fish saw her it swam deep into the water,
When the birds saw her they flew up into the sky,
(From the 成語故事 "沉魚落雁“- the beautiful girl was "西施")
------------------------------------------

魚怕離水,---Yu2 pa4 li2 shui3,
草怕見霜.---Cao3 pa4 jian4 shuang.

A fish does not thrive out of water,
Nor grass in frost.
----------------------------------------

魚要腐爛頭先臭.
Yu2 yao fu3 lan4 tou2 xian chou4.

Fish begins to stink at the head.
---------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-26-11 19:24


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

一犬吠影,---Yi1 quan3 fei4 ying3,
百犬吠聲.---Bai3 quan3 fei4 sheng.

One dog snarls at a shadow,
A hundred dogs howl at each other's barking.
-------------------------------------------

一人不抵兩人智
Yi1 ren2 bu4 di3 liang3 ren2 zhi4

The wisdom of two men is better than one.
---------------------------------------------

一人扯的謊,---Yi1 ren2 che3 de4 huang3,
百人傳成真.---Bai3 ren2 chuan2 cheng2 zhen.

One man tells a falsehood,
A hundred repeat it as true.
-----------------------------------------

一人得道, 雞犬升天
Yi1 ren2 de2 Dao, Ji quan3 sheng tian.

When a person attains the Dao enlightenment and goes to heaven,
His chicken and dog go with him.
(When a person gets promoted, his associates all get promoted)
------------------------------------------------

一條牛剝不出兩張皮
Yi1 tiao2 niu2 bo bu4 chu liang3 zhang pi2.

You cannot get two skins from one cow.
--------------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-26-11 19:33


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

用心勤讀詩書,---Yong4 xin qin2 du2 shi shu,
方成賢人君子.---Fang cheng2 xian2 ren2 jun zi3.

Study diligently the poetic books,
In order to become a person of virtue and a gentleman.
---------------------------------------------

由儉入奢易,---You2 jian3 ru4 she yi4,
由奢入儉難.---You2 she ru4 jian3 nan2.

To live from a frugal life to a luxurious life is easy,
To live from a luxurious life to a frugality life is hard.
-------------------------------------

有備才能無患,---You3 bei4 cai2 neng2 wu2 huan4,
無備必定吃虧.---Wu2 bei4 bi4 ding4 chi kui.

If one is prepared, one will be safe,
If not, one will suffer.
---------------------------------------

有道伐無道,---You3 dao4 fa2 wu2 dao4,
無德讓有德.---Wu2 de2 rang4 you3 d22

Those who have principles attack those without.
Those without virtue should give way to those who have.
-----------------------------------------

有德不貧,---You3 de2 bu4 pin2,
無德不富.---Wu2 de2 bu4 fu4.

There is no poverty where there is virtue,
And no wealth where virtue is not.
-------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-26-11 21:59


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

一步不行,---Yi bu4 bu4 xing2,
一步不到.---Yi bu4 bu4 dao4.

If you don't walk one step,
Your destination will be missed by one step.

一日不做,---Yi ri4 bu4 zuo4,
一日不飽.---Yi ri4 bu4 bao3.

If you don't work for one day,
Your stomach will not be full by one day.
--------------------------------------

一部二十四史,---Yi bu4 er4 shi2 si4 shi3,
不知從何說起.--Bu4 zhi cong2 he2 shuo qi3.

It is such a long and complicated story,
I hardly know where to start.
----------------------------------------

一不債錢, 一不結怨,---Yi bu4 zhai qian2, yi bu4 jie yuan4;
睡也安寧, 走也方便.---Shui4 ye3 an ning2, zou3 ye3 fang bian4.

Do not owe people money and make enemies,
You can sleep well at night and walk about without fear.
---------------------------------------------------

一步走錯了,---Yi1 bu4 zou3 cuo4 le,
百步挽不回.---Bai3 bu4 wan3 bu4 hui2.

If you take one step in the wrong direction,
A hundred steps in the right direction will not atone for it.
--------------------------------------

一場官司一場火,---Yi chang3 guan si yi chang3 huo3,
任你好漢沒處躲.---ren4 ni3 hao3 han4 mei2 chu4 duo3.

Each law suit is a fire,
You can't avoid its burning flame.
------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-26-11 22:14


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

要知水深淺,----Yao4 zhi shui3 shen qian3,
須問過來人.---Xu wen4 guo4 lai2 ren2.

To know whether the water is deep or shallow,
Ask those who have waded through it before.
-----------------------------------------------------

野火燒不盡,---Ye3 huo3 shao bu4 jin4,
春風吹又生.---Chun feng2 chui you4 sheng.

Not even a prairie fire can destroy the grass,
It grows again when the spring breeze blows.
---------------------------------------------

野草怕霜,---Ye3 cao3 pa4 shuang,
霜怕太陽.---Shuang pa4 tai4 yang2.

The wild grass fears the frost,
The frost fears the sun.
--------------------------------------------------

夜裡夢見做皇帝,---Ye4 li3 meng4 jian4 zuo4 huang2 di4,
快活一刻是一刻.---Kuai2 huo yi ke4 shi4 yi ke4.

At night, I dreamed about becoming an emperor,
I was happy to be happy for a moment.
----------------------------------------------

夜裡思量千條路,---Ye4 li3 si liang2 qian tiao2 lu4,
朝起仍舊磨豆腐.---Zhao qi3 reng2 jiu4 mo dou43 fu.

At night he was thinking of thousands of ways to make money,
The next morning he continued to grind beans to make beancurd to sell.
---------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-26-11 23:57


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

有志者事竟成
You3 zhi4 zhe3 shi4 jing4 cheng2

Where there is a will, there is a way.
---------------------------------------------

以誠感人﹐人也報之以誠﹐
Yi3 cheng2 gan3 ren2, ren2 ye3 bao4 zhi yi3 cheng2,
以德服人﹐人也報之以德。
Yi3 de2 fu2 ren2, ren2 ye3 bao4 zhi yi3 de2.

Honesty will be repaid with honesty,
Virtue will be repaid with virtue.
---------------------------------------------

賭博場上不認父子
Du3 bo2 chang3 shang4 bu4 ren4 fu4 zi3

Gamblers know neither fathers nor sons
-------------------------------------------

賭博如可戒,---Du3 bo2 ru2 ke3 jie4,
麻瘋亦可醫.---Ma2 feng yi4 ke3 yi.

If a gambler can reform,
Then there is a cure for leprosy.
------------------------------------------

賭到結局,---Du3 dao4 jie ju2,
變賣房屋.---Bian4 mai4 fang2 wu.

If you believe in gambling,
In the end you will sell your house.
----------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-27-11 00:40


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

責人之心責己,---Ze2 ren2 zhi xin ze2 ji3,
恕己之心恕人.---Shu4 ji3 zhi xin shu4 ren2.

Criticize yourself the way you criticize others,
Forgive others the way you forgive yourself.
------------------------------------------

賊是小人,---Zei2 shi4 xiao3 ren2,
智為君子.---Zhi4 shi4 jun zi3.

A thief is a nobody,
A wise man is a gentleman.
------------------------------------

千里送毫毛,---Qian li3 song4 hao2 mao2,
寄物不寄失.---Ji4 wu4 bu4 ji4 shi.

Delivering a hair to a place a thousand miles away,
It is sending the article that will not be lost.
------------------------------------------

千里之堤,---Qian li3 zhi di,
潰于蟻穴.---Kui4 yu2 yi3 xue2.

A thousand miles of dyke,
May be caused to collapse by an ant-hole.
(If a small problem is overlooked, it may lead to great disaster).
----------------------------------------

千里之行,---Qian li3 zhi xing2,
始于足下.---Shi3 yu2 zu2 xia4.

A thousand miles of journey,
Begins by taking the first step.
--------------------------------------------

千日行善, 善猶不足.---Qian ri4 xing2 shan4, shan4 you2 bu4 zu2.
一日行惡, 惡自有餘.---Yi ri4 xing2 e4, e4 zi4 you3 yu2.

He practiced a faith of human goodness for a long time, yet it was considered
an insufficient practice.
One day he undertook an undesirable task, and that was considered as excessive.

--------------------------------------------

千條江河歸大海
Qian1 tiao2 jiang he2 gui da4 hai3

A thousand rivers find their way to the sea
-------------------------------------


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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-27-11 01:09


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

冷怕起風,---Leng3 pa4 qi3 feng,
窮怕欠債.---Qiong2 pa4 qian4 zhai4.

When one is cold one is afraid of the wind blowing,
A poor man is afraid of owing someone money.
---------------------------------------------------

離家一里遠,---Li2 jia yi li3 yuan3,
不如在家安.---Bu4 ru2 zai4 jia an.

Better at home than a mile away from it
--------------------------------------------

橫來錢財湯澆雪,---Heng4 lai2 qian2 cai2 tang jiao xue3,
橫來田地水推沙.---Heng4 lai2 qian2 cai2 shui3 tui sha.

Money unjustly gotten is but snow on which hot water is poured,
Fields improperly gotten are but sandbanks in a stream.
--------------------------------------------

紅粉佳人休便老,---Hong2 fen jia ren2 xiu bian4 lao3,
風流浪子莫教貧.---Feng liu2 lang4 zi3 mo4 jiao4 pin2.

A beautiful woman retires on the ground of old age,
A dissolute wastrel was not taught how to be poor.
------------------------------------------

鴻末至先援弓,---Hong2 wei4 zhi4 xian yuan2 gong.
兔已走再呼矢.---Tu4 yi3 zou3 zai4 hu shi3.

The bow is pulled before the swan arrives,
Arrows are called for after the rabbit has gone.
-----------------------------------------------

厚古薄今,---Hou4 gu3 bo2 jin,
厚今薄古.---Hou4 jin bo2 gu3.

Stress the past, not the present,
Stress the present, not the past.
---------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-27-11 03:08


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

勸君莫惜金縷衣,---Quan4 jun mo4 xi jin lu3 yi,
勸君須惜少年時.---Quan4 jun xu xi shao3 nian2 shi2.

Love not your golden dress,
More than your youthful golden hours!
------------------------------------------------

有花堪折直須折,---You3 hua kan zhe2 zhi2 xu zhe2,
莫待無花空者枝,---Mo4 dai wu2 hua kong4 zhe2 zhi.

Gather sweet flowers while you may,
And not the twig devoid of flowers.
-----------------------------------------------------

當今世界目頭淺,---Dang jin shi4 jie4 mu4 tou2 qian3,
只重衣裳不重人.---Zhi3 zhong4 yi chang2 bu4 zhong4 ren2.

Currently the people are shortsighted,
They much attention to their appearances and not their abilities.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

當局者迷,---Dang ju2 zhe3 mi2,
旁觀者清.---Pang2 guan4 zhe3 qing.

The participants are confused,
The onlookers can see clearly.
---------------------------------------------------------

當路莫栽荊棘樹,---Dang lu4 mo4 zai jing ji2 shu4,
他年免褂子孫衣.---Ta nian2 mian3 gua4 zi3 sun yi.

Do not plant any brambles on the roadside,
In future your descendants might have problems with the thorns.
--------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-27-11 05:38


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom


容情不動手,---Rong2 qing2 bu4 dong4 shou3,
動手不容情.---Dong4 shou3 bu4 rong2 qing2.

Showing mercy I would hit you,
When I hit you it shows that I have no mercy on you.
-------------------------------------------------------

如入鮑魚之肆,---Ru2 ru4 bao4 yu2 zhi si4,
久而不聞其臭.---Jiu3 er2 bu4 wen2 qi2 chou4.

It's like staying in a fish market,
And getting used to the stink.
(Long exposure to a bad environment accustom one to evil ways).
---------------------------------------------

如聞其聲,---Ru2 wen2 qi2 sheng,
如見其人.---Ru2 jian4 qi2 ren2.

(It is so vividly described that)
You seemed to see and hear the person.
----------------------------------

打鐵先得本身硬,---Da3 tie3 xian de2 ben3 shen ying4,
不然回頭傷自身.---Bu4 ran2 hui4 tou2 shang zi4 shen.

If you want to work with iron, you must see that you are a tough man,
(one must be ideologically sound and professionally competent to do arduous
work)
----------------------------------------------

打腫臉充胖子
Da3 zhong3 lian3 chong pang4 zi3

Slap one's face until it's swollen in an effort to look imposing
(puff oneself up to one's own cost)
----------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-27-11 06:33


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

得寸進尺,---De2 cun4 jin4 chi3,
他不知足.---Ta bu4 zhi zu2.

Giving him an inch, he wants a yard,
He is insatiable.
------------------------------------------------

得到報應
De2 dao4 bao4 ying (P)

Words or acts come back to cause trouble for a person.
(Chickens come back to roost)
------------------------------------

得道多助,---De2 dao4 duo zhu4,
失道寡助.---Shi dao4 gua3 zhu4.

A just cause enjoys abundant support,
While an unjust cause finds little support.
-------------------------------------

得朋友難,---De2 peng2 you3 nan2,
失朋友易.---Shi peng2 you3 yi4.

It is very hard to find friends,
To loose them is very easy.
------------------------------------------------

得饒人處且饒人
Dei3 rao2 ren2 chu4 qie3 rao2 ren2

When it is time to forgive someone then forgive him.
---------------------------------------------------

得人者昌,---De2 ren2 zhe3 chang,
失人者亡.---Shi ren2 zhe3 wang2.

A popular ruler will survive,
The unpopular ruler will perish.
------------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-27-11 07:19


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

三日打魚,---San ri4 da3 yu2,
兩日曬網.---Liang3 ri4 shai4 wang3.

The fisherman went fishing for three days,
And he dried his nets for two days.
(lack perseverance)
-------------------------------------------------

門前拴上高頭馬,---Men2 qian2 shuan shang gao tou2 ma3,
不是親來也是親.---Bu4 shi4 qin lai2 ye3 shi4 qin.

There is a tall and big horse tie in front of the house,
Even though the guest is an unknown person he must be a relative.
--------------------------------------------------

棉羊生來不會上樹
Mian2 yang2 sheng lai2 bu4 hui4 shang4 shu4

A sheep was never known to climb a tree
------------------------------------------

面上笑呵呵,---Mian4 shang4 xiao4 he he,
心裡毒蛇窠.---Xin li du2 she2 ke.

It is laughing on his face,
But his heart is a poisonous snake nest.
------------------------------------------

情人眼裡出西施,---Qing2 ren2 yan3 li3 chu Xi Shi,
黃毛丫頭十八變.---Huang2 mao2 ya tou2 shi2 ba bian4.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,
A girl has 18 changes.

Note:
Xi Shi, who lived during the Spring and Autumn Period
(春秋時代 722BC to 481BC), was a very beautiful girl.
She became the concubine of the King of Wu (吳王)
Wu Fucha (吳夫差).
---------------------------------------------------------------.

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-27-11 09:06


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

一夜夫妻百夜恩,---Yi ye4 fu2 qi bai3 ye4 en,
百夜夫妻百載情.---Bai3 ye4 fu2 qi bai3 zai3 qing2.

Being husband and wife for one night is loving-kindness of a hundred nights,
Being loving-kindness of a hundred nights their love is forever.
------------------------------------------

一葉障目,---Yi ye4 zhang4 mu4,
不見泰山.---Bu4 jian4 Taishan .

With a leaf covers your eyes,
You cannot see the Mountain of Taishan.
(have one's view of the important overshadowed by the trivial)
-----------------------------------------------

一語不成,---Yi1 yu3 bu4 cheng2,
千言無益.---Qian yan2 wu2 yi4.

If one word does not succeed,
Ten thousand are of no avail.
------------------------------------------

一在天之涯,---Yi1 zai4 tian zhi ya2,
一在海之角.---Yi zai4 hai3 zhi jiao3.

One was in this end of the earth,
The other was in the other remotest corner of the earth.
----------------------------------------------

一朝被蛇咬,---Yi zhao bei4 she2 yao3,
三年怕井繩.---San nian2 pa4 jing3 sheng2.

Once bitten by a snake,
One shies at a coiled rope for three years.
[Once bitten, twice shy]
--------------------------------------------

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---
CHUNG Yoon
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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-27-11 15:47


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

使錢容易賺錢難,---Shi3 qian2 rong2 yi4 zhuan2 qian2 nan2,
莫把銀錢作等閑.---Mo4 ba3 yin2 qian2 zuo4 deng3 xian2.

Spending money is easy, but earning it is hard,
So one must be careful with money.
--------------------------------------------

世人結交需要有錢,---Shi4 ren2 jie jiao xu yao you3 qian2,
沒有錢結交不會深.---.Me2i you3 qian2 jie jiao bu4 hui4 shen.

In this world one requires to have money to friends with,
Without much money friendship would not be intimate.
------------------------------------------------

是非吹入凡人耳,---Shi4 fei chui ru4 fan2 ren2 er3,
萬丈江河洗不清.---Wan4 zhang4 jiang he2 xi3 bu4 qing.

When rumours spilled into common people's ears,
A thousand rivers cannot wash them off.
----------------------------------------------

是非終日有,---Shi4 fei zhong ri4 you3,
不聽自然無.---Bu4 ting zi4 ran2 wu2.

The day will come to judge the rights and the wrongs,
It is naturally nothing if you don't believe it.
------------------------------------------------

是非終日有,---Shi4 fei zhong ri4 you3,
不聽自然無.---Bu4 ting zi4 ran2 wu2.

The day will come to judge the rights and the wrongs,
It is naturally nothing if you don't believe it.
------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-27-11 16:11


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

孔子曰﹕

知之為知之,---Zhi zhi wei4 zhi zhi,
不知為不知.---Bu4 zhi wei4 bu4 zhi.

知道就是知道, 不知道就是不知道,
這樣便是知道了.

Confucius said:

If you know means you know,
If you don't know means you don't know.
In this way that means you know.
------------------------------------------

知足不辱,---Zhi zu2 bu4 ru3,
知止不殆.---Zhi zhi3 bu4 dai4.

To be contented with one's lot is not a disgrace,
To know when to stop is not dangerous.
-------------------------------------------------

知足貧亦樂,---Zhi1 zu2 pin2 yi4 le4,
不滿富亦憂.---Bu4 man3 fu4 yi3 you.

The contented man, though poor is happy,
The discontented man, though rich is sad.
------------------------------------------------------

直木先伐,---Zhi1 mu4 xian fa2,
甘泉先涸.---Gan quan2 xian he2.

Straight trees are felled first,
Sweet wells are drained first.
----------------------------------------

紙包不住火
Zhi3 bao bu4 zhu4 huo3

You cannot use paper to wrap up fire.
------------------------------------------------

紙筆殺人不用刀
Zhi3 bi3 sha ren2 bu4 yong4 dao.

Paper and brush may kill a man
And it does not use a knife.
----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-27-11 17:41


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

前人栽樹,---Qian2 ren2 zai shu4,
後人乘涼.---Hou4 ren2 cheng2 liang4.

One generation plants the trees,
Under whose shade another generation rests.
(Profiting by the labour of one's forefathers).
-----------------------------------------

前途是光明的,---Qian2 tu2 shi4 guang ming2 di2,
道路是曲折的.---Dao4 lu4 shi qu zhe2 di2.

The road is tortuous,
But the prospects are bright.
------------------------------------------------------------

欠債怨財主---Qian4 zhai4 yuan4 cai2 zhu3,
不孝怨父母.---Bu4 xiao4 yuan4 fu4 mu3.

Owing a person a debt blame that person, the moneylender,
Being not filial piety blame the parents.
----------------------------------------

牆倒眾人推
Qiang2 dao3 zhong4 ren2 tui

When a wall is about to collapse, everyone gives it a push
(everybody hits a man who is down)
------------------------------------------------

強將手下無弱兵
Qiang2 jiang4 shou3 xia4 wu2 ruo4 bing4

There are no weak soldiers under a good general.
--------------------------------------------------------------

強扭的瓜不甜
Qiang2 niu3 de gua bu4 tian2

A forcefully wrenched melon is not sweet.
-----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-27-11 20:34


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

牛頭不對馬嘴
Niu2 tou2 bu4 dui4 ma3 zui3

Horses'jaws don't match cows' heads.
(Incongruous; irrelevant)
----------------------------------------------

農夫望雨,---Nong2 fu2 wang4 yu3,
行人望晴.---Xing2 ren2 wang4 qing.

The farmer hopes of rain,
The traveler for fine weather
----------------------------------------------

弄虛作假,---Nong4 xu zuo4 jia3,
騙取榮譽.---Pian4 qu3 rong2 yu4.

Seek honour through fraud and deception.
-----------------------------------------

奴顏婢膝,---Nu2 yan2 bi4 xi,
自暴自棄.---Zi4 bao4 zi4 qi4

There is nothing worse than one,
Who gives up his own dignity and self respect.
-----------------------------------------

女大十八變
Nu3 da4 shi2 ba bian4

A grown up daughter has eighteen changes
-------------------------------------------------

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Date:   08-27-11 21:34


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

苦海茫茫,---Ku3 hai3 mang2 mang2,
回頭是岸.---Hui2 tou2 shi4 an4.

The sea of bitterness has no bounds,
Repent and the shore is at hand.
-------------------------------------------

君子不念舊惡
Jun1 zi3 bu4 nian4 jiu3 e4

A gentleman does not settle an old score.
------------------------------------

孔子曰: Confucius said:

君子成人之美,---Jun zi3 cheng2 ren2 zhi mei3,
不成人之惡;------Bu4 cheng2 ren2 zhi e4;
小人反是.---------Xiao3 ren2 fan3 shi4.
..............................................................

In simple Chinese 白話

君子總是促成人家的好事,
不願促成人家的壞事;
小人恰和這想反.

A true gentleman (Jun Zi) helps others to achieve what is good,
He does not help to bring about bad things for others.
Only a knave (Xiao Ren) is the opposite.
-------------------------------------------

小滴漏可以沉大船
Xiao3 di2 lou4 ke3 yi3 chen2 da4 chuan2

A little leak will sink a great ship.
(Small causes may do great mischief)

similar to

星星之火可以燎原.---Ke3 yi3 liao3 yuan2.
Xing1 xing zhi huo3 ke3 yi3 liao3

A single spark can kindle a prairie fire.
--------------------------------------------------

小洞不補,---Xiao3 dong4 bu4 bu3,
大洞吃苦.---Da4 dong4 chi ku3.

A stitch in time saves nine
(If one takes action or does a piece of work immediately,
it may save a lot of extra work later)
------------------------------------------------

小洞里爬不出大蟹來
Xiao3 dong4 li3 pa2 bu4 chu da4 xie4 lai2.

There will not be any big crab crawling out from a little hole.
---------------------------------------------

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Date:   08-27-11 22:29


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

堂屋椅子輪流坐,---Tang2 wu yi3 zi3 lun2 liu2 zuo4,
媳婦也有做婆時.---Xi2 fu4 ye3 you3 zuo4 po2 shi2

The seats in the great hall all come in rotation,
The daughter-in-law will some day be the mother-in-law.
---------------------------------------------

逃掉的魚都是大的
Tao2 diao4 de2 yu2 du shi4 da4 di2

The fish that escaped is the big one
------------------------------------------

陶瓷和瓷器碰不得
Tao2 qi4 he2 ci2 qi4 peng4 bu4 de2

Pottery and fine porcelain must not quarrel.
---------------------------------------------

討米無人笑,---Tao3 mi3 wu2 ren2 xiao4,
做賊打得叫.---Zuo4 zei2 da3 de2 jiao4.

Begging for rice to cook for dinner no one will laugh at you,
If you steal rice people will wallop you.
-----------------------------------------------

天地有萬古,---Tian di4 you3 wan4 gu3,
此身不再來.---Ci3 shen bu4 zai4 lai2.

Heaven and earth is everlasting,
But this body of mine will never come again.
--------------------------------------------

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Date:   08-27-11 23:14


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

遇人說人話,---Yu4 ren2 shuo ren2 hua4,
遇鬼說鬼話.---Yu4 gui3 shuo gui3 hua4.

Meeting a human one talks like a human,
Meeting a ghost one talks like a ghost.
--------------------------------------------------

與善人交,----------Yu4 shan4 ren2 jiao,
如入芝蘭之室.---Ru2 ru4 zhi lan2 shi4

Associating with good people,
You are like going into a room full of fragrant orchids.

與惡人交,----------Yu4 e4 ren2 jiao,
如入鮑魚之肆.---Ru2 ru4 bao4 yu2 zhi si4.

Associating with bad people,
You are like stain in a stinking fish market.
----------------------------------------------

玉以彫琢而有用,---Yu4 yi3 diao zhuo2 er2 you3 yong4,
人以優患而有成.---Ren2 yi3 you huan4 er2 you3 cheng2.

Only with cutting is jade shaped to use,
Only with adversity does man achieve the way.
---------------------------------------------

玉在璞中人不識,---Yu4 zai4 pu2 zhong ren2 bu4 shi2,
剖出方知世上珍.---Pou chu fang zhi shi4 shang4 zhen.

No one knows the value of an uncut jade,
Once it is carved and polished it becomes a treasure.
--------------------------------------------

欲知其人,---Yu4 zhi qi2 ren2,
先聽其言.---Xian ting qi2 yan2.

If you wish to know the mind of a man,
Listen to his words.
-------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-28-11 01:01


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

人怕傷心,---Ren2 pa4 shang xin,
樹怕剝皮.---Shu4 pa4 bao pi2.

Human being is in fear of sadness,
Tree is afraid of its skin being peeled off.
-----------------------------------------------

人貧不語,---Ren2 pin2 bu4 yu3,
水平不流.---Shui3 ping2 bu4 liu2.

Men in poverty do not speak,,
Water on a horizontal level does not flow
-----------------------------------------

人勤地不懶
Ren2 qin2 di4 bu4 lan3

Where the tiller is tireless the land is fertile
---------------------------------------

人窮記舊債
Ren2 qiong2 ji4 jiu4 zhai4

When a man is poor he remembers old debts due to him
-----------------------------------------------

人窮犬也欺
Ren2 qiong2 quan3 ye3 qi

When a person is in poverty even the dogs will bully him.
-------------------------------------

人人都偉大,---Ren2 ren2 dou wei3 da4,
世間無豪杰.---Shi4 jian4 wu2 hao2 jie2

If everyone were a great person,
There would be no heroes in the world.
-------------------------------------

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Date:   08-28-11 01:54


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

真金不怕火,---Zhen1 jin bu4 pa4 huo3,
怕火非真金.---Pa4 huo3 fei zhen jin.

Pure gold is not afraid of being burnt,
If it is afraid of fire it is not pure gold.
---------------------------------------------

孔子曰: Confucius said:

莫向君子諂媚,---Mo4 xiang4 jun zi3 chan3 mei4,
君子原無私惠.---Jun zi3 yuan2 wu2 si hui4.

Do not fawn over a gentleman,
Because he will despise you
----------------------------------------------

一個指頭, 有長有短,---Yi ge4 zhi3 tou2, you3 chang2 you3 duan3,
一棵果樹, 有酸有甜.---Yi ke guo3 shu4, you3 suan you3 tian2.

There are long and short fingers in your hands,
There are sour and sweet fruit in a fruit tree.
-----------------------------------------

一個指頭, 有長有短,---Yi ge4 zhi3 tou2, you3 chang2 you3 duan3,
一棵果樹, 有酸有甜.---Yi ke guo3 shu4, you3 suan you3 tian2.

There are long and short fingers in your hands,
There are sour and sweet fruit in a fruit tree.
-----------------------------------------

手忙腳亂,---Shou3 mang2 jiao3 luan4
錯誤百出.---Cuo4 wu4 bai3 chu.

He is in a muddle
And riddles with errors.
---------------------------------

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Date:   08-28-11 03:23


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

善門難開,---Shan4 men2 nan2 kai,
惡門難關.---E4 men2 nan2 Guan.

The charity door is hard to open.
And the evil door is hard to close.
--------------------------------------------

善人和氣一團,---Shan4 ren2 he2 qi4 yi tuan2,
惡人殺氣騰騰.---E4 ren2 sha qi3 teng teng

A charitable person is always gentle,
An evil man is always with a murderous look on his face.
--------------------------------------------------------

酒逢知己千杯少,---Jiu3 feng2 zhi ji3 qian bei shao3,
話不投機半句多.---Hua4 bu4 tou2 ji ban4 ju4 duo.

When drinking with an intimate friend a thousand glasses are not enough,
When talking with a disagreeable person half a sentence is too many.
--------------------------------------------------

畫餅難以充飢
Hua4 bing3 nan2 yi3 chong ji

It is difficult to satisfy one's appetite by painting pictures of cakes
-------------------------------------------

話不講不明,---Hua4 bu4 jiang3 bu4 ming2,
鼓不打不響.---Gu3 bu4 da4 bu4 xiang3.

If you don't talk about it no one knows;
If you don't beat the drum it will not sound.
-------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   08-28-11 05:31


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

兩個空拳握古今,---Liang3 ge4 kong quan2 wo4 gu3 jin,
一條竹丈挑風月.---Yi tiao2 zhu2 zhang4 tiao feng yue4.

With my two hands I hold the past and the present.
With a bamboo stick I carry on my duties.
-----------------------------------------

兩虎相鬥,---Liang3 hu3 xiang4 dou3,
必有一傷.---Bi4 you3 yi shang.

If two tigers fight,
One will be injured.
---------------------------------------
人人都有弱點
Ren2 ren2 dou you3 ruo4 dian3.

Every person has his/her own weakness.
---------------------------------

人生百歲,---Ren2 sheng bai3 sui4
難逃一死.---Nan2 tao2 yi si3

The life of a man is about one hundred years,
And he cannot escape death.
--------------------------------------------------------

人生不滿百,---Ren2 sheng bu4 man3 bai3,
常懷千歲憂.---Chang2 huai2 qian sui4 you.

A person has less than a hundred years to live,
Why should he be thinking about life after him.
--------------------------------------------------




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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

草木有榮枯,---Cao3 mu4 you3 rong2 ku,
氣候有寒暖.---Qi4 hou4 you3 han2 nuan3.

The grass and the trees have the stages of luxuriant and withered,
The weather has the season of cold and warm.
--------------------------------------------------

口是心非,---Kou3 shi4 xin fei,
言行相違.---Yan2 xing2 xiang4 wei2.

Say one thing and mean another,
Words and deeds are in opposite.
-------------------------------------

(金錢) 積少自然成多.
(money) Ji1 shao3 zi4 ran2 cheng2 duo. (P)

Take care of the penny
and the pounds will take care of themselves.
(或: 小事謹慎, 大事自成)
----------------------------------------


蚍蜉撼大樹,---Pi2 fu2 han4 da4 shu4,
可笑不自量.---Ke3 xiao4 bu4 zi4 liang.

He ridiculously overrates his abilities,
Like an ant trying to topple a giant tree.
-----------------------------------

批麻救火,---Pi2 ma2 jiu4 huo3,
惹焰燒身.---Re3 yan4 shao shen.

Using hemp to put out a fire,
Is to stir the fire to burn oneself.
-------------------------------------------

便宜無好貨,---Pian2 yi2 wu2 hao3 huo4,
好貨不便宜.---Hao3 huo4 bu4 pian2 yi2.

Goods sold at bargain prices are usually of poor quality
Goods of high quality would not be sold for bargain prices
-------------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

羊羔雖美,---Yang2 gao sui mei3,
眾口難調.---Zhong4 kou3 nan2 diao4.

Though lamb may be good,
It is difficult to cook it to suit everyone's taste.
-----------------------------------------

羊群裡頭出駱駝
Yang2 qun2 li3 tou chu luo4 tuo2

Standing out like a camel in a flock of sheep
(It is too obvious for a camel standing among a flock of sheep)
-----------------------------------------------

賣花的說花香,---Mai4 hua di2 shuo hua xiang,
賣藥的說藥方.---Mai4 yao4 di2 shuo yao4 fang.

He, who sells flowers says, his flowers are fragrant,
He, who sells medicine, talks about his prescriptions.
----------------------------------------

瞞者不相識,---Man zhe3 bu4 xiang4 shi2,
識者不相瞞.---Shi2 zhe3 bu4 xiang4 man.

Only the stranger will deceive you,
Friends do not deceive each other,
--------------------------------------------

打他廊下過,---Da3 ta lang2 xia4 guo4,
誰敢不低頭.---Shui2 gan3 bu4 di tou2.

On crossing a low corridor,
Who dares not to lower his head.
----------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

好花能有幾時紅,---Hao3 hua nenge you3 ji shi2 hong2
好蜂不採落地花,---Hao3 feng bu4 cai3 luo4 di4 hua,

For how long can a beautiful flower last?
A good bee will not gather nectar from fallen flowers,
-------------------------------------

將相本無種,---Jiang xiang4 ben3 wu2 zhong3,
男兒當自強.---Nan2 er2 dang zi4 qiang2.

Generals and Prime Minister are not inheritable,
Young men should strive to success.
---------------------------------------------------

將錯就錯,---Jiang4 cuo4 jiu4 cuo4,
將計就計.---Jiang4 ji4 jiu4 ji4.

Leave a mistake uncorrected and make the best of it;
Turn somebody's trick against him.
----------------------------------------------------

將相胸前堪走馬,---Jiang4 xiang4 xiong qian2 kan zuo3 ma3,
公侯肚裏好撐船.---Gong hou2 du4 li3 hao3 cheng chuan2.

The chests of the generals and statesmen are so broad that
horses can ride on them,
The stomachs of the dukes and marquises are so deep that
-------------------------------------------------------

一個好人保三村,---Yi1 ge4 hao3 ren2 bao3 san cun.
一條好狗保三家.---Yi tiao2 hao3 gou3 bao3 san jia.

A good man protects three villages,
A good dog, three houses.
----------------------------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

對牛彈琴,---Dui4 niu2 tan2 qin2,
浪費時間.---Lang4 fei4 shi2 jian4.

Playing the lute to a cow,
Is wasting time.
[Cast pearls before swine 明珠暗投]
-----------------------------------------

對小人不惡,---Dui4 xiao3 ren2 bu4 e4,
待君子有禮.---Dai4 jun zi3 you3 li3.

Have no evil feeling towards a person of low position,
And have courtesy towards a gentle man.
----------------------------------------------

對於智者,---Dui4 yu2 zhi4 zhe3,
一言即足.---Yi yan2 ji zu2..

One word to the wise is sufficient.
(If a person is wise, one word only,
of warning or admonition, is sufficient)
----------------------------------------------------

君子無聲無臭,---Jun zi3 wu2 sheng wu2 chou4,
可以逃免煩惱.---Ke3 yi3 tao2 mian3 fan2 nao3.

An unknown gentleman,
Can escape the worry.
---------------------------------------------

君子行不更名,---Jun zi3 xing2 bu4 geng4 ming2,
坐不改姓.----------zuo4 bu4 gai xing4

A gentleman will not alter his name in traveling
and change his surname when settling down.
-------------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

利刀割水,---Li4 dao ge shui3,
刀不損鍔.---Dao bu4 sun3 e4.

A sharp knife cuts through the water,
And the knife is not damaged.
--------------------------------------------

立身要高一步,---Li4 shen yao gao yi bu4,
處世須退一步.---Chu shi4 xu tui yi bu4.

In career, one must establish oneself in a higher position,
One requires to move back one step in conducting oneself in society.
------------------------------------------------

只會讀書不玩耍,----Zhi3 hui4 du2 shu bu4 wan2 shua3,
聰明孩子也變傻.---Cong ming2 hai2 zi3 ye3 bian4 sha3

Only know how to study and no play makes a smart boy dull.
----------------------------------------------------------

只見河東楊柳綠,---Zhi3 jian4 he2 dong yang2 liu3 lu4,
不見河西桃花紅.---Bu4 jian4 he2 xi tao2 hua hong2.

He sees only the willows on the east bank of the river,
But not the peach blossoms on the west bank.
---------------------------------------------------

富家一席酒,---Fu4 jia yi xi2 jiu3, (P)
窮家半年糧.---Qiong2 han4 ban4 nian2 liang2.

The food consumed at a feast in a rich family,
Is equivalent to half a year's provision for a poor family.
---------------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

浪子回頭金不換
Lang4 zi3 hui2 tou2 jin bu4 huan4

A prodigal, who has returned, is more precious than gold.
----------------------------------------------

老不老, 自己曉.
Lao3 bu4 lao3, zi4 ji3 xiao3

A man is as old as he feels
(意為: 你覺得多老就多老)
----------------------------------------------

老虎打架勸不得
Lao3 hu3 da3 jia4 quan4 bu4 de2

When the tigers are fighting do not try to reconcile the parties.
---------------------------------------------

老虎進了城,---Lao3 hu3 jin4 le cheng2
家家都閉門,---Jia jia du bi4 men2;
雖然不咬人,---Sui ran2 bu4 yao3 ren2,
日前壞了名.---Ri4 qian2 huai4 le ming2.

The tiger has entered the walled-city,
All the families close their doors.
Although the tiger does not bite people,
But, previously it has a bad reputation.
-------------------------------------

家中出了賢嫂嫂,---Jia zhong chu le xian2 sao3 sao3,
滿村姑娘都教好.---Man3 cun gu niang2 du jiao4 hao3.

A family has produced a virtuous sister-in-law,
Girls in the village eagerly learn from her.
------------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

路在口裡,---Lu4 zai4 kou3 li3,
一問就知.---Yi wen4 jiu4 zhi.

The way is in your own mouth,
If you ask you will know.
--------------------------------------------

亂王年年改號,---Luan4 wang2 nian2 nian2 gai hao2,
窮士日日換名.---Qiong2 shi4 ri4 ri4 huan4 ming2.

A rebellious king changed his title every year,
A poor scholar changed his name every day.
------------------------------------------

論食還是家常飯,---Lun1 shi2 hai2 shi4 jia chang2 fan4,
論著還是粗布衣.---Lun zhao2 hai2 shi4 cu bu4 yi.

Talking about food the best is the homely food,
Talking about clothing the best is the coarse cloth clothes
------------------------------------------------

蘿卜白菜,---Luo2 bo bai2 cai4,
各有所愛.---Ge4 you3 suo3 ai4.

Some prefer carrot,
While others like cabbage.
(One man's meat is another man's poison.
對甲有利的未必對乙也有利)
-----------------------------------------------

鑼靠鼓,---Luo2 kao4 gu3
鼓靠鑼,---Gu3 kao4 luo2.

The gong depends on the drum,
The drum depends on the gong.

新娶薪臼雖然巧,---Xin qu3 xin jiu4 sui ran2 qiao3,
還愛靠家官家娘.---Hai2 ai4 kao4 jia guan jia niang2.

Although the new daughter-in-law is smart,
Yet she still depends on the parents-in-law.

薪臼 (xin jiu4)= daughter-in-law
家官 (jia guan)=father-in-law
家娘 (jia niang2)=mother-in-law
-----------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

家規在嚴,---Jia gui zai4 yan2,
丑事難免.---Chou3 shi4 nan2 mian3.

Accidents will happen in the best regulated families.
--------------------------------------------------

家和人和萬事和,---Jia he2 ren2 he2 wan4 shi4 he4,
家裡不和外人欺.---Jia li3 bu4 he2 wai4 ren2 qi.

If a family is in harmony and in good terms with people
all the undertakings will be fine.
If the members of a family are not in harmony outsiders
will bully the family.
---------------------------------------------

家和日子旺,---Jia he2 ri4 zi wang4,
國和萬事興.---Guo2 he2 wan4 shi4 xing.

When a family is in harmony the days are brisk,
When a country is in harmony all is well with the world.
---------------------------------------------------

家花沒有野花香,---Jia1 hua mei2 you3 ye3 hua xiang,
野花香來不長久.---Ye3 hua xiang lai2 bu4 chang2 jiu3

Garden flowers are not as frangrant as the flowers in the field,
But the flowers of the fiend do not last long.
---------------------------------------------------------------

家家的鍋子有黑污
Jia1 jia di2 guo zi3 you3 hei wu

Every family cooking-pot has one black spot
----------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

寧可不識字,---Ning4 ke3 bu4 shi2 zi3,
不可不識人.---Bu4 ke3 bu4shi2 ren2.

I would rather be an illiterate,
Than not to know anyone.
------------------------------------------

不管做什么,------Bu4 guan3 zuo4 shen2 me,
都要一心一意.---Dou yao yi xin yi yi4.

No matter what you do,
You must do it wholeheartedly.
-------------------------------------------

不會撐船怪河彎
Bu4 hui4 cheng chuan2 guai4 he2 wan

He who does not know how to pole a boat
blames the river is too crooked.
-----------------------------------------

不見棺材不掉淚,---Bu4 jian4 guan cai2 bu4 diao4 lei4,
不到黃河心不死.---Bu4 dao4 Huanghe xin bu4 si3.

One will not shed a tear until one sees the coffin,
One will not stop until one reaches the Yellow River.
----------------------------------------------

食不窮, 穿不窮,-----Shi2 bu4 qiong2, chuan bu4 qiong2,
不會打算一世窮.---Bu4 hui4 da3 suan4 yi shi4 qiong2

You are not poor in food and clothes,
But if you don't plan for your living you will be poor for life.
------------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

會說說都是,---Hui4 shuo shuo du shi4,
不會說無禮.---Bu4 hui4 shuo wu2 li3.

Whatever is spoken by an eloquent orator is correct,
Whatever uttered by an inarticulate person is considered rude.
-------------------------------------------

會者不難,---Hui4 zhe3 bu4 nan2,
難者不會.---Nan2 zhe3 bu4 hui4.

It is not hard if one knows,
It is hard if one does not know.
-----------------------------------------

從今學得烏龜法,---Cong1 jin xue2 de2 wu gui fa3,
得縮頭時且縮頭.---De2 suo tou2 shi2 qie3 suo tou2.

From now on I have learned the model of the tortoise,
When it is time to shrink back its head it shrinks its head.
-----------------------------------------------

聰明用於邪路,---Cong ming2 yong4 yu2 xie2 lu4,
愈聰明愈不好.---Yu4 cong ming2 yu4 bu4 hao3.

If an intelligent man is using the evil ways to earn his living,
The more intelligent he is the more evil he will become.

聰明用於正路,---Cong ming2 yong2 yu2 zheng4 lu4,
愈聰明就愈好.---Yu4 cong ming2 jiu4 yu4 hao3.

If an intelligent man is using the right way to earn his living,
The more intelligent he is the more is better for him.
-------------------------------------------------

從古英雄成大事,---Cong2 gu3 ying xiong2 cheng2 da4 shi4,
須知半向苦中來.---Xu zhi ban4 xiang4 ku3 zhong4 lai2.

From time immemorial the heroes achieved their heroic deeds,
Mainly through hard work.
--------------------------------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

有緣千里來相會,---You3 yuan2 qian li3 lai2 xiang hui4,
無緣對面不相逢.---Wu2 yuan2 dui4 mian4 bu4 xiang feng2.

If we are fated we will come from thousands of miles to meet,
If we are not fated we will not know each other face to face.
---------------------------------------------------------

有則改之,---You3 ze2 gai3 zhi,
無則加勉.---Wu2 ze2 jia mian3.

Correct mistakes if you have committed them,
And guard against them if you have not.
-------------------------------------

有智用智,---You3 zhi4 yong4 zhi4
無智用力.---Wu2 zhi4 yong4 li4.

If you have wisdom use it,
If you have no wisdom use your strength.
-------------------------------------------------

有嘴說別人,---You3 zui3 shuo bie2 ren2,
沒嘴說自己.---Mei2 zui3 shuo zi4 ji3.

You have mouth to talk about others,
But you have no mouth to talk about yourself
---------------------------------------------

幼而學,壯而行.
You4 er2 xue2, zhuang4 er2 xing2

You learn when you are young,
Carry it into effect when you are grown up.
------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

昨日之非不可留,---Zuo4 ri4 zhi fei bu4 ke3 liu2,
留之則根在復萌,---Liu2 zhi ze2 gen zai4 fu4 meng2,
而小過轉為大罪.---Er2 xiao3 guo4 zhuan3 wei2 da4 zui4.

Yesterday's wrong cannot be kept,
In keeping it, its old roots will emerge and shoot forth.
Such a small matter will become a big crime.
----------------------------------------------------------

乍富不如新受用,---Zha4 fu4 bu4 ru2 xin shou4 yong4,
乍貧難改舊家風.---Zha4 pin2 nan2 gai3 jiu4 jia feng.

First time becoming rich requires to adjust the new way of life,
First time in poverty is hard to change the old way of life.
----------------------------------------------

做事須循天理,---Zuo4 shi4 xu xun2 tian li3,
出言要順人心.---Chu yan2 yao shun4 ren2 xin.

Whatever you do it must not be gross injustice,
And whatever you say it must be reasonable.
--------------------------------------------------

狗嘴裡吐不出象牙
Gou3 zui3 li tu3 bu4 chu xiang4 ya2

A dog's mouth emits no ivory
(A filthy mouth can't utter decent language)
-------------------------------------------

別人好事記心頭,---Bie2 ren2 hao3 shi4 ji4 xin tou2,
忘幹淨他的壞事---Wang4 gan jing4 ta di2 huai4 shi4.

It is easy to remember a man doing good deeds
But forget all his faults.
-------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

君子一言,---Jun1 zi3 yi yan2,
快馬一鞭.---Kuai4 ma3 yi bian.

A word from a gentleman
Is like a whip on the horse.
---------------------------------------

君子喻於義,---Jun zi3 yu4 yu2 yi4,
小人喻於利.---Xiao3 ren2 yu4 yu2 li4.

A gentle man only knows about righteousness,
A small man knows only about benefit.
------------------------------------------

君子爭禮,---Jun zi3 zheng li3,
小人爭嘴.---Xiao3 ren2 zheng zui3.

Gentlemen are contending for etiquette,
People of low position are arguing with their mouths.
--------------------------------------

君子之交淡如水,---Jun zi3 zhi jiao dan4 ru2 shui3,
小人之交甜如蜜.---Xiao3 ren2 zhi jiao tian2 ru2 mi4.

The friendship of a gentleman is as clear as water,
The friendship of a villain is as sweet as honey.
-----------------------------------------------

君子知天下之不可蓋也,
Jun1 zi3 zhi tian xia4 zhi bu4 ke3 gai4,
故後之下之，使人慕之.
Gu4 hou4 zhi xia4 zhi, shi3 ren2 mu4 zhi.

The Gentleman knows the world is not to be dominated.
He would be humble to be followed as a model.
-------------------------------------------

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Date:   08-29-11 18:42


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

一朝權在手,---Yi chao2 quan4 zai4 shou3,
誰敢不低頭.---Shui2 gan3 bu4 di tou2.

The power of the government is in my hand,
Who dares to challenge me.
---------------------------------------

一次遭蛇咬,---Yi1 ci4 zao she2 yao3,
三年怕草繩.---San nian2 pa4 cao3 sheng2.

One year bitten by a snake,
For three years afraid of a grass rope.
-------------------------------------------------

一寸光陰一寸金,---Yi cun4 guang yin yi cun4 jin,
寸金難買寸光陰.---Cun4 jin nan2 mai4 cun4 guang yin.

An inch of time is an inch of gold,
But an inch of gold will not buy an inch of time.
[Time is more precious than gold]
----------------------------------

一個人演不成戲
Yi1 ge4 ren2 yan3 bu4 cheng2 xi4

It is difficult for one man to act a play.
-----------------------------------------------


一根筷子吃豆腐, ---Yi gen kuai4 zi3 chi dou4 fu3,
全盤給他弄壞了.---Quan2 pan2 gei3 ta nong4 huai4 le.

Eating beancurd with one chopstick,
He massed up the whole plate.
----------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

人不可貌相,-------Ren2 bu4 ke3 mao4 xiang4 ,
海水不可斗量.---Hai3 shui3 bu4 ke3 dou3 liang2.

A man cannot be judged by appearance;
The sea water cannot be measured with a ladle.
-------------------------------

人不為己,---Ren2 bu4 wei2 ji3,
天誅地滅.---Tian zhu di4 mie4.

Unless a man looks out for himself,
Heaven and Earth will destroy him.

meaning 人人應自保, 不可顧他人
(Everyone for himself and the devil take the hindmost 魔鬼專抓落後的)
----------------------------------------------------

人不知己過,---Ren2 bu4 zhi ji3 guo4,
牛不之自力.---Niu2 bu4 zhi zi4 li4.

Men do not know their own faults,
Oxen do not know their own strength.
-------------------------------------------------------

人不知自醜,---Ren2 bu4 zhi zi4 chou3,
馬不嫌臉長.---Ma3 bu4 xian2 lian3 chang2

Man does not know that he himself is ugly,
The horses do not mind of having long faces.
-------------------------------------------------

人吃飯是為了活著,------Ren2 chi fan4 shi4 wei2 le huo2 zhao2,
但活著不是為了吃飯.---Dan4 huo2 zhao2 bu4 shi4 wei2 le chi fan4.

Live not to eat,
But live to eat.
(Do not let eating be the chief object in life)
(勿以飲食為人生之主要目的﹔不是活著為了吃﹔而是為了活才吃)
-------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-30-11 01:42


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom


一毫之惡, 勸人莫作.---Yi1 hao2 zhi e4, Quan4 ren2 mo4 zuo4.
一毫之善, 與人方便.---Yi1 hao2 zhi shan4, yu3 ren2 fang bian4.

Advise people not to commit, even a slightest crime,
To do a slightest bit of charity, is convenient to others.
(一點壞事﹐也不要作﹔一點好事﹐卻能給人帶來好處
和方便﹐要努力為之)。
--------------------------------------------

一好遮不了百醜,---Yi hao3 zhe bu4 liao3 bai3 chou3,
百好遮不了一醜.---Bai3 hao3 zhe bu4 liao3 yi chou3.

A single merit cannot block off the one hundred demerits,
A hundred merits cannot hide a single demerit.
--------------------------------------------

一舉成名登龍榜,---Yi ju3 cheng2 ming2 deng long2 bang3,
十年身到鳳凰池*.--Shi2 nian2 shen dao4 feng4 huang2 chi2.

Once famous the name is entered in the Emperor's honour roll,
Within ten years they are likely to become the Prime Minister.

*feng huang chi means Prime Minister
------------------------------------------

一家養女百家求,---Yi jia yang3 nu3 bai3 jia qiu2,
一馬不行百馬憂.---Yi ma3 bu4 xing2 bai3 ma3 you.

One family has a daughter and many families are seeking her,
One horse does not gallop and people are worrying about other horses.
-----------------------------------------------

一塊柴燒不成火
Yi1 kuai4 chai2 shao3 bu4 cheng2 huo3

Fuel alone will not light a fire
--------------------------------------

一年動刀兵,---Yi nian2 dong4 dao bing,
十年不太平.---Shi2 nian2 bu4 ta4i ping2.

For using military force in one year,
It will be without peace for ten years.
------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-30-11 06:24


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

不想單獨睡,---Bu4 xiang3 dan du2 shui4,
夜晚莫罵妻.---Ye4 wan4 mo4 ma4 qi

Curse not your wife in the evening,
Or you will have to sleep alone.
------------------------------------------

不肖兒子誇祖宗
Bu4 xiao4 er2 zi3 kua zu3 zong2

Brainless sons boast of their ancestors.
-------------------------------------

不孝父母,---Bu4 xiao4 fu4 mu3,
敬神無益.---Jing4 shen2 wu2 yi4.

If you don't show filial obedience to your parents,
It is useless to pray to god.
------------------------------------

不要班門弄斧.
Bu4 yao4 Ban Men nong4 fu3.

Never offer to teach fish to swim.

(班門弄斧 means showing off one's proficiency with the axe before Ban Lu
(班魯) the master carpenter -- display one's slight skill before an expert.
Ban Lu (班魯) was a famous architect during the Autumn and Spring Period
(春秋時代
722BC to 481BC) of Zhou Dynasty (周朝1134BC to 256BC)).
----------------------------------------------------------

不要以功臣自居
Bu4 yao4 yi3 gong chen2 zi4 ju.

Don't give yourself the airs of a hero
-----------------------------------------------------

不要不懂裝懂
Bu4 yao bu4 dong3 zhuang dong3

Don't claim to know what you don't know.
---------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-30-11 07:01


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

多吃無滋味,---Duo1 chi wu2 zi wei4,
多話不值錢.---Duo hua4 bu4 zhi2 qian2

Eating too much one lost its taste,
Talking too much has lost the value of the words.
-------------------------------------

多讀書不如從良師
Duo1 du2 shu bu4 ru2 cong2 liang2 shi

A load of books does not equal one good teacher.
--------------------------------------------------

多見天下之事, 以廣其所知,
Duo jian4 tian xia4 zhi shi4, yi3 guang qi2 suo3 zhi;
多聞古今之理, 以廣其所學.
.Duo wen2 gu3 jin zhi li3, yi3 guang qi2 suo3 xue2.

In order to broaden once knowledge it is advisable to read more world news;
In order to broaden your learning it is advisable to know more about the
truth of
the present and the past.
------------------------------------------------

妒財莫妒食,---Du4 cai2 mo4 du4 shi2,
怨生莫怨死.---Yuan4 sheng mo4 yuan4 si3.

Being jealous of someone's wealth but not his food,
Blame the living but not the dead.
-----------------------------------

斷送一生惟有酒,---Duan4 song4 yi sheng wei2 you3 jiu3,
破除萬事無過酒.---Po4 chu2 wan4 shi4 wu2 guo4 jiu3.

Only wine will ruin your whole life,
Whatever you want to do away with is nothing but wine.
--------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-30-11 08:52


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

順我者昌,---Shun4 wo3 zhe3 chang,
逆我者亡.---Ni4 wo3 zhe3 wang2.

Those who follow me will prosper,
And those who oppose me will perish.
(Brutal rule of a tyrant)
----------------------------------------

說大話者多謊言
Shuo1 da4 hua4 zhe3 duo huang3 yan2

He who brags is mostly a liar.
--------------------------------------------

說話越講越多,---Shuo hua4 yue4 jiang3 yue4 duo,
果子越吃越少.---Guo3 zi3 yue4 chi yue4 shao3.

In talking, the more you talk the more you like to talk,
In eating fruit, the more you eat the less are the fruit.
------------------------------------------

說盡黃河只為水
Shuo1 jin4 Huang2 He2 zhi wei2 水

All we talk about the Yellow River is its water.
---------------------------------------

說來容易做來難
Shuo1 lai2 rong2 yi4 zuo4 lai4 nan2.

Easier said than done.
--------------------------------------

說了三年謊,---Shuo1 le san nian2 huang3,
還是自哄自.---Hai2 shi4 zi4 hong4 zi4.

He had been telling lies for three years,
Eventually, he had been cheating himself all those years.
--------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-30-11 15:20


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

人當好運諸邪避,---Ren2 dang hao3 yun4 zhu xie2 bi4,
壞運來時邪逼人.---Huai4 yun4 lai2 shi2 xie2 bi ren2.

When fortune is good, you rule over the devils,
When fortune is bad, they rule over you.
--------------------------------------------------

忍得一時之氣,---Ren3 de2 yi shi4 zhi qi4,
免得百日之憂.---Mian3 de2 bai3 ri4 zhi you.

If one can endure for a moment,
One will not be worried for a hundred days.
-------------------------------------------

人多好做活
Ren2 duo hao3 zuo4 huo2

Many hands make light work
(If many people work together,
even a hard job becomes easier).
----------------------------------

人而無信,---Ren2 er2 wu2 xin4,
不知其可.---Bu4 zhi qi2 ke3.

If a man has no trust,
You do not know what he is capable of.
---------------------------------------------

人非善不交,---Ren2 fei shan4 bu4 jiao,
物非義不取.---Wu4 fei yi4 bu4 qu3.

Don't associate with a person who don't behave in a moral and correct way.
Don't acquire a thing immorally.
-------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-30-11 16:46


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

黃鼠狼給雞拜年 --- Huang2 shu3 lang2 gei3 ji bai4 nian2,
沒有好心.---------------Mei2 you3 hao3 xin.

The yellow weasel goes to pay his respects to a chicken ---
harboring no good intentions.
(Pretending to be polite but intends to do harm)
-------------------------------------

皇天不負苦心人
Huang2 tian bu4 fu4 ku3 xin ren2

Almighty Heaven is not indifferent to those whose hearts are earnest.
-----------------------------------------------------

謊言終究是謊言
Huang3 yan2 zhong jiu shi4 huang3 yan2

Eventually, lies are lies that cannot change their facts.
---------------------------------------

會家不忙,---Hui4 jia bu4 mang2,
忙家不會.---Mang2 jia bu4 hui4.

Those who know are not busy,
Those who don't know are very busy.
-------------------------------------------------------

會使不在家豪富,---Hui4 shi2 bu4 zai4 jia hao2 fu4,
風流不用著衣多.---Feng liu2 bu4 yong4 zhao2 yi duo.

One can be financially sound without being rich.
One with scholastic charisma needs no extravagant clothes to show off. 
----------------------------------------

會說不如會聽
Hui4 shuo bu4 ru2 hui4 ting

A good talker does not equal a good listener
-------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-30-11 17:17


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

打得肉爛,---Da3 de2 rou4 lan4,
本性依然.---Ben3 xing4 yi ran2.

He was beaten until his flesh was festering,
Yet he would not change his character.
-------------------------------------------

打開天窗說亮話
Da3 kai tian chuang shuo liang4 hua4

Frankly speaking or let's not mince matters.
-----------------------------------------------

打空拳費力,---Da3 kong4 quan2 fei4 li4,
說空話勞神.---Shuo kong4 hua4 lao2 shen2.

Shadow boxing is a strenuous exercise;
Talking aimlessly is straining energy.
-----------------------------------------------------

打莫打人痛處,---Da3 mo4 da3 ren2 tong4 chu3,
罵莫罵人羞處.---Ma4 mo4 ma4 ren2 xiu chu3.

To hit him don't hit that part that really hurts him,
To scold him don't scold about his shamefulness.
--------------------------------------------------

打怕的人是假的,---Da3 pa4 di2 ren2 shi4 jia3 di2,
敬怕的人是真的.---Jing4 pa4 di2 ren2 shi4 zhen di.

Respect out of fear is not genuine,
Reverence out of respect is not false.
------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-30-11 20:45


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

早知今日,---Zao3 zhi jin ri4,
悔不當初.---Hui3 bu4 dang chu?

If I had known it would come to this,
I would have acted differently in the beginning.
---------------------------------------

灶冷無煙,---Zao4 leng3 wu2 yan,
人冷無錢.---Ren2 leng3 wu2 qian2.

A cold kitchen has no smoke,
A cold person has no money.
--------------------------------------

擇其善者而從之,---Ze2 qi2 shan4 zhe3 er2 cong2 zhi,
其不善者而改之.---Qi2 bu4 shan4 zhe3 er2 gai3 zhi.

Choose and follow what is good,
Transform what is no good.
-----------------------------------------

乍富不如新受用,---Zha4 fu4 bu4 ru2 xin shou4 yong4,
乍貧難改舊家風.---Zha4 pin2 nan2 gai3 jiu4 jia feng.

First time becoming rich requires to adjust the new way of life,
First time in poverty is hard to change the old way of life.
---------------------------------------

瞻念前途---Zhan1 nian4 qian2 tu2,
不寒而栗---Bu4 han2 er2 li4

Looking ahead at his future,
He is tremble with fear
----------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-30-11 21:19


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

嚼得菜根,---Jue2 de2 cai4 gen,
百事可為.---Bai3 shi4 ke3 wei2.

If you are willing to eat cabbage stalks,
You can accomplish a hundre affairs.
-------------------------------------------

君乃臣之首,------Jun nai3 chen2 zhi shou3,
臣是君之股肱.---Chen2 shi4 jun zhi gu3 gong.

The ruler is the head of the officials,
The officials are the ruler's right-hand men.
-----------------------------------------

君如腹心, 臣如手足.---Jun ru2 fu4 xin, chen2 ru2 shou3 zu2.
臣正君邪, 國患難治.---Chen2 zheng4 jun xie2, guo2 huan4 nan2 zhi4.

The ruler is like the heart and his officials are like the hands and legs.
Even though the officials are upright, the adversity of a country will not

be solved, if the ruler is vicious
------------------------------------------

君子愛財,---Jun zi3 ai4 cai2,
取之有道.---Qu3 zhi you3 dao4.

A gentleman who loves wealth,
Has to acquire it by legal means.
---------------------------------------

君子安貧,---Jun zi3 an pin2,
達人知命.---Da2 ren2 zhi ming4.

A gentleman can stand poverty and be happy,
He knows his life.
-------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-30-11 22:12


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

居富貴之地,----------Ju fu4 gui4 zhi di4,
要知貧賤的痛癢.---Yao zhi pin2 jian4 di2 tong42 yang.

When you are rich and prosperous with honour,
Don't forget the suffering of the poor people

當少年之時,----------Dang shao3 nian2 shi2,
須念衰老的辛酸.---Xu nian4 shuai lao3 di2 xin suan.

When you are young and strong,
You must think of the sadness of old age.
--------------------------------------

鞠躬盡瘁,---Ju gong cui4,
死而後之.---Si3 er2 hou4 zhi.

Bend oneself to a task and exert oneself to the utmost;
Until one's dying day.
------------------------------------------

舉頭三尺有神明
Ju3 tou2 san chi3 you3 shen ming2

The spirits hover but three feet above your head.
-------------------------------------------------

舉頭望明月,---Ju3 tou2 wang4 ming2 yue4,
低頭思故鄉.---Di tou2 si gu4 xiang.

Looking up to the sky, I see the bright moon,
Gazing at the ground, I long for my hometown.
-------------------------------------------------

懼法不犯法,---Ju4 fa3 bu4 fan4 fa3,
畏刑可免刑.---Wei4 xing2 ke3 mian3 xing2.

Fearful of laws do not break the laws,
Fearful of punishment will avoid punishment.
--------------------------------------------

涓涓不壅,---Juan1 juan bu4 yong,
將成江河.---Jiang cheng2 jiang he2.

A dripping leak unplugged could become a river.
----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-30-11 23:18


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

一個牙齒痛,---Yi1 ge4 ya2 chi3 tong4,
滿口不着實.---Man3 kou3 bu4 zhao2 shi4

A tooth hurts,
The whole mouth feels numb.
-----------------------------------------

運去金失色,---Yun4 qu4 jin shi se4,
時來鐵放光.---Shi2 lai2 tie3 fang4 guang.

When fortune has departed, even yellow gold tarnishes,
When good fortune comes, even iron shines brightly.
---------------------------------------

佈下天羅地網,---Bu4 xia4 tian luo2 di4 wang3,
看你逃到何處.---Kan ni3 tao2 dao4 he2 chu4.

Cast an escape-proof net,
See where you can flee .
--------------------------------------------

餓死不要做賊,---E4 si3 bu4 yao zuo4 zei2,
氣死不要告狀.---Qi4 si3 bu4 yao gao3 zhuang4

One will not want to become a thief even though one is starving,
One will not go to court even one is being so enraged.
------------------------------------------------------

耳不聽, 心不煩.
Er3 bu4 ting, xin bu4 fan2.

What does not enter the ears,
Does not disturb the mind (heart).
----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   08-31-11 02:24


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

未雨綢繆,---Wei2 yu3 xhou2 mou2,
有備無患.--- You3 bei wu2 huan4.

Repair the house before it rains (take precautions),
Where there is precaution, there is no danger.
---------------------------------------------------

未出危險境,---Wei4 chu wei xian3 jing4,
切莫先高興.---Qie4 mo4 xian gao xing4.

Do not halloo until you are out of the woods.
------------------------------------------------

為官須作相,---Wei4 guan xu zuo4 xiang4,
及第必爭先.---Ji2 di4 bi4 zheng xian.

Being an official one must appear like one,
In grading one must try to get on the top grade.
--------------------------------------------

未來之事有朕兆.
Wei4 lai2 zhi shi4 you3 zhen4 zhao4.

Coming events cast their shadows before.
----------------------------------------

畏首畏尾,---Wei4 shou3 wei4 wei3,
身其余幾.---Shen qi2 yu2 ji.

Being always timid and over-cautious in any undertaking,
What can one do.
---------------------------------------

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Date:   08-31-11 02:43


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

公道世間惟白髮,---Gong1 dao4 shi4 jian wei2 bai2 fa4,
貴人頭上不曾饒.---Gui4 ren2 tou2 shang4 bu4 zeng rao2.

Justice in the world should be in the hands of the elders
With justice even the nobles should have no excuses.
----------------------------------------

公而忘私,---Gong1 er2 wang4 si,
國而忘家.---Guo2 er2 wang4 jia.

Public business comes before private affairs,
The country comes before the family.
-------------------------------

弓開如滿月,---Gong kai ru2 man3 yue4,
箭發似流星.---Jian4 fa si4 liu2 xing.

When the bow is pulled it is like a full moon,
And the arrow flies like a shooting star.
------------------------------------------

弓拉得緊,---Gong1 la de2 jin3
箭飛得快.---Jian4 fei de2 kuai4.

If the bow is draw taut,
The arrow will fly fast.
---------------------------------------

公說公有理,---Gong shuo gong you3 li3,
婆說婆有理.---Po2 shuo po2 you3 li3.

He says he is right,
She says she is right,
He and she claim to be in the right.
----------------------------------------------

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Date:   08-31-11 05:40


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

放水容易收水難
Fang4 shui3 rong2 yi4 shou shui3 nan2

It is easy to release the water (from a reservoir),
But it is hard to retrieve the water released.
------------------------------------------

放下屠刀,---Fang4 xia4 tu2 dao,
立地成佛.---Li4 di4 cheng2 fo2.

A butcher becomes a Buddha,
The moment he drops his cleaver.
(A wrongdoer achieves salvation as soon as he gives up evil)
------------------------------------------

費力不賺錢之事
Fei4 li4 bu4 zhuan4 qian2 zhi shi4

It's bare work and poor pay, like licking honey off thorn
(Said of an employment yielding only a small and uncertain profit.
---------------------------------------------

功名一時,---Gong ming2 yi shi2,
氣節千載.---Qi4 ji2 qian zai.

Once the scholarly honour or official rank is achieved,
The integrity will last a thousand years.
--------------------------------------------

飛蛾投火,---Fei e2 tou2 huo3,
自燒其身.---Zi4 shao qi2 shen.

A month darting pounches onto the lamp,
Bringing destruction upon itself.
(Seeking one's own doom)
--------------------------------------

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Date:   08-31-11 06:30


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

萬流注海, 海不盈
Wan4 liu2 zhu4 hai3, hai3 bu4 ying2

Ten thousand rivers flow into the sea, but the sea is never full
------------------------------------------------------

萬事不由人計較,---Wan4 shi4 bu4 you2 ren2 ji4 jiao4,
一生都是命安排.---Yi sheng du shi4 ming4 an pai2.

If all the things are not working according to plan,
Then life is fated.
--------------------------------------------------------------

萬事俱備,---Wan4 shi4 ju4 bei4,
只欠東風.---Zhi3 qian4 dong feng.

Everything is ready,
And all that we need is an east wind.
(all is ready except what is crucial).
----------------------------------------------

萬事起頭難
Wan4 shi4 qi3 tou2 nan2

Everything is hard in the beginning.
----------------------------------

萬事省已定,---Wan4 shi4 sheng3 yi3 ding4,
浮生空自茫.---Fu2 sheng kong3 zi4 mang2.

If one presumes that all things are pre-determined,
Then the life of men is in vain.
---------------------------------------------------

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Date:   08-31-11 07:25


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

孔子曰: Confucius said:

鳥之將死, 其鳴也哀,---Niao3 zhi jiang4 si3, qi2 ming2 ye3 ai,
人之將死, 其言也善.---Ren2 zhi jiang4 si3, qi2 yan2 ye3 shan4.
.............................................

In simple Chinese 白話

快要死的鳥, 它的鳴叫會很哀痛;
快要死的人, 他說的話也很善良.

The crying of a dying bird is very grief,
The talking of a dying man is very kind.
-----------------------------------------

寧給窮人一斗,---Ning2 gei3 qiong2 ren2 yi dou3,
不給富人一口.---Bu4 gei3 fu4 ren2 yi kou3.

I would rather give the poor people one decalitre,
Than a mouth to the rich people.
----------------------------------------------

寧吃少年苦,---Ning4 chi shao3 nian2 ku3,
不受老來貧.---Bu4 shou4 lao3 lai2 pin2.

I would rather suffer hardship in my youth,
Than in poverty when I grow old.
--------------------------------------

寧教我負天下人,---Ning4 jiao wo3 fu4 tian xia4 ren2,
休教天下人負我.---Xiu jiao tian xia4 ren2 fu4 wo3.

I would rather allow the world to rely on me,
Than I rely on the people of the world.
----------------------------------------

寧可悔了做,---Ning4 ke3 hui3 le zuo4,
不可做了悔.---Bu4 ke3 zuo4 le hui3.

I would rather feel regret before doing it,
Than fell regret after doing it.
------------------------------------

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Date:   08-31-11 09:24


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

男大不婚,--------------Nan2 da4 bu4 hun,
女大不嫁,--------------Nu3 da4 bu4 jia4,
恐怕弄出大笑話.---Kong3 pa4 nong3 chu da4 xiao4 hua4.

A young man refuses to get married,
A grown up girl does not want to get married,
They will become a laughing stock.
--------------------------------------------

男兒無妻財無主,---Nan2 er2 wu2 qi cai2 wu2 zhu3,
女子無夫身無主.---Nu3 zi3 wu2 fu2 shen wu2 zhu3.

A man without a wife is like the wealth without an owner,
A woman without a husband means she belongs to no one.
-----------------------------------------

男兒無志,---Nan2 er2 wu2 zhi4,
鈍鐵無鋼.---Dun4 tie3 wu2 gang.

A young man without an aspiration,
Is like the pig iron without steel.
------------------------------------

惱一惱, 老一老,---Nao3 yi nao3, lao3 yi lao3, (P)
笑一笑, 少一少.---Xiao3 yi xiao3, shao3 yi shao3.

When you worry a bit, you grow old a bit,
When you smile a bit, you look young a bit.
--------------------------------------------

嫩草怕霜霜怕日,---Nen4 cao3 pa4 shuang shuang pa4 ri4,
惡人自有惡人磨.---E3 ren2 zi4 you3 e3 ren2 mo4.

The tender grass is afraid of the frost and the frost is afraid of the sun,
Evil person will have evil man to grind
------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-01-11 00:32


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

好鼓不用重打
Hao3 gu3 bu4 yong4 zhong4 da4

A good drum does not require hard beating
----------------------------------------------------

好故事百講不厭
Hao3 gu4 shi4 bai3 jiang3 bu4 yan4

A good tale is none the worse for being twice told.
(If a story is good, it will not be amiss to tell it more than once.)
---------------------------------------------------

好漢不吃窩裡食,---Hao3 han4 bu4 chi wo li3 shi2,
好馬不吃回頭草.---Hao3 ma3 bu4 chi hui2 tou2 cao3.

A gentleman will not eat the stolen food,
A good horse will not turn its head to graze.
----------------------------------------------------

好漢出在嘴上,---Hao3 han4 chu zai4 zui3 shang4,
好馬出在腿上.---Hao3 ma3 chu zai4 tui3 shang4.

A true man comes out of his mouth,
A good horse comes out of its legs.
----------------------------------------------

好漢憑志強,---Hao3 han4 ping2 zhi4 qiang2,
好馬憑膽壯.---Hao3 ma3 ping2 dan3 zhuang.

For a real man it is his aspiration,
For a horse it is its courage and bravery.
------------------------------------------------

好漢只怕病來磨
Hao3 han4 zhi3 pa4 bing4 lai2 mo2

A brave man is afraid of illness to grind him.
---------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-01-11 01:10


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

寧可明槍交戰,---Ning4 ke3 ming2 qiang jiao zhan4,
不可暗箭傷人.---Bu4 ke3 an4 jian4 shang ren2.

I would rather fight the enemy with spear in the open
Than use an arrow to shoot him from hiding.
----------------------------------------

寧可人負我,---Ning4 ke3 ren2 fu4 wo3,
切莫我負人.---Qie mo4 wo3 fu4 ren2.

I would rather allow others to rely on me,
Than I let myself to rely on others.
-----------------------------------------

寧可信其有,---Ning4 ke3 xin4 qi2 you3,
不可信其無.---Bu4 ke3 xin2 qi2 wu2.

I would rather believe that it does exist,
Than believing it is not existed.
------------------------------------------------

寧可站著死,---Ning4 ke3 zhan4 zhao2 si3,
絕不跪著生.---Jue2 bu4 gui4 zhao2 sheng.

One would rather die on one's feet
Than live on one's knees.
------------------------------------------------

寧可正而不足,---Ning4 ke3 zheng4 er2 bu4 zu2,
不可邪而有餘.---Bu4 ke3 xie2 er2 you3 yu2.

I would rather be upright with insufficient
Than evil with surplus
--------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-01-11 03:13


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

善始者善終
Shan4 shi3 zhe3 shan4 zhong

He who starts well will end well.
(do well from start to finish)
------------------------------------

善事可作,---Shan4 shi4 ke3 zuo4,
惡事莫為.---E4 shi4 mo4 wei4.

It is alright to do charity work,
But not evildoing.
--------------------------------------

善而多詐,---Shan4 er2 duo zha4,
便非真善.---Bian4 fei zhen shan4.

A person who is pretending to be more charitable,
Is not really a real philanthropist.
-----------------------------------------

善化不足,---Shan4 hua4 bu4 zu2,
惡化有餘.---E4 hua4 you3 yu2.

He is not kind enough,
But more than evil.
-----------------------------------------

三十不豪,------------San shi2 bu4 hao2,
四十不富,------------Si4 shi2 bu4 fu4,
五十將來尋死路.---Wu3 shi2 jiang4 lai2 xun2 si3 lu4.

If one is not elegant at thirty,
And not wealthy by forty,
Then one's life is almost over by fifty.
---------------------------------------------------

三十六策,---San shi2 liu4 ce4,
走為上策.---Zou4 wei2 shang4 ce4.

There are thirty six plans,
The best plan is to run away.
-------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-01-11 03:25



中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

上梁不正下梁歪,---Shang4 liang2 bu4 zheng4 xia4 liang2 wai,
下梁不正房屋坍.---Xia4 liang2 bu4 zheng4 fang2 wu tan.

If the main timbers in the house are not straight, the smaller timber will
be unsafe,
And if the smaller timbers are not straight, the house will collapse.
---------------------------------------------------------

上天應該下雨---Shang4 tian ying gai xia4 yu3,
女兒應該出嫁.---Nu3 er2 ying gai chu jia4.

The sky should rain,
And a grown up daughter should get married.
-------------------------------------

上下其手,---Shang4 xia4 qi2 shou3,
舞文弄法.---Wu3 wen2 nong4 fa3.

He is practising fraud so as to
Pervert the law by playing with legal phraseology.
---------------------------------------------

松柏耐霜雪,---Song1 bo4 nai4 shuang xue3,
智慧克艱危.---Zhi4 hui4 ke4 jian wei.

As the pine and the cedar endure the frost and snow,
So intelligence and wisdom overcome dangers and hardship.
------------------------------------

夙夜匪懈,---Su4 ye4 fei3 xie4,
以事一人.---yi3 shi4 yi ren2.

The officials, working hard day and night,
Just for one person, the emperor.
-------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-01-11 04:28


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

狐假虎威
Hu2 jia3 hu3 wei

The fox borrows the tiger's terror
(by walking in the latter's company)
[bully people by flaunting one's powerful connections]
------------------------------------------------

湖水清澈見底,---Hu2 shui3 qing che4 jian4 di3,
久識朋友見心.---Jiu3 shi2 peng2 you3 jian4 xin.

The lake water is so clear that you can see to the bottom,
You know a friend for so long that you can read his mind.
---------------------------------------

壺中無酒客難留
Hu2 zhong wu2 jiu3 ke4 nan2 liu2

Without wine in the bottle it is hard to have guests.
-------------------------------------------

虎不怕山高,---Hu3 bu4 pa4 shan gao,
魚不怕水深.---Yu2 bu4 pa4 shui3 shen.

The tiger is not afraid of hill hill,
The fish is not afraid of deep water.
-----------------------------------------------

虎毒不喫兒,---Hu3 du2 bu4 chi er2
虎老雄心在.---Hu3 lao3 xiong2 xin zai4

The tiger is fierce, but it does not eat its own cubs
Although a tiger has grown old it still has the lofty aspiration.
--------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-01-11 08:14


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

樹大有枯枝,---Shu4 da4 you3 ku zhi,
族大有乞兒.---Zu2 da4 you3 qi3 er2.

A big tree has rotten branches,
A big clan have beggars.
--------------------------------------------

樹大招風
Shu4 da4 zhao feng

A tall tree catches the wind
(a person in a high position is liable to be attacked)
-------------------------------------------------

樹倒猢猻散,---Shu4 dao3 hu2 sun san4,
牆倒磚頭飛.---Qiang2 dao3 zhuan tou2 fei.

When the tree falls the monkeys scatter,
When the wall falls the bricks flying about.
------------------------------------------------

樹老根子深,---Shu4 lao3 gen zi3 shen,
人老骨頭硬,---Ren2 lao3 gu tou2 ying4.

The roots of an old tree are very deep.
The bones of an old man are very hard.
---------------------------------------

雙鳥在林,--------Shuang1 niao3 zai4 lin2,
不如一鳥在手.--Bu4 ru2 yi niao3 zai4 shou3.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
----------------------------------------.

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-01-11 08:38


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

人非聖賢,---Ren2 fei sheng4 xian2,
誰能無過.---shui2 neng2 wu2 guo4.

Men are not saints,
How can they be free from faults?
---------------------------------------

人逢喜事精神爽
Ren2 feng2 xi3 shi4 jing shen2 shuang3

The spirit of a man is alacrity in a joyous occasion
-------------------------------------

人固有一死,---Ren2 gu4 you3 yi si3,
或重于泰山,---Huo4 chong2 yu2 Taishan,
或輕于鴻毛.---Huo4 qing yu2 hong2 mao2.

Though death befalls all men alike,
it may be weightier than Mount Tai
Or lighter than a feather.
---------------------------------

人黃有病,---Ren2 huang2 you3 bing4,
苗黃缺肥.---Miao2 huang2 que fei2.

If one has sallow skin, one is ill,
If a seedling turns yellow, it is lack of fertilizer.
----------------------------------------

人見利, 不見害,---Ren2 jian4 li4, bu4 jian4 hai4,
魚見食, 不見鉤.---Yu jian4 shi2, bu4 jian4 gou.

Man can see the profit, but can't see the harm,
The fish can see the bait, but it can't see the hook.
------------------------------------

人見人貧親也疏,---Ren2 jian ren2 pin2 qing4 ye3 shu,
狗見人貧死也守.---Gou3 jian4 ren2 pin2 si3 ye3 shou.

Seeing a relative is poor he tends to distant him.
Even though its master is poor a dog sticks to him.
-----------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-01-11 17:47


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

混水摸魚好幾會,---Hun4 shui3 mo yu2 hao3 ji hui4,
有人興奮有人愁.---You3 ren2 xing fen4 you3 ren2 chou2.

It is a good opportunity to catch fish in troubled waters,
Some people are excited and some worried
------------------------------------------------

活到老, 學到老,---Huo2 dao4 lao3, xue2 dao4 lao3
改造到老.-----------Gai zao4 dao4 lao3.

Learn, work and remould yourself,
As long as you live.
--------------------------------------------------

後生苦,---Hou3 sheng ku3,
風吹過---Feng chui guo4.

老來苦,---Lao3 lai2 ku3,
真真苦.---Zhen zhen ku3.

A youth in hardship,
Will be all over after the wind.

An old man in hardship,
Is really in hardship.

(後生 Hou3 sheng means young man)
---------------------------------------------------

禍福無常,---Huo4 fu2 wu2 chang2,
唯人自處.---Wei2 ren2 zi4 chu3.

There is no highroad to happiness or misfortune,
Every man brings them on himself.
---------------------------------------------

火頭兒不到,---Huo3 tou2 er2 bu4 dao4,
餅就烙不好.---Bing3 jiu4 lao4 bu4 hao3.

You can't bake a cake properly,
If the fire is not right.
-----------------------------------------

獲罪於天,---Huo4 zui4 yu2 tian,
無所禱也.---Wu2 suo3 dao3 ye3.

If a man's sin has broken the laws of God,
It is useless for him to pray.
-----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-01-11 18:15


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

坐在家中稱好漢,---Zuo4 zai4 jia zhong cheng hao3 han4,
十字街頭當馬牛.---Shi2 zi4 jie tou2 dang ma3 niu2.

Sitting at home calling oneself a hero,
On busy street one become a burden.
----------------------------------------

做賊瞞不得鄉里,---Zuo4 zei2 man3 bu4 de2 xiang li3,
偷食瞞不得牙齒.---Tou1 shi2 man3 bu4 de2 ya2 chi3.

A thief cannot hide the truth from his village,
Stolen food cannot deceive one's teeth.
----------------------------------------------

做到老, 學到老,---Zuo4 dao4 lao3, xue2 dao4 lao3
南風吹, 就割稻.---Nan2 feng chui, jiu4 ge dao4.

I work until I am old, and I learn until I am old.
When the southerly wing blows, it is time to harvest the paddy.
-------------------------------------------

做人做到頭,---Zuo4 ren2 zuo4 dao4 tou2,
殺豬殺到喉.---Sha zhu sha dao4 hou2.

Being a person one has to be good to the end,
Killing a pig one has to finish it at the throat.
--------------------------------------------------

醉翁之意不在酒
Zui4 weng zhi yi4 bu4 zai4 jiu3

The drinker's heart is not in the wine
(He has ulterior motives)
--------------------------------------------------------

做蠢事得到報應
Zuo4 chun3 shi4 de2 dao4 bao4 ying

Suffer the consequences of some foolish act.
(Sow the wind and reap the whirlwind).
-------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-01-11 19:27


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

不聽老人言,---Bu4 ting lao3 ren2 yan2,
一世苦黃蓮.---Yi shi4 ku3 huang2 lian2.

Not listening to an old man's words,
His whole life will be as bitter as the bitter rhizome.
-----------------------------------------

不圖大驢大馬,---Bu4 tu2 da4 lu2 da4 ma3,
只愿細狗還家.---Zhi yuan4 xi4 gou3 hai2 jia.

Not planning to have a donkey or a horse,
I only wish to have a dog that can stay at home.
-------------------------------------

不死於兵而死於荒
Bu4 si3 yu2 bing er2 si3 yu2 huang

Escape the sword only to perish by famine.
---------------------------------


不怕人窮,---Bu4 pa4 ren2 qiong2,
就怕志短.---Jiu4 pa4 zhi4 duan3.

Poverty is no obstacle,
Only afraid of lack of ambition.
--------------------------------------------------

不怕少年苦,---Bu4 pa4 shao3 nian2 ku3,
只怕老來窮.---Zhi pa4 lao3 lai2 qiong2.

A youth is not afraid of hardship,
But he is afraid of being poor when he grows old.
--------------------------------------------------

不破不立,---Bu4 po4 bu4 li4,
不塞不流,---Bu4 sai bu4 liu2,
不止不行.---Bu4 zhi3 bu4 xing2.

There is no construction without destruction,
No flowing without damming,
And no motion without rest.
-------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-01-11 20:05


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

慈善始於家庭
Ci2 shan4 shi3yu2 jia ting2

Charity begins at home.
(Ties of family, friendship, etc., comes first).
---------------------------------------

春不離田,---Chun1 bu4 li2 tian2,
冬不離家.---Dong bu4 li2 jia.

Never leave your field in spring,
Or your house in winter.
-----------------------------------------

春蠶到死絲方盡,---Chun1 can2 dao4 si3 si fang jin4,
惡語傷人恨難消.---E4 yu3 shang ren2 hen4 nan2 xiao.

Only when all its treads have come out then the silkworm will die,
The hatred of vicious slander against people will be hard to disappear.

-------------------------------------------

春回大地,---Chun1 hui2 da4 di4,
萬象更新.---Wan4 xiang4 geng xin.

Spring has returned to the earth again,
And everything looks fresh and gay.
-------------------------------------------

從輕處理,---Cong2 qing chu3 li3,
以觀後效.---Yi3 guan hou4 xiao4.

Deal with somebody leniently and see
How he behaves in future.
-------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-02-11 01:34


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

讀書志在聖賢,---Du2 shu zhi4 zai4 sheng4 xian2,
為官心在君國.---Wei2 guan xin zai4 jun guo2.

The aim of studying is to become a man of sage and virtue,
To become an official is to serve one's country and ruler.
--------------------------------------------

對失意人,------Dui1 shi yi4 ren2,
莫談得意事.---Mo4 tan2 de2 yi4 shi4.

When you meet a friend who has his aspiration thwarted,
Don't talk to him about your proud achievement.

處得意日,------Chu3 de2 yi4 ri4,
莫忘失意事.---Mo4 wang4 shi yi4 shi4.

When you have achieved your aspiration,
Don't forget about your early disappointment.
-------------------------------------------------

對禮物吹毛求此
Dui4 li3 wu4 chui mao2 qiu2 ci

Do not examine too critically what is given to you as a gift.
-----------------------------------

獨腳難行,---Du2 jiao3 nan2 xing2,
孤掌難鳴.---Gu zhang3 nan2 ming2.

It is hard to walk with one leg,
It is impossible to clap with one hand.
(It is difficult to achie anything without support).
---------------------------------------

獨木不成林,---Du2 mu4 bu4 cheng2 lin2,
單弦不成音.---Dan xian2 bu4 cheng2 yin.

One tree does not make a forest,
One string cannot produce music.
----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-02-11 02:21


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

父在觀其志,---Fu4 zai4 guan qi2 zhi4,
父沒觀其行.---Fu4 mei2 guan qi2 xing2.

When one's father is alive one should observe his aspiration,
When he has passed away one should study his past performance.
----------------------------------------------

父在苦中死,---Fu4 zai4 ku3 zhong si3,
子在富中死,---Zi3 zai4 fu4 zhong si3,
孫在窮中死.---Sun zai4 qiong2 zhong si3.

The father died in struggling,
The son died for being too rich,
The grandson died in poverty.

I know, there are many cases that the wealth of a Chinese family could not
pass down to three generations. Somehow, the second or the third generation
will squander the family wealth.
-----------------------------------------------

富者愈富,---Fu4 zhe3 yu4 fu4,
貧者愈貧.---Pin2 zhe3 yu4 pin2.

The rich add riches to riches,
The poor add poverty years to years.
-----------------------------------------------

父子恩深終有別,---Fu4 zi3 en shen zhong you3 bie2,
夫妻義重也分離.---Fu2 qi yi4 zhong4 ye3 fen li2

Eventually, the sincere love between the father and son has to be departed,
Even the love of the husband and wife has an end.
(when they die).
----------------------------------------------

父子雖親,---Fu4 zi3 sui qing4,
財心各別.---Cai2 xin ge4 bie2.

Although father and son are very closely related,
When it comes to money they are different.
------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-02-11 03:02


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

國家興亡,---Guo2 jia xing wang2,
匹夫有責.---Pi3 fu you3 ze2.

Every man has a share of responsibility,
For the rise and fall of his country.
-------------------------------------------

國有賢臣安社稷,---Guo2 you3 xian2 chen2 an she4 ji4,
家無逆子惱爹娘.---Jia wu2 ni4 zi3 nao3 die niang2.

If there are worthy officials to administer a country, the society of that
country will be peaceful and happy.
If there are no disobedience children in the family the parents will not
have trouble.
-------------------------------------

過而能改,---Guo4 er2 neng2 gai,
即復無過.---Ji2 fu4 wu2 guo4.

If one can correct one's mistakes,
One will return to one's former position of no mistakes.
-----------------------------------------

過耳之言,---Guo4 er3 zhi yan2,
不可聽信.---Bu4 ke3 ting xin4.

All the words are not for the ears,
Do not listen and believe them all.
-----------------------------------------------

過街老鼠人人打
Guo4 jie lao3 shu3 ren2 ren2 da3

A rat is running across the street and everybody wants to hit.
-----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-02-11 05:23


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

家貧不言曾祖貴,---Jia pin2 bu4 yan2 zeng zu3 gui4,
好漢豈怕出身低.---Hao3 han4 qi3 pa4 chu shen di2.

A poor man does not brag about the nobility of his ancestors,
A true man is not afraid of his low social status origin.
---------------------------------------------------

家賊難防,---Jia zei2 nan2 fang3,
偷過屋樑.---Tou guo4 wu liang2.

It is hard to guard against a family thief,
As he can steal within the house wall.
------------------------------------------

家中有剩飯,---Jia1 zhong you3 sheng4 fan4,
路上有飢人.---Lu4 shang4 you3 ji ren2.

If there is food left over in the kitchen,
There are poor people in the street.
---------------------------------------------

寄蜉蝣於天地,---Ji4 fu2 you2 yu2 tian di4,
渺滄海之一粟.---Miao3 cang hai3 zhi yi su4.

Life is like a mayfly,
And a grain of rice in the ocean.
----------------------------------------------

舊瓶裝新酒
Jiu4 ping2 zhuang xin jiu3

The new wine is packaged in an old bottle.
-----------------------------------------

舊書不厭百回讀
Jiu4 shu bu4 yan4 bai3 hui2 du2.

Some people are not bored of reading an old book one hundred times.
--------------------------------------------

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Date:   09-02-11 06:02


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

口若懸河,---Kou3 ruo4 xuan2 he2,
滔滔不絕.---Tao tao bu4 jue2.

His mouth is like a running river,
Talking on and on in a flow of eloquence.
------------------------------------------------

口是傷人斧,---Kou3 shi4 shang ren2 fu3,
舌是割肉刀.---She2 shi4 ge rou4 dao.

Your mouth is like an axe,
And your tongue a butcher's cleaver.
--------------------------------------

口說無憑,---Kou3 shuo wu2 ping2,
事實為證。---Shi4 shi wei2 zheng4.

Verbal statements are no guarantee,
Facts are evidence.
--------------------------------

口有密, 腹有劍
Kou3 you3 mi4, fu4 you3 jian4

He is a honey-mouthed and dagger-hearted man,
(honey on one's lips and murder in one's heart)
----------------------------------------

苦瓜籐子結苦瓜
Ku3 gua teng2 zi3 jie2 ku3 gua

The bitter gourd vine can bear only bitter gourds.
-----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-02-11 07:13


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

廉者民之表,---Lian2 zhe3 min2 zhi biao3,
貪者民之賊.---Tan zhe3 min2 zhi zei2.

The honest and clean men are the representatives of the people,
The corrupt men are representing the thieves.
----------------------------------------------

臉有城牆厚,---Lian3 you3 cheng2 qiang2 hou4,
膽有笆斗大.---Dan3 you3 ba dou3 da4.

The skin of his face is as thick as the city wall,
And his heart is as big as a round-bottomed basket.
-----------------------------------------------------

練習的次數越多,---Lian4 xi2 di2 ci4 shu4 yue4 duo,
熟練的程度越高.---Shu2 lian4 di2 cheng2 du4 yue4 gao.

The more you practise,
The more skilful you'll become
----------------------------------------

良好的開端,------Liang2 hao3 de4 kai duan,
是成功的一半.---Shi4 cheng2 gong de4 yi ban4.

A good beginning is half done.
-----------------------------------------------

良馬伏櫪日,---Liang2 ma3 fu2 li ri4,
英雄晦運時.---Ying xiong2 hui4 yun4 shi2.

The fine horse is laying in the stable during a hot day,
Running out of luck, the hero is in obscurity.
-----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-02-11 11:22


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

搬弄口舌者必是小人
Ban1 nong4 kou3 she2 zhe3 shi4 xiao3 ren2

A person, who tells tales and sows discord, is a mean person.
---------------------------------------------------

搬起石頭打自己的腳
Ban1 qi3 shi2 tou2 da3 zi4 ji3 de2 jiao3

Lift a rock only to drop it on one's own feet.
---------------------------------------------------

辦酒不難請客難,---Ban4 jiu3 bu4 nan2 qing3 ke4 nan2,
請客不難款客難.---Qing2 ke4 bu4 nan2 kuan3 ke4 nan2.

To prepare a feast is easier than inviting guests,
To receive the guests with hospitality is harder than preparing a feast.
----------------------------------------------

伴君如同羊伴虎,---Ban4 jun ru2 tong2 yang2 ban4 hu3,
一點不到有損傷.---Yi dian3 bu4 dao4 you3 sun3 shang.

Being your partner is like a goat accompanying a tiger,
With a bit of excuse you harm me.
-------------------------------------

半途而廢,---Ban4 tu2 er2 fei4,
有始無終.---You3 shi3 wu2 zhong.

Giving up half way,
With a beginning but without an end.
--------------------------------------------

For your entertainment

The background story of this song

拷紅 - 歌手 - 周璇

This song was sung in the movie titled Xi Xiang Ji (西廂記) which was written
in the 13th century by Wang Shifu (王實甫 ). The story was about a scholar
named Zhang Sheng (張生) who came to the Buddhist Monastery to study, preparing
for the Civil Service Examinations. He saw a beautiful girl called Cui Yingying
(崔鶯鶯 Oriole) who came to the temple to pray with her mother.

A few bandits came to the temple with the intention of robbing the mother
and the daughter. Zhang Sheng was a talent young men who was not only a
scholar but also trained in martial art for self protection. He came to
defend the mother and her daughter. He fought and chased away the bandits.

Being grateful to him Oriole's mother promised Zhang Sheng that after his
Civil Examinations he could come back and marry her daughter. Without her
knowledge Zhang Sheng and Oriole fell in love with each other. When he went
to take the exam Oriole's mother tried to marry her to the original suitor.
However, the maid called Kao Hong (拷紅) told her mistress that Oriole had
already had a love affair with Scholar Zhang (米已煮成熟飯, 難更改 How to
change when the raw rice has already been cooked). Oriole's mother was very
angry and wanted to punish Kao Hong for not looking after her daughter properly.
The Mistress forced Kao Hong to tell her the whole truth.

This is the truth:.

Zhou Xuan - Kao Hong

拷紅 - 歌手 - 周璇

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SzoyY-Ig3U&feature=related


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpVdXaH3FOM

夜深深 停了針繡和小姐閒談心
听說哥哥病久我倆背了夫人到了西廂 問候
他說夫人恩作仇 叫我喜變憂
他把門儿關了 我只好走
他們心意兩相投 夫人你能罷休便罷休 又何必苦追究

一不該言而無信把婚姻賴
再不該女大不嫁留在深閨
三不該呀不曾發落這張秀才
如今已是米已成飯 難更改
不如成其好事 一切都遮蓋
.................................................

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-02-11 18:19


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

孔子曰 Confucius said:

學而不厭,---Xue2 er2 bu4 yan4,
誨人不倦.---Hui4 ren2 bu4 juan4.
.........................................................

The explanation in simple Chinese and English

研究學問不厭煩,
教誨人始終沒有倦意.

I have an insatiable desire to learn;
I am tireless in teaching.)
--------------------------------------------------

木已成舟
Mu4 yi3 cheng2 zhou

The decision, whether good or bad, has been made.
(The fat is in the fire)
--------------------------------------------------------

木有本, 水有源,---Mu4 you3 ben3, shui3 you3 yuan2,
人類有祖先,--------Ren2 lei4 you3 zu3 xian.

The tree has the forest, the water has the source,
and the human beings have ancestors.

羈鳥戀舊林,---Ji niao3 lian4 jiu4 lin2,
池魚思故淵,---Chi2 yu2 si gu4 yuan2 ,

A fettered bird is dreaming of the forest,
A fish in the pond is thinking of its birthplace.
----------------------------------------------

莫恨無知己,---Mo4 hen4 wu2 zhi ji3,
天涯盡弟兄.---Tian ya2 jin4 di4 xiong.

Do not say that you have no intimate friends,
All men are brothers all over the world.
---------------------------------------------

莫生懶惰意,---Mo4 sheng lan3 duo4 yi4,
休起怠荒心.---Xiu qi3 dai4 huang xin.

Don't harbour a lazy attitude,
And stop thinking of doing nothing.
-------------------------------------


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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

寧與千人好,---Ning4 yu3 qian ren2 hao3,
莫與一人仇.---Mo4 yu3 yi ren2 chou2.

I would rather be friend to a thousand people,
Than just to have one enemy.
----------------------------------------

寧食開眉粥,---Ning4 shi2 kai mei2 zhou,
不食皺眉飯.---Bu4 shi2 zhou4 mei2 fan4.

I would rather eat porridge with a happy heart,
Than eating the rice with a sad heart.
------------------------------------------.

寧為雞口,---Ning4 wei2 ji kou3,
無為牛後.---Wu2 wei2 niu2 hou4.

I would rather be the head of a chicken
Than the tail of a cow.
(寧願小為雞口, 為人尊重, 也不願大
如牛後﹐ 卑賤受辱).
-------------------------------------

寧為太平犬,---Ning4 wei2 tai4 ping2 quan3,
莫作亂離人.---Mo4 wei2 luan4 li2 ren2.

Better a dog in times of peace
Than a man in times of rebellion.
-----------------------------------------------------

寧為玉碎,---Ning4 wei2 yu4 sui4,
不為瓦全.---Bu4 wei2 wa3 quan2.

I would rather be a shattered vessel of jade,
Than an unbroken piece of pottery.
[better to die in glory than live in dishonesty]
----------------------------------------------

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Date:   09-02-11 19:46


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

貧窮和愚昧------Pin2 qiong2 he2 yu2 mei,
是進步的敵人---Shi4 jin4 bu4 di2 di2 ren2.

Poverty and ignorance
are the enemies of progress.
---------------------------------------------

貧淫好賭,---Pin2 yin2 hao3 du3,
勤儉無益.---Qin2 jian3 wu2 yi4.

It is useless to be hardworking and thrifty,
If he is poor, licentious and gamble.
----------------------------------------

平路跌死馬,---Ping2 di4 die si3 ma3,
淺水溺死人.---Qian3 shui3 ni4 si3 ren2.

A horse slips and kills itself on level ground,
A man drowns in shallow water.
-------------------------------------------

瓶口扎得緊,---Ping2 kou3 zha2 de2 jin3,
人嘴扎不住.---Ren2 zui3 zha2 bu4 zhu4.

The mouth of a bottle can be tied tightly,
But the mouth of a person cannot be tied up.
---------------------------------------------

平生不做虧心事,---Ping2 sheng bu4 zuo4 kui xin shi4,
半夜敲門不吃驚.---Ban4 ye4 qiao men2 bu4 chi jing.

I have not done anything that troubles my conscience;
I would not be alarmed when someone comes knocking at my door at midnight.
-----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-02-11 21:19


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

仗勢欺人
Zhang4 shi4 qi ren2

To take advantage of one's or somebody' else power to bully people.
(Bully others on the strength of one's powerful connection or position)
--------------------------------------------------

這山望着那山高
Zhe4 shan wang4 zhao2 na4 shan gao

It is always the other mountain that looks higher
(always think the grass is greener on the other side)
--------------------------------------------

這隻耳朵進,---Zhe4 zhi er3 duo3 jin4,
那隻耳朵出.---Na4 zhi er3 duo3 chu.

It comes in to this ear,
And it goes out from that ear
---------------------------------------

真金不怕火練
Zhen jin bu4 pa4 huo3 lian4

True gold fears no fire
(a person of integrity can stand severe tests)
----------------------------------------------

真理不怕人駁
Zhen1 li3 bu4 pa4 ren2 bo2

Truth fears no refutation
----------------------------------------

嘴上兩層皮,---Zui3 shang4 liang3 ceng2 pi2,
講話有改移.---Jiang3 hua4 you3 gai3 yi2.

His lips have two layers of skin,
When he talks he can change and twist.
-----------------------------------

嘴是豆腐,---Zui3 shi4 dou4 fu3,
心是尖刀.---Xin shi4 jian dao.

His mouth is as soft as the bean curd,
But his heart is like a sharp knife.
--------------------------------

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Date:   09-03-11 01:58


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

遠在天邊,---Yuan3 zai4 tian bian,
近在眼前.---Jin4 zai4 yan3 qian2.

Seemingly, it is far away,
Actually, it is close at hand.
---------------------------------------------

願乘風破萬里浪,---Yuan4 cheng2 feng po4 wan4 li3 lang4,
甘面壁讀十年書.---Gan mian4 bi4 du2 shi2 nian2 shu.

Daring to ride the wind and brave the waves for ten thousand miles,
I endure to lock myself up and study for ten years.

By Sun Wen ( 孫文)
---------------------------------------------------

願乘長風,---Yuan4 cheng2 chang2 feng,
破萬里浪.---Po4 wan4 li3 lang4.

Willing to ride the gusty wind,
And braving the waves for ten thousand miles.
-----------------------------------------------

願望決定思想
Yuan4 wang4 jue2 ding4 si xiang3

The wish is father to the thought.
(We are likely to believe what we wish to be true).
-------------------------------------------------

越窮越要窮,---Yue4 qiong2 yue4 yao qiong2,
越冷發西風.---Yue4 leng3 fa xi feng.

The poorer one becomes the poorer one will be,
One faces the cold wind when one is cold
-------------------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

學勤三年,---Xue2 qin2 san nian2,
學懶三天.---Xue2 lan3 san tian.

To learn to be industrious takes three years,
To learn to be lazy takes only three days.
-----------------------------------------------

孔子曰: Confucius said:

學而不思則罔,---Xue2 er2 bu4 si ze4 wang3,
思而不學則殆.---Si er2 bu4 xue2 ze4 dai4.

Merely knowing how to study and not knowing how to think properly,
Is equivalent to confusion and not clear,
Only know how to think and do not know to study the truth,
Is a dangerous matter.

祇是學習, 不去好好的想, 就要迷茫地不得明白,
單憑空想, 不去著實的學習, 那是危殆的事."
----------------------------------------------

孔子曰 Confucius said:

學而不厭,---Xue2 er2 bu4 yan4,
誨人不倦.---Hui4 ren2 bu4 juan4.

The English translation
I have an insatiable desire to learn;
I am tireless in teaching.

研究學問不厭煩,
教誨人始終沒有倦意.
------------------------------------------

學海無涯, 唯勤是岸.
Xue2 hai2 wu2 ya2, wei2 qin2 shi4 an4.

The horizon of learning is unreachable, except by diligence.
--------------------------------------------

孔子曰: Confucius said:

朽木, 不可雕也,-------Xiu3 mu4, bu4 ke3 diao ye3
糞土之牆, 不可杇.---Fen4 tu3 zhi qiang2, bu4 ke3 wu.

Decayed wood cannot be carved,
Dirty wall cannot be whitewashed.

腐爛的木頭, 不能雕琢;
污穢的牆壁, 不能粉飾.
------------------------------------

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Date:   09-03-11 05:40


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

孔子曰: Confucius said:

我不欲人之加諸我,---Wo3 bu4 yu4 ren2 zhi jia zhu wo3,
吾亦欲無加諸人.-------Wu2 yi4 yu4 wu2 jia zhu ren2.

I would not accept people giving me things that I don't want
And I would not give people things that they don't want.

我不接受別人把我不願意的事加在我身上﹐
而我也不願將同樣的事加在別人的身上.
-------------------------------------------------

烏龜身上七個字,---Wu gui shen shang4 qi ge4 zi4, [忘(王) 八]
只吃別人不吃自.---Zhi chi bie2 ren2 bu4 chi zi4. [無恥]

The seven words on the tortoise's back are,
I don't eat my own but others.
[A shameless rascal]
----------------------------------------

烏鴉不與鳳凰棲
Wu ya bu4 yu4 feng3 huang2 qi

The crow does not roost with the phoenix
--------------------------------------------------

屋有長短,---Wu1 yiu3 chang2 duan4,
門有高低.---Men2 you3 gao di.

Each house has its long and its short,
Each door has its high and its low
------------------------------------------------

烏髮不知讀書好,---Wu2 fa4 bu4 zhi du2 shu hao3.
白頭方悔已太遲.---Bai2 tou2 fang hui3 yi tai chi2.

The black hair young man did not know the important of studying,
It is too late for him to study when his hair has turned white.
-----------------------------------------------

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Date:   09-03-11 18:37


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

泉水挑不盡,---Quan2 shui3 tiao3 bu4 jin4,
知識學不完.---Zhi shi xue2 bu4 wan2.

Spring water cannot be bailed out inexhaustible,
There is no way that one can learn all the knowledge.
---------------------------------------------------------------

勸人終有益,---Quan4 ren2 zhong you3 yi4,
挑唆就無功.---Tiao3 suo jiu4 wu2 gong.

Advising people to be good is beneficial,
Teaching people to do unlawful thing is not rewarding.
---------------------------------------------------

屈身容易屈志難
Qu1 shen rong2 yi4 qu zhi4 nan2

To bow the body is easy,
To bow the will is hard.
---------------------------------------------

取火敲火石,---Qu3 huo3 qiao huo3 shi2,
不敲煙也沒.---Bu4 qiao yan ye4 mei2

Strike a flint and you get fire,
Don't strike it and not even smoke will come.
-------------------------------------------------

取人之長,---Qu3 ren2 zhi chang2,
補己之短.---Bu3 ji3 zhi duan3.

Take other's virtues
To make up for one's failings.
--------------------------------------------

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Date:   09-05-11 08:53


中國賢文 Chinese Words of wisdom

任憑風浪起,---Ren4 ping2 feng lang4 qi3,
穩坐釣魚船.---Wen3 zuo4 diao4 yu2 chuan2.

Sit tight in the fishing boat,
Despite the rising wind and waves.
(Hold one's ground despite pressure or opposition).
------------------------------------------

日長事多,---Ri4 chang2 shi4 duo,
夜長夢多.---Ye4 chang2 meng4 duo.

A long day has more work,
And a long night has more dreams.
-------------------------------------

日出而作,---Ri4 chu er2 zuo,
日入而息,---Ri4 ru4 er2 xi.

He works when the sun rises,
And he rests when the sun sets.
---------------------------------------------

日積月累,---Ri4 ji yue lei3,
自易成功.---Zi4 yi4 cheng2 gong.

Accumulate over a long period,
One will be successful in whatever one undertakings.

(Learn a little every day and in time one would have learned a lot
and be successful)
----------------------------------------------

日裏不怕人來借,---Ri4 li3 bu4 pa4 ren2 lai2 jie4,
晚間不怕賊來偷.---Wan3 jian bu4 pa4 zei2 lai2 tou.

During day time, one is not afraid of people coming to borrow,
At night, of thieves to coming and steal.
-------------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of wisdom

大魚吃小魚,---Da4 yu2 chi xiao3 yu2,
小魚吃水蟲,---Xiao3 yu2 chi shui3 chong2
水蟲吃泥草.---Shui3 chong2 chi ni2 cao3.

The big fish eat the little fish,
The little fish eat the water-insects,
And the water-insects eat the weeds and the mud.
-----------------------------------------------------------

打魚的不離船邊,---Da4 yu2 di2 bu4 li2 chuan2 bian,
打柴的不離山邊.---Da4 chai2 di2 bu4 li2 shan bian.

A fisherman will never be separated from his boat,
And a woodcutter will never be separated from the hill.
---------------------------------------------------------

大丈夫要權,---Da4 zhang4 fu2 yao4 quan2,
小丈夫要錢.---Xiao3 zhang4 fu2 yao4 qian2.

A true man wants power,
A small man wants money.
------------------------------------

大智若愚,---Da4 zhi4 ruo4 yu2,
大勇若懦.---Da4 yong3 ruo4 nuo4.

A man of great wisdom often appears slow-witted.
A brave and strong man often appears weak.
--------------------------------------------

帶馬到河邊容易,---Dai4 ma3 dao4 he2 bian rong2 yi4,
逼馬飲水難.----------Bi ma3 yin4 shui3 nan2.

You may take a horse to the water,
But you cannot make him drink.
(Do not force someone to do thing that someone does not like).
---------------------------------------

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中國賢文 Chinese Words of wisdom

嫁了官, 官娘子,---Jia4 le guan, guan niang2 zi3,
嫁了賊, 賊婆娘.---Jia4 le zei2, zei2 po2 niang2.

Married an official she is Mrs Official,
Married a thief, she is Mrs Thief.
-----------------------------------------

奸不廝欺,---Jian1 bu4 si qi,
俏不廝瞞.---Qiao4 bu4 si man2.

Do not cheat those who are wicked,
And do not deceive those who are shrewd.
-----------------------------------

兼聽則明,---Jian ting ze2 ming2,
偏信則暗.---Pian xin4 ze2 an4.

If you listen to both sides and you will be enlightened,
If you heed only one side and you will be benighted.
----------------------------------------------

揀了芝麻,---Jian3 le zhi ma,
丟了西瓜.---Diu le xi gua.

He picks up the sesame seeds,
But overlooks the watermelons.
(He concentrates on minor matters t the neglect of major ones).
(Penny wise and pound foolish)
---------------------------------------------

見怪不怪,---Jian4 guai4 bu4 guai4,
其怪自敗.---Qi2 guai4 zi4 bai4.

Face the fearful with no fears,
And its fearfulness disappears.
---------------------------------------

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Date:   09-06-11 00:11


中國賢文 Chinese Words of wisdom

民無信不立
Min2 wu2 xin4 bu4 li4

If the people have no faith in their rulers,
there is no standing for the state.
-------------------------------------

名稱雖改變,---Ming2 cheng sui gai bian4,
實質仍相同.---Shi2 zhi4 reng xiang tong2.

Although the name has been changed,
The substance is the same.
-----------------------------------------

我們能在生時多做善事﹐則臨死何懼﹐
Wo3 men2 neng2 zai4 sheng shi2 duo zuo4 shan shi4, ze2 lin2 si3 he2 ju4,

我們能在平日貢獻社會﹐則雖死猶生。
Wo3 men2 neng2 zai4 ping2 ri4 gong4 xian4 she4 hui4, ze2 sui si3 you2 sheng.

When we do all the good we can, we need not fear dearth,
When we offer society all we have, we live after we die.
-------------------------------------------

我雖尊高,---Wo3 sui zun gao,
人莫害我.---Ren2 mo4 hai4 wo3.

Even I am in a superior position,
I won't be targeted by people.
--------------------------------------------

烏龜不咬人,---Wu gui bu4 yao3 ren2,
形狀嚇死人.---xing2 zhuang4 xia4 si3 ren2.

The tortoise does not bite people,
But its shape frightens people.
-----------------------------------------


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Date:   09-06-11 02:33


中國賢文 Chinese Words of wisdom

將心比心,---Jiang4 xin bi3 xin,
便是佛心.---Bian4 shi4 fo2 xin.

If you can compare your heart with others,
Then you have a Buddhist heart.
------------------------------------------

交個朋友多條路,---Jiao ge4 peng2 you3 duo tiao2 lu4,
樹個敵人多堵牆.---Shu4 ge4 di2 ren2 duo du3 qiang2.

Making another friend means having another road,
Creating an enemy means there will be another man to attack you,
----------------------------------------

交官窮, 交商富,---Jiao1 guan qiong2, jiao shang fu4,
交和尚做施主.-----Jiao he2 shang4 zuo4 shi zhu3.

If you associate with officials you will be a beggar,
with merchants you will be rich,
and with Buddhist priests you will be asked for a contribution.
------------------------------------------

驕矜無功,---Jiao1 jin wu2 gong,
懺悔滅罪.---Can4 hui3 mie4 zui4.

Self-important would not get a reward,
Repent and the guilt will be do away with.
-----------------------------------------------------------

前面過車,---Qian2 mian4 guo4 che,
後面留跡.---Hou4 mian4 liu2 ji

Where there is a cart ahead
There is a track behind.
-----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-06-11 11:12


中國賢文 Chinese Words of wisdom

草里丟針,---Cao3 li3 diu zhen,
草里尋.---cao3 li3 xun2.

If you lose your needle in the grass,
Look for it in the grass.
------------------------------------------------------

欲望愈少﹐心靈愈清明,
Yu4 wang4 yu4 shao3, xin ling2 yu4 qing ming2,
成見愈少﹐生命愈寬廣.
Cheng2 jian4 yu4 shao3, sheng ming4 yu4 kuan guang.

Less desire makes you virtuous and wise,
Less prejudice makes your life expansive.
-------------------------------------

凡事不可一蹴而機
Fan2 shi4 bu4 ke3 yi cu2 er2 ji

You must learn to creep before you walk.
(be satisfied to learn slowly)
----------------------------------------

一口吃不成胖子,---Yi kou3 chi bu4 cheng2 pang4 zi3,
一步跨不到天邊.---Yi bu4 kua4 bu4 dao4 tian bian.

By eating one more morsel will not make you a fat person,
It is not possible to travel afar with a single step.
-------------------------------------

遠水救不了近火
Yuan3 shui3 jiu4 bu4 liao3 jin4 huo3

Distant water cannot put out a fire close at hand
-------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-06-11 18:08


中國賢文 Chinese Words of wisdom

打破陳規,---Da3 po4 chen2 gui,
大膽創造.---Da4 dan3 chuang4 zao4.

Break with outmoded conventions
And make bold innovations.
--------------------------

打破沙鍋問到底
Da3 po4 sha guo wen4 dao4 di3

Insist on getting to the bottom of the matter.
------------------------------------------

打人別打臉,---Da3 ren2 bie2 da3 lian3,
罵人別揭短.---Ma4 ren2 bie2 jie duan3.

When you hit someone do not hit his face,
And when you scold him never expose his deficiency.
-------------------------------------------

打如意算盤
Da3 ru2 yi4 suan4 pan2

Indulge in wishful thinking
(count one's chickens before they are hatched).
-------------------------------------

大膽承認錯誤,---Dan4 dan3 cheng2 ren4 cuo4 wu4,
不要遮遮掩掩.---Bu4 yao4zhe zhe yan3 yan3.

Admit your mistake courageously,
And don't try to cover them up.
---------------------------------------

大風吹倒梧桐樹,---Da4 feng chui dao4 wu2 tong2 shu4,
自有旁人說長短.---Zi4 you3 pang2 ren2 shuo chang2 duan3.

The strong wind has blown down a phoenix tree,
For sure there are people talking about you.
-----------------------------------------------


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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-06-11 21:02


中國賢文 Chinese Words of wisdom

黃金滿世界,---Huang2 jin man3 shi4 jie4,
白發故人稀.---Bai2 fa gu4 ren2 xi.

Yellow gold is plentiful in the world,
White-haired old friends are few.
--------------------------------------.

黃金末為貴,---Huang2 jin mo4 wei4 gui4,
安樂值錢多.---An le4 zhi2 qian2 duo,

Gold is not really expensive
Happiest is the dearest.
----------------------------------------

黃金有價,---Huang2 jin you3 jia4,
學問無價.---Xue2 wen4 wu2 jia4.

Yellow gold has its price,
Learning is priceless.
------------------------------------------------

皇上雖大,---Huang2 shang4 sui da4,
管不了天。---Guan3 bu4 le tian.

Although the Emperor was very powerful,
Yet he could not rule the sky.
--------------------------------------

謊言終究是謊言
Huang3 yan2 zhong jiu shi4 huang3 yan2

Eventually, lies are lies that cannot change their facts.
---------------------------------------

回頭是岸,---Hui2 tou2 shi4 an4,
脫離羈絆.---Tou li2 ji ban4.

Repent and be separated oneself freed from the fetters.
---------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-06-11 23:35


中國賢文 Chinese Words of wisdom

赤地千里,---Chi4 di4 qian li3,
寸草不生.---Cun4 cao3 bu4 sheng

A thousand miles of barren land,
(A scene of utter desolation - after drought)
And not an inch of grass is grown.
-----------------------------------------------------

重賞之下必有勇夫
Chong2 shang2 zhi xia4 bi4 you3 yong3 fu2

For sure a brave and strong man will come forward
if a big reward is offered.
------------------------------------------------

仇人相見,---Chou2 ren2 xiang jian4,
分外眼紅.---Fen wai4 yan3 hong2.

When enemies come face to face,
Their eyes blaze with hate.
---------------------------------------------

初出茅廬,---Chu1 chu mao2 lu2,
不知世事.---Bu4 zhi shi4 shi4.

Just comes out of one's thatched cottage,
One does not know much about the world.
---------------------------------------

初嫁從親,---Chu jia4 cong2 qing4,
再嫁繇身.---Zai4 jia4 zhou4 shen.

A woman depends on relatives in her first marriage,
She depends on herself in her second marriage.
-----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-07-11 01:47


中國賢文 Chinese Words of wisdom

人無笑面休開店
Ren2 wu2 xiao4 mian4 xiu kai dian4

A man without a smiling face should not open a shop
----------------------------------------------

人向高處爬,---ren2 xiang4 gao chu4 pa2,
水往低處留.---Shui3 wang4 di4 chu4 liu2.

Man always like to climb towards high position.
Water naturally flows downhill.
-------------------------------------

人心隔肚皮,---Ren2 xin ge2 du3 pi2,
狐心隔毛衣.---Hu2 xin ge2 mao2 yi.

A man's heart is separated by the skin of his stomach,
The fox heart is separated by the hair of its skin.
-----------------------------------

人心隔肚皮,---Ren2 xin ge2 du3 pi2,
看人看行為.---Kan4 ren2 kan 4xing2 wei2.

A man's heart is separated by the skin of his stomach,
In order to know about him is by looking at his behaviour.
-----------------------------------

人心節節高於天,---Ren2 xin jie2 jie2 gao yu2 tian,
越是多錢越愛錢。---Yue4 shi4 duo qian2 yue4 ai4 qian2.

The greed of man is steadily going up as high as the sky,
The more money the men have the more they love money.
------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-07-11 03:07


中國賢文 Chinese Words of wisdom

衣來伸手,---Yi1 lai2 shen shou3,
飯來張口.---Fan4 lai2 zhang kou3.

When the garment comes put out one's hands
And food arrives open one's mouth to eat it.
-----------------------------------------------

一朝壞名聲,---Yi1 zhao huai4 ming2 sheng,
十年洗不清.---Shi2 nian2 xi3 bu4 qing.

Once a person has lost his reputation,
It is difficult for him to regain it, because
others continue to condemn or suspect him.
-------------------------------------------

一隻蜂釀不成蜜,---Yi zhi feng niang4 bu4 cheng2 mi4,
一顆米煮不成粥.---Yi ke mi3 zhu3 bu4 cheng2 zhou

One bee cannot make honey,
One grain of rice cannot cook porridge
-------------------------------------------

一支木柱,---Yi1 zhi mu4 zhu4,
難撐屋梁.---Nan2 cheng wu liang2

One wooden beam cannot support the whole house.
-----------------------------------------

一隻手捉不住兩個蛤蟆
Yi1 zhi shou3 zhuo bu4 zhu4 liang3ge4 ha ma

You cannot catch two frogs with one hand
-----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-07-11 06:57


中國賢文 Chinese Words of wisdom

物有幾等物,---Wu4 you3 ji deng3 wu4,
人有幾等人.---Ren2 you3 ji deng3 ren2.

For things there are several kinds,
For human beings there are classes.
--------------------------------------------

無風樹不動
Wu2 feng shu4 bu4 dong4

If there is no wind, the trees don't move
-----------------------------------------------

無火不起煙,---Wu2 huo3 bu4 qi3 yan,
無風不起浪.---Wu2 feng bu4 qi3 lang4.

There is no smoke without fire,
There is no waves without wind.
--------------------------------------

毋臨渴而掘井
Wu2 lin2 ke3 er2 jue2 jing3

Don't wait till you are thirsty to dig a well
----------------------------------------

無妻不成家,---Wu2 qi bu4 cheng2 jia,
無梁不成屋.---Wu2 liang2 bu4 cheng2 wu.

Without a wife one cannot have a family,
One cannot build a house without the beam.
---------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-07-11 08:21


中國賢文 Chinese Words of wisdom

放長線﹐ 釣大魚
Fang4 chang2 xian4, diao4 da4 yu2

Throw a long line to catch a big fish
(adopt a long-term plan to secure something big).
------------------------------------------

放大肚皮吃飯,---Fang4 da4 du3 pi2 chi fan4,
立定腳跟做人.---Li4 ding4 jiao3 gen zuo4 ren2.

Eat as you please,
Stand firm and be a man.
---------------------------------------------

非常之人,---Fei1 chang2 zhi ren2,
超世之傑.---Chao shi4 zhi jie2.

An extraordinary man,
Surpasses all the outstanding people in the world.
------------------------------------------------------------

飛得不高,---Fei de2 bu4 gao,
跌得不重.---Die de2 bu4 zhong4

When the flight is not high,
The fall is not heavy.
--------------------------------------

肥水不落外人田
Fei2 shui3 bu4 luo4 wai4 ren2 tian2 (P)

Good rain will not fall on other people's field.
--------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-07-11 16:55


中國賢文 Chinese Words of wisdom

養兒防備老,---Yang3 er2 fang2 bei4 lao3,
裁樹要乘涼.---Zai shu4 yao4 cheng2 liang2.

To have sons is to prepare for old age,
To plant trees is to provide shade.
------------------------------------------

養兒方知父母恩
Yang3 er2 fang zhi fu4 mu3 en

To understand your parents' love you must raise children yourself
-------------------------------------------

養兒女沒處算飯錢
Yang3 er2 nu3 mei2 chu4 suan4 fan4 qian4

In bringing up children one should not calculate the money one has spent
on them.
-----------------------------------------------

養兒勿論飯,---Yang3 er2 wu4 lun fan4,
打鐵勿論炭.---Da3 tie3 wu4 lun tan4.

In bringing up a son one should not discuss about the food the son consumed,
In forging iron one should not talk about the charcoal one used.
---------------------------------------------------

養子不教,---Yang3 zi3 bu4 jiao,
不如不要.---Bu4 ru2 bu4 yao4.

If one does not educate a son,
It is better not to have the son.
--------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-08-11 01:07


中國賢文 Chinese Words of wisdom

孔子曰: Confucius said:

貧而無諂,---Pin2 er2 wu2 chan3
富而無驕.---Fu4 er2 wu2 jiao.

In simple Chinese (白話)
貧的人能夠不諂媚,
富的人能夠不驕傲.

Poor people are not fawning,
And rich people not arrogant.
-------------------------------------------

貧困產生罪惡
Pin2 kun4 chan3 sheng zui4 e4

Poverty engenders crime.
-----------------------------------

貧了就呆,---Pin2 le jiu4 dai,
富了就乖.---Fu4 le jiu4 guai.

When a man has become poor he is dull,
When a man becomes wealthy he is well-behaved.
----------------------------------

貧窮夫妻百事哀,---Pin2 qiong fu2 qi bai3 shi4 ai4,
大難來時各自飛.---Da4 nan2 lai2 shi2 ge4 zi4 fei.

A poor couple are forever in distress,
When they are faced with imminent disaster they will separate and go different
way.
----------------------------------------------------------

貪圖一時快樂,---Tan1 tu2 yi shi2 kuai4 le4,
必然留下隱禍.---Bi4 ran2 liu2 xia4 yin3 huo4.

Hankering after a period of time for pleasure,
It would certainly leaving some unseen calamity behind.
-----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-08-11 08:36


中國賢文 Chinese Words of wisdom

理出眾人口,---Li3 chu zhong4 ren2 kou3,
姦出婦人口.---Jian chu fu4 ren2 kou3.

Truth comes out from everyone's mouth,
The crying of rape comes out from a woman's mouth.
-----------------------------------------

禮輕人意重
Li3 qing ren2 yi4 zhong4

The gift is trifling but the feeling is profound.
(it's nothing much, but it's the thought that counts).
---------------------------------

禮以治君子,---Li3 yi3 zhi4 jun zi3,
法以治小人.---Fa3 yi3 zhi4 xiao3 ren2.

Propriety governs the superior man,
Law, the inferior man
-----------------------------------------

禮義生於富足,---Li3 yi4 sheng yu2 fu4 zu2,
盜賊出於貧窮.---Dao4 zei2 chu yu2 pin2 qiong2.

Etiquette and righteousness is the result of abundance and prosperity. 
Robbery is due to poverty.
----------------------------------

理字不多重,---Li3 zi4 bu4 duo zhong4,
萬人擔不動.---Wan4 ren2 dan bu4 dong4.

The word Reason is not heavy,
Yet thousands of people cannot move it.
---------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-08-11 12:51


中國賢文 Chinese Words of wisdom

各人食飯各人飽,---Ge4 ren2 shi2 fan4 ge4 ren2 bao3,
各人生死各人了.---Ge4 ren2 sheng si3 ge4 ren2 le.

Everyone has his own way of living,
It is all up to him how he wants to live.
---------------------------------------------

嘴面兩塊皮,---Zui3 mian4 liang3 kuai4 pi2,
,好坏都由你.---Hao3 huai4 du you2 ni3.

Your mouth and face are two pieces of skin,
Being good or bad is all up to you.
----------------------------------------------

尊師以重道,---Zun1 shi yi3 chong2 dao4,
愛眾而親仁.---Ai4 zhong4 er2 qin ren2.

Venerate one's teacher as respecting the Tao (Way),
Love the multitude and be benevolent.
------------------------------------------

說到某人,---Shuo1 dao4 mou3 ren2,
某人就到.---Mou3 ren2 jiu4 dao4.

Talk of the devil and he will appear.
-----------------------------------------------

說了三年謊,---Shuo1 le san nian2 huang3,
還是自哄自.---Hai2 shi4 zi4 hong4 zi4.

He had been telling lies for three years,
Eventually, he had been cheating himself all those years.
--------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-08-11 18:03


中國賢文 Chinese Words of wisdom

欲加之罪,---Yu4 jia zhi zui4,
何患無辭.---He2 huan4 wu2 ci2.

He who has a mind to beat his dog,
Will easily find his stick.
---------------------------------------

與君一夕話,---Yu4 jun yi xi hua4,
勝讀十年書.---Sheng4 du2 shi2 nian2 shu.

One evening's conversation with a superior man,
Is better than ten years of study.
--------------------------------

遇忙處會偷閒,---Yu4 mang2 chu3 hui4 tou xian2.
處鬧中能取靜.---Chu nao4 zhong neng2 qu3 jing4.

Snatch a moment of leisure in a busy place,
And have some quietness in a noisy environment
--------------------------------------

欲窮千里目,---Yu4 qiong2 qian li3 mu4,
更上一層樓.---Geng shang4 yi ceng2 lou2.

Wanting to see more scenery of the far distance,
One has to climb up another storey to see it.
---------------------------------------------------------

欲言語又止,---Yu4 yan2 yu3 you4 zhi3,
搔首問蒼天.---Sao shou3 wen4 cang tian2

Longing to pour out all that one wishes to say, yet one hesitate,
And scratching one's head one asks Heaven.
-----------------------------------------------------------

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Date:   09-08-11 18:23


中國賢文 Chinese Words of wisdom

強梁者不得其死,---Qiang2 liang2 zhe3 bu4 de2 qi2 si3,
好勝者必遇其敵.---Hao3 sheng4 zhe3 bi4 yu4 qi2 di2.

Bullies won't die of natural death;
Those who dare to win will meet their foes.
------------------------------------------------------

強龍不鬥地頭蛇
Qiang2 long2 bu4 dou4 di4 tou2 she2

A strong dragon would not fight against the local villian.
-----------------------------------------------

強人自有強人收,---Qiang2 ren2 zi4 you3 qiang2 ren2 shou,
還有強人在後頭.---Hai2 you3 qiang2 ren2 zai4 hou4 ou2.

There will always be someone who is stronger than the strongest,
There are more strong men coming from behind.
-------------------------------------------------

牆上一根草,---Qiang2 shang4 yi gen cao3,
風吹兩邊倒.---Feng chui liang3 bian dao4.

A single blade of grass atop the wall,
Sways right and left in the wind.
---------------------------------------

強摘的瓜果不甜,---Qiang2 zhai di2 gua guo3 bu4 tian2,
強撮的婚姻不賢.---Qiang2 cuo di2 hun yin bu4 xian2.

Forcefully plucked unripe melon and fruit taste tart,
Women married by force are not virtue.
-------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-09-11 03:32


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

香花不一定好看,---Xiang1 hua bu4 yi ding4 hao3 kan4,
會說不一定能幹.---Hui4 shuo bu4 yi ding4 neng2 gan4.

Fragrant flowers are not necessary to be nice looking,
An orator is not necessary a good worker.
---------------------------------------------------

想不犯錯誤,---Xiang3 bu4 fan4 cuo4 wu4,
就一事無成.---Jiu4 yi shi4 bu4 cheng2

He who does not want to make mistakes,
Will not success in any undertaking.
------------------------------------

桃花謝了又開,---Tao2 hua xie4 le you4 kai,
燕子飛去又飛回.---Yan4 zi3 fei qu4 you4 fei hui2.

The blossom peaches withered and blossom again,.
The swallows flowed away and have flowed back.
(Time and tide wait for no time)
-------------------------------------------------------------

剔徐糟粕,---Ti1 chu2 zao po4,
吸取精華.---Xi qu3 jing hua2.

Reject the dross,
And assimilate the essence.
----------------------------------

提倡尊師愛生
Ti2 chang4 zun shi ai4 sheng

Advocate students respecting teachers
And teachers cherishing students.
---------------------------------

天道無親,---Tian dao4 wu2 qin,
常與善人.---Chang2 yu4 shan4 ren2

The Natural Way is not bias.
It always goes with the kind people.
----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-09-11 06:20


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

解鈴還是系鈴人
Jie3 ling2 hai2 shi4 xi4 ling3 ren2

Let him who tied the bell on the tiger take it off
(whoever started the trouble should end it).
-------------------------------------------

借不借由你,---Ji4 bu4 jie4 you2 ni3,
還不還由他.---Hai2 bu4 hai2 you2 ta.

To lend or not to lend, it is up to you,
To return or not to return, it is up to him.
----------------------------------------------

借錢給人反遭根
Jie4 qian2 gei3 ren2 fan3 zao gen

Lend money to a bad debtor and he will hate you.
----------------------------------------------

借銅錢,------Jie4 tong2 qian2,
眉花眼笑,---Mei2 hua yan3 xiao4.

討銅錢,------Tao3 tong2 qian2,
惡聲白眼.---E3 sheng bai2 yan3.

To borrow money, he comes with all smiles.
When asked to return the money,
with vicious abuse and supercilious look is his response.
------------------------------------------

金非鍛煉不精,---Jin fei duan4 lian4 bu4 jing,
玉非雕琢不美.---Yu4 fei diao zhuo2 bu4 mei3

Gold that has not been tempered is not refined,
Jade that has not been cut and polished is not beautiful.
-------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-09-11 16:30


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

無巧不成書
Wu2 qiao3 bu4 cheng2 shu

There is no story without coincidences.
-------------------------------------------

無求到處人情好
Wu2 qiu2 dao4 chu4 ren2 qing2 hao3

If you do not ask their help, all men are good-natured
------------------------------------------------------

無事不登三寶殿
Wu2 shi4 bu4 deng san bao3 dian4

Never go to the temple for nothing.
(Would not go to somebody's place except on business)
------------------------------------------------------

無嫌你的凶,---Wu2 xian2 ni3 di2 xiong,
只怕你的窮.---Zhi pa4 ni3 di2 qiong2.

I don't mind your cruelty,
But I am afraid of your poverty.
----------------------------------------------------------

無藥可醫俗
Wu1 yao4 ke3 yi su2

No medicine can cure vulgarity
----------------------------------------

毋懮拂意,---Wu2 you fu2 yi4,
毋喜快心;---Wu2 xi3 kuai4 xin;
毋恃久安,---Wu2 shi4 jiu3 an
毋憚初難.---Wu2 dan4 chu nan2.

Don't despair when in trouble,
Don't be overjoyed when things are smooth,
Don't count on long stability,
Don't be afraid of difficulties in launching something new.
----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-09-11 17:12


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

大筆寫大字,---Da4 bi3 xie3 da4 zi4,
大人幹大事.---Da4 ren2 gan4 da4 shi4.

A big pen writes big characters,
A big man does big job.
-----------------------------------------------

大處著眼,---Da4 chu4 zhao2 yan3,
小處着手.---Xiao3 chu4 zhao2 shou3.

Keep the general goal in sight,
And take the daily tasks in hand.
--------------------------------------------

大富由命,---Da4 fu4 you2 ming4,
小富由勤.---Xiao3 fu4 you2 qin2.

A great fortune depends on luck,
A small one on diligence.
------------------------------------------

大感大解,---Da4 gan3 da4 jie3,
小感小解.---Xiao3 gan3 xiao3 jie3.

With great doubts comes great understanding,
With small doubts comes little understanding.
---------------------------------------

大河有水小河滿,---Da4 he2 you3 shui3 xiao3 he2 man3,
大河無水小河乾.---Da4 he2 wu2 shui3 xiao3 he2 gan.

The small streams rise when the main stream is high;
When the main stream is low, the small streams run dry.
(Individual well-being depends on collective prosperity).
-------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-09-11 22:09


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

漢冬臘月喝冰水
Han4 dong la4 yue4 he bing shui3

Drinking icy cold water during the severe winter.
--------------------------------------------

行行出狀元,---Hang2 hang2 chu zhuang4 yuan2,
類類有高低.---Lei4 lei4 you3 gao di3.

One can make a name out of every trade,
There are high and low in every class
----------------------------------------

茅茨之屋,---Mao2 ci2 zhi wu,
或有賢良.---Huo4 you3 xian2 liang2.

In the thatched cottage,
There might be a able and virtuous man.
---------------------------------------------------

好不好, 故鄉酒.---Hao3 bu4 hao3, gu4 xiang jiu3.
美不美, 故鄉水,---Mei2 bu4 mei2, gu4 xiang shui3.
親不親, 故鄉人,---Qin bu4 qin, gu4 xiang ren2

Fine or not, it is my native wine.
Beautiful or not, it is my native water.
A relative or not, he is a fellow countryman.
-----------------------------------------

過河就抽板
Guo4 he2 jiu4 chou ban3

Remove the bridge after crossing the river.
(drop one's benefactor as soon as his help is not required)
------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-10-11 00:16


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

寒冬臘月喝冰水
Han4 dong la4 yue4 he bing shui3 (correction = 寒 and not 漢 in my previous
post)

Drinking icy cold water during the severe winter.
--------------------------------------------

雞弗看見人長大,---Ji1 fu2 kan4 jian4 ren2 zhang3 da4,
人弗看見山高大.---Ren2 fu2 kan4 jian4 shan gao da4.

The chicken did not see a man growing up,
Man did not see a mountain growing high.
-----------------------------------------

機關算盡太聰明,---Ji1 guan suan4 jin4 tai4 cong ming2,
反算了卿卿性命.---Fan3 suan4 le qing qing xing4 ming4.

All your clever calculations and intrigues have brought you nothing,
But your doom.
-----------------------------------------------

雞寒上樹,---Ji1 han2 shang4 shu4,
鴨寒下水.---Ya han4 xia4 shui3.

When a chicken is cold it climbs up a tree,
When a duck is cold it jumps into the water.
--------------------------------------------

話不要死說,---Hua4 bu4 yao4 si3 shuo,
路不要走絕.---Lu4 bu4 yao4 zou3 jue2.

In talking do not speak inflexible words,
In walking do not walk to the end of a road.
-------------------------------------------------

畫虎不成反類犬
Hua4 hu3 bu4 cheng2 fan3 lei3 quan3

He painted a tiger but it turned out a cur
-----------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-10-11 01:54


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

挾泰山超北海
Jia Taishan chao Beihai

Holding Mount Taishan and flying across the Northsea,
is an impossible thing.
-----------------------------------------------

家憑長子,---Jia1 ping2 zhang3 zi3,
國憑大臣.---Guo2 ping2 da4 chen2.

A family leans on the eldest son,
A country depends on the Prime Minister.
-----------------------------------

家無讀書子,---Jia wu2 du2 shu zi3,
官從何處來---Guan cong2 he2 chu3 lai2.

No one in the family studies,
From where is the family official.
--------------------------------------

家有一老,---Jia1 you3 yi lao3,
如有一寶.---Ru2 you3 yi bao3

Having an old family member, is like having a treasure in the family.
---------------------------------------------

假裝善良之惡人
Jia3 zhuang shan4 liang2 zhi e4 ren2

A wolf in sheep's clothing
---------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-10-11 03:40


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

少年享福如受罪
Shao4 nian2 xiang3 fu2 ru2 shou3 zui

A young person enjoying life is like committing sin.
------------------------------------

少年休笑白頭翁,---Shao3 nian2 xiu xiao3 bai2 tou2 weng,
花開能有幾時紅.---Hua kai neng2 you3 ji shi2 hong2.

Juveniles should not laugh at old men,
The flower of youth cannot last forever.
----------------------------------------

舌柔而存,---She2 rou2 er2 cun2
齒堅而豁.---Chi3 jian er2huo4.

The tongue is soft and remains soft,
The teeth are hard and fall out.
--------------------------------------------

舌頭嚼得人死
She2 tou2 jue2 de2 ren2 si3

Men are crushed to death under the tongue
---------------------------------------

舌頭如尖刀,---She2 tou2 ru2 jian dao,
殺人不見血.---Sha ren2 bu4 jian4 xue4.

The tongue is like a sharp knife,
Yet it kills without drawing blood.
------------------------------------------------

蛇頭上蒼蠅,---She2 tou2 shang4 cang ying2,
自來的衣食.---Zi4 lai2 di2 yi shi2

The flies on the snake's head,
are the natural food and clothes.
(飛來虫)
----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-10-11 06:17


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

公堂一點朱,---Gong1 tang2 yi dian3 zhu,
下民一點血.---Xia4 min2 yi dian3 xue4.

(In the olden days)
A drop of vermilion in the law court,
Was like a drop of blood for the ordinary people.
(before Liberation)
---------------------------------------------

弓硬弦損,---Gong1 ying4 xian2 sun3,
人硬錢損.---Ren2 ying4 qian2 sun3.

By pulling an bow too hard it impairs the bowstring.
A person will suffer from financial losses if he is too stubborn.
-------------------------------------------

公子登筵,---Gong1 zi3 deng yan2,
不醉便飽.---Bu4 zui4 bian4 bao3.

When a prince attended a banquet if he was not drunk
he would have a good feed.

壯士臨陣,---Zhuang4 shi4 lin2 zhen4,
不死即傷.---Bu4 si3 ji2 shang.

When a warrior went to battle if he was not killed
he would be wounded.
------------------------------------

狗不嫌家貧,---Gou3 bu4 xian2 jia pin2
兒不嫌母醜.---Er2 bu4 xian2 mu3 chou3

A dog doesn't mind a poor master,
And a son doesn't detest the appearance of his mother.
--------------------------------------

狗急跳牆,---Gou3 ji2 tiao4 qiang2,
人急懸樑.---Ren2 ji2 xuan2 liang2.

A desperate dog jumps over the wall,
A desperate man hangs himself from a beam.
--------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-10-11 08:01


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

近朱者赤,---Jin4 zhu zhe3 chi4,
近墨者黑.---Jin4 mo4 zhe3 hei.

He who stays near vermilion gets stained red,
And he who stays near the ink gets stained black.
(One takes on the colour of one's company)
-------------------------------------

只有千里的聲名,---Zhi3 you3 qian li3 di2 sheng ming2,
沒有千里的威風.---Mei2 you3 qian li3 di2 wei feng.

Your reputation may be known as far as a thousand miles,
But your power and prestige will not travel that far.
-------------------------------------------

知道地中多猛虎,---Zhi3 dao4 di4 zhong duo meng3 hu3,
誰知人類出貪狼.---Shui2 zhi ren2 lei4 chu tan lang2.

People know only about the fierce tigers,
Who knows about the greedy wolves in mankind.
----------------------------------------

在熱鍋上的螞蟻,---Zai4 re4 guo shang4 di2 ma3 yi3,
急得慌亂團團轉.---Ji2 de2 huang luan4 tuan2 tuan2 zhuan3

Ants on a hot pan,
Running in all directions in panic.
-------------------------------------------------

抱著薪去救火,---Bao4 zhao2 xin qu4 jiu4 huo3,
越救火越旺盛.---Yue4 jiu4 huo3 yue4 wang4 sheng4.

Carrying faggots to put out a fire,
The more he helps the fiercest is the fire.
----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-10-11 09:19


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

半夜裡夢見做皇帝,---Ban4 ye4 li3 meng4 jian4 zuo4 Huang2 Di4,
快活一刻就是一刻.---Kuai4 huo2 yi ke4 jiu4 shi4 yi ke4.

In the middle of the night I dreamed I was an Emperor,
And I enjoyed every minute of it.
---------------------------------------------

百聞不如一見,---Bai3 wen2 bu4 ru2 yi jian4,
百見不如一行.---Bai3 jian4 bu4 ru2 yi xing2.

To see it once is better than hearing it a hundred times,
To act on it once is better than seeing it a hundred times.
----------------------------------------------------

薄薄酒, 勝茶湯,------Bo4 bo4 jiu3, sheng4 cha2 tang,
粗粗布, 勝無裳.------Cu cu bu4, sheng4 wu2 chang2,
丑妻惡妾, 勝空房.---Chou3 qi e4 qie4, sheng4 kong4 fang2.

The meagre wine is better than tea and soup,
A coarsely made dress is better than none.
An ugly wife or a repulsive concubine is better than an empty room.
-----------------------------------------------

朝中奸黨專權日,---Chao2 zhong jian dang3 zhuan quan2 ri4,
天下英雄失意時.---Tian xia4 ying xiong2 shi yi4 shi2.

If the treacherous ministers are holding the power in the country,
The heroes in the country have no places to display their prowess.
-----------------------------------------

長江不拒細流,---Changjiang bu4 ju4 xi4 liu2,
泰山不擇土石.---Taishan bu4 ze2 tu3 shi2.

The Yangtze River never refuses water from other tributaries,
Mount Taishan discriminates no dirt and rocks.
--------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-10-11 12:16


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

吃盡滋味鹽好,---Chi jin4 zi wei4 yan2 hao3,
用盡天下錢好.---Yong4 jin4 tian xia4 qian2 hao3.

Having eaten all the dishes the taste of salt is the best;
Having spent all the money the best spending money is free money.
--------------------------------------

吃酒不吃菜,--Chi1 jiu3 bu4 chi cai4,
必定醉得快.---Bi4 ding4 zui3 de2 kuai4.

Drinking wine alone without eating some food,
Is much easier to get drunk quickly.
-------------------------------------------------

吃酒不言真君子,---Chi jiu3 bu4 yan2 zhen jun zi3,
財帛分明大丈夫.---Cai2 bo2 fen ming2 da4 zhang4 fu2.

A man, who does not talk in drinking, is a gentleman
A man, who divides the wealth clearly, is a true man.
-----------------------------------------------

吃酒三年沒有錢,---Chi jiu3 san nian2 mei2 you3 qian2,
戒酒三年也沒錢.---Jie4 jiu3 san nian2 ye3 mei2 qian2.

He is poor because he has been drinking for three years;
He has stopped drinking for three years yet he is still poor.
--------------------------------------------------

吃苦耐勞,---Chi1 ku3 nai4 lao2,
方為志人.---Fang wei2 zhi4 ren2

Bear hardship and stand hard work,
Then he is a person of ideas and integrity.
-----------------------------------------------------

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Date:   09-10-11 17:48


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

大事化為小事,---Da4 shi4 hua4 wei4 xiao3 shi4,
小事化為沒事.---Xiao3 shi4 hua4 wei4 mei2 shi4.

Turn big problems into small problems,
And small problems into no problem at all.
--------------------------------------------------

讀不盡世間書,---Du2 bu4 jin4 shi4 jian shu,
走不盡天下路.---Zou3 bu4 jin4 tian xia4 lu4.

It is impossible to read all the books in the world,
And to walk on all the roads under heaven.
--------------------------------------------------

糞蟲可變為蟬,---Fen4 chong2 ke3 bian4 wei2 chan2,
腐草可化為螢.---Fu3 cao3 ke3 hua4 wei2 ying2.

Dung worm can transform into cicada,
The putrid grass can change into firefly.
--------------------------------------------------

風馬牛不相及---Feng1 ma3 niu2 bu4 xiang ji2

Have absolutely nothing to do with each other
(Totally unrelated)
----------------------------------------

逢奸寧可玉碎,---Feng2 jian ning4 ke3 yu4 sui4,
氣正不求瓦全.---Qi zheng4 bu4 qiu2 wa3 quan2.

In facing evil, one would rather be a broken jade
Than a block of intact brick.
(One would rather die than surrender)
----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-10-11 18:47


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

夫妻不分,---Fu1 qi bu4 fen,
秤錘不離.---Cheng3 chui2 bu4 li2.

Husband and wife will never be separated,
Like the cheng (balance) and chui (weight)
[the sliding weight of a steelyard] will never part.
-------------------------

夫妻不睦奸人乘,---Fu1 qi bu4 mu4 jian ren2 cheng2,
兄弟不和外人欺.---Xiong di4 bu4 he2 wai4 ren2 qi.

A wicked man will try to exploit the situation of an unhappy married couple,
People will bully those brothers who are at odds with each other.
----------------------------------------------

夫妻打架常事,---Fu1 qi da3 jia4 chang2 shi4,
和尚拉勸奇事.---He2 shang4 la quan4 qi2 shi4.

It is a common affair to see a couple fighting,
However, it is strange to see a monk getting involved.
-----------------------------------------------

夫妻好似同林鳥,---Fu1 qi hao3 si4 tong2 lin2 niao3,
大難來時各自飛.---Da4 nan2 lai2 shi2 ge4 zi4 fei.

Husband and wife are like the birds perching on the same tree,
In facing adversity they will fly off separately.
----------------------------------------

夫妻相打不要閑人勸
Fu1 qi xiang da3 bu4 yao xian2 ren2 quan4

The fighting between the husband and the wife
needs not persons not concerned to reconcile
---------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-10-11 20:06


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

孔子曰: Confucius said:

古者言之不出,---Gu3 zhe3 yan2 zhi bu4 chu,
恥躬之不遠也.---Chi3 gong zhi bu4 yuan3 ye3.

In simple Chinese (白話)

古時候的人說話﹐不肯輕易的說出口來﹐
是恐怕自身做不到﹐而為可恥的事。

The ancients were hard in sayings things,
Because they were afraid of being unable to achieve what they had said.
---------------------------------------------

富人養嬌子,---Fu4 ren2 yang3 jiao zi3,
窮漢當牛使.---Qiong2 han4 dang niu2 shi3.

Wealthy people raise pampered sons,
Poor people live like cows.
-------------------------------------------

富人越算越富,---Fu4 ren2 yue4 suan4 yue4 fu,
窮人越拼越貧.---Qiong2 ren2 yue4 pin yue4 pin.

The more the rich people calculate the richer they become,
The more the poor people struggle the more they have to struggle.
-------------------------------------------

富與貴, 是人所欲也,---Fu4 yu4 gui4, shi4 ren2 suo3 yu4 ye3,
貧與賤, 是人所惡也.---Pin2 yu4 jian4, shi4 ren2 suo3 e4 ye3.

Riches and honour is everybody wishing to have
Poor and lowly is nobody wanting to be.
-----------------------------------------------

鼓破亂人捶,---Gu3 po4 luan4 ren2 chui2,
牆倒眾人推.---Qiang2 dao4 zhong4 ren2 tui.

When a drum is broken everybody wants to beat it,
When a wall is about to collapse, everybody gives it a push.
---------------------------------------------

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Date:   09-10-11 20:28


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

好的開始,---Hao3 de kai shi3,
即是一半成功.---Ji2 shi4 yi ban4 cheng2 gong.

To begin a thing right,
Is to make it easy to do it.
(Well begun is half done).
------------------------------------------

好蜂不採落地花,---Hao3 feng bu4 cai3 luo4 di4 hua,
好雨不落在荒田.---Hao3 yu3 bu4 luo4 zai4 huang tian2.

A good bee will not gather nectar from fallen flowers,
A good rain will not fall on the desolate field.
------------------------------------------

好風憑借力,---Hao3 feng ping2 jie4 li4,
送我上青雲.---Song4 wo3 shang4 qing yun2.

By taking the advantage of the power of others,
I hope I could be promoted to higher official position.
-----------------------------------------

好夫妻, 打到頭,-----Hao3 fu2 qi, da3 dao4 tou2,
不打不罵不長久.---Bu4 da3 bu4 ma4 bu4 chang2 jiu3.

Husband and wife often fight.
No fighting and no quarreling the marriage would not last for a long time.
-------------------------------------------

好狗不咬雞,---Hao3 gou3 bu4 yao3 ji,
好漢不打妻.---Hao3 han4 bu4 da3 qi.

A good dog does not bite chicken,
A gentleman does not hit his wife.
----------------------------------

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Date:   09-10-11 22:06


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

花無常開,---Hua wu2 chang2 kai,
月無常圓.---Yue4 wu2 chang2 yuan2.

Flowers do not bloom all the time,
The moon does not always remain round.
-------------------------------------------------

花香不一定美麗,---Hua xiang bu4 yi ding4 mei3 li4,
能說不一定會做.---.Neng2 shuo bu4 yi ding4 hui4 zuo4.

A fragrant flower is not necessarily beautiful,
An orator is not necessarily a crackerjack.
------------------------------------------------------

花香要風吹,---Hua xiang yao4 feng chui,
好事要人傳.---Hao3 shi4 yao ren2 chuan2.

The fragrance of flowers needs to be carried by the wind,
The stories of good deeds require to be talked about by people.
-----------------------------------------------------------

渾濁末分鰱與鯉,---Hun2 zhuo2 mo4 fen lian2 yu3 li3,
水清方見二般魚.---Shui3 qing fang jian4 er4 ban yu2.

Silver carp and carp cannot be distinguished in muddy water,
When the water is cleared then it reveals that there are two
kinds of different fish.
-----------------------------------------

混水摸魚好幾會,---Hun4 shui3 mo yu2 hao3 ji hui4,
有人興奮有人愁.---You3 ren2 xing fen4 you3 ren2 chou2.

It is a good opportunity to catch fish in troubled waters,
Some people are excited and some worried
------------------------------------------------

活人性命還不救,---Huo2 ren2 xing4 ming4 hai2 bu4 jiu4,
昧心拜佛取何經.---Mei4 xin bai4 fo2 qu3 he2 jing.

If you are not saving life,
It is against one's conscience and what kind scripture are you reading
---------------------------------------

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Date:   09-10-11 23:30


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

叫人跑路不如自己走,
Jiao4 ren2 pao3 lu4 bu4 ru2 zi4 ji3 zou3,
To go yourself is better than send others.

叫人做事不如自己動手.
Jiao4 ren2 zuo4 shi4 bu4 ru2 zi4 ji3 dong4 shou3.
To do it yourself is better than to call upon others.
----------------------------------------------

結果好, 就一切都好
Jie1 guo3 hao3, jiu4 yi qie du hao3

When the result is good, every thing is good.
------------------------------------

解除三事從前惡,---Jie3 chu2 san shi4 cong2 qian2 e4,
一念歸依善果弘.---Yi nian4 gui yi shan4 guo3 hong2.

Get rid of all the evil deeds in the past
And return to good.
--------------------------------------------

酒是穿腸毒藥,---Jiu3 shi4 chuan chang2du2 yao4
色是刮骨剛刀.---Se4 shi4 gua gu3 gang dao..

Wine is the poisonous medicine that pierces your intestines,
Sex is the steel knife that cuts your bones.
-------------------------------------------

九死一生總是生---Jiu3 si3 yi sheng zong3 shi4 sheng,
An escape by a narrow margin (from danger, defeat) is just as successful
as an escape by a wide margin.

功敗垂成終是敗.---Gong bai4 chui2 cheng2 zhong shi4 bai4.
A failure by a narrow margin is just as disappointing as a failure by a
wide margin.
---------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-11-11 02:03


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

賴債不如賴人情,---Lai3 zhai4 bu4 ru2 lai3 ren2 qing2,
賴了人情難做人.---Lai3 le ren2 qing2 nan2 zuo4 ren2.

To repudiate a debt is better than repudiate a favour,
Repudiating a favour has guilty conscience.
----------------------------------------------

籃子堵水不長久
Lan2 zi3 du3 shui3 bu4 chang2 jiu3

A basket cannot dam a stream for long
---------------------------------------------------

狼披羊皮還是狼,---Lang2 pi yang2 pi2 hai2 shi4 lang2,
呲牙咧嘴要提防.---Ci ya2 lie zui3 yao4 ti2 fang2.

The wolf that has put on the sheep attire is still a wolf,
Watch out for sweet words and honeyed phrases.
-------------------------------------------------

老薑辣味大,---Lao3 jiang la4 wei4 da4,
老人經驗多.---Lao3 ren2 jing yan4 duo.

Old ginger has more peppery taste,
Old people have more experience.
----------------------------------------

老馬識路途,---Lao3 ma3 shi2 lu4 tu2,
老人通世故.---Lao3 ren2 tong shi4 gu4.

An old horse knows the way,
An old man understand the ways of the world.
--------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-11-11 05:26


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

良禽擇木而棲,---Liang2 qin2 ze2 mu4 er2 qi,
賢臣擇主而仕.---Xian2 chen2 ze2 zhu3 er2 shi4.

A good bird selects a strong branch of a tree to perch,
A wise official choice a good ruler to serve.
---------------------------------------------

良藥苦口利于病,---Liang2 yao4 ku3 kou3 li4 yu2 bing4,
忠言逆耳利于行.---Zhong yan2 ni4 er3 li4 yu2 xing2.

Just as bitter medicine cures sickness,
So unpalatable advice benefits conduct.
---------------------------------------------

良藥苦口利於病,---Liang2 yao4 ku3 kou3 li4 yu2 bing4,
不吃良藥病更深.---Bu4 chi liang2 yao4 bing4 geng shen.

The bitter good medicine cures the sickness,
If it is not taken the sickness will get worse.
---------------------------------------------------

良醫不診自己的病
Liang2 yi bu4 zhen3 zi4 ji3 di2 bing4

A clever doctor never treats himself.
------------------------------------------

兩耳不聞窗外事,---Liang3 er3 bu4 wen2 chuang wai4 shi4,
一心只讀聖賢書.---Yi xin zhi3 du2 sheng4 xian2 shu.

I do not care what is going on outside the window,
As I am busying in the study of the classics.
------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-11-11 11:33


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

賞不論冤仇,---Shang3 bu4 lun4 yuan chou2,
罰不論骨肉.---Fa2 bu4 lun4 gu3 rou4.

In meting out a reward it does not matter if the recipient is a foe.
For punishment even a flesh and blood relative is not exempted.
------------------------------------------

生不帶來,---Sheng bu4 dai4 lai2,
死不帶去.---Si3 bu4 dai4 qu4.

He brought nothing with him when he was born,
He did not take anything with him when he died.
-------------------------------------------------------

土乃五行之母,---Tu3 nai3 wu3 xing2 zhi mu3,
水乃五行之源.---Shui3 nai3 wu3 xing2 zhi yuan2.

The earth is the mother of the five elements,
The water is the source of the five elements.

無土不生,---Wu2 tu3 bu4 sheng,
無水不長.---Wu2 shui3 bu4 zhang3.

Without earth there will be no live,
Without water nothing will grow.
---------------------------------------------------

人敬富的,---Ren2 jing4 fu4 di2,
狗咬破的.---Gou3 yao3 po4 di2.

People respect those who are wealthy,
Dogs bite those who dress in rags and tatters.
------------------------------------

人美不在貌,---Ren2 mei3 bu4 zai mao4,
美在心意好.---Mai3 zai4 xin yi4 hao3.

The beauty of a person is not on his appearance,
It is on his good hearted.
---------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-12-11 01:50


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

兩腳忙忙走,---Liang3 jiao3 mang2 mang2 zou3,
只為身和口.---Zhi wei2 shen he2 kou3.

You are busying running about,
For what? For the sake of your body and mouth.
----------------------------------------------

貴人吃貴物,---Gui4 ren2 chi gui4 wu4
窮人吃豆腐.---Qiong2 ren2 chi dou4 fu3.

The nobles eat expensive food,
The poor eat bean curd.
--------------------------------------

滾石不生苔,---Gun3 shi2 bu4 sheng tai2,
轉業不聚財.---Zuan3 ye4 bu4 ju4 cai2.

A rolling stone gathers no moss.
(A person who too frequently changes his occupation
or who never settles in one place will not succeed in life).
--------------------------------------------

滾湯潑老鼠,------Gun3 tang po lao3 shu3,
一窩兒都是死---Yi wo er2 du shi4 si3.

Pouring boiling hot water into the rat hole,
All of them would be killed in the lair.
--------------------------------------------------

鍋頭飯好吃,---Guo tou2 fan4 hao3 chi,
裡頭話難說.---Li3 tou2 hua4 nan2 shuo.

The cooked rice from the pot is very nice to eat,
But it is hard to talk about the pot.
-----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-12-11 03:15


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

飯有三餐不餓,---Fan4 you3 san can bu4 e4,
衣有三件不破.---Yi you san jian bu po.

One will not go hungry if one has three meals a day,.
One will never wear tattered clothes if one has three dresses.
---------------------------------------------

方離狼窩,---Fang1 li2 lang2 wo,
又蛉b虎口.---You4 feng2 hu3 kou3.

I just escaped from the wolf's den,
Now I am in the jaws of death.
-------------------------------------------------

防人之心不可無,---Fang2 ren2 zhi xin bu4 ke3 wu2,
欺人之心不可有.---Qi ren2 zhi xin bu4 ke3 you3.

One must have a cautious mind,
But not a deceiving one.
---------------------------------------------------

防微杜漸,---Fang2 wei du4 jian4,
君子所貴.---Jun zi3 suo3 gui4.

To nip an evil in the bud,
That is what a ruler should do
-------------------------------------------------

防之如渡海浮囊,---Fang2 zhi ru2 du4 hai3 fu2 nang2,
勿容一鍼之罅漏.---Wu4 rong2 yi zhen zhi xia4 lou4.

To be on guard is like a boat crossing the ocean;
It is not allowed to leak.
------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-12-11 08:18


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

井底蛤蟆井底好
Jing3 di3 ha2 ma jing3 di3 hao3

A frog in a well is best off in the well
---------------------------------------------

好看千里客,---Hao3 kan3 qian li3 ke4,
萬里去傳名.---Wan4 li3 qu4 chuan2 ming2.

If it is good, people will come from thousands of miles to see it,
And its good name will be carried to tens of thousands of miles..
--------------------------------------------------

好看鳥兒關進籠
Hao3 kan4 niao3 er2 guan jin4 long2

It is the beautiful bird that we put in the cage
------------------------------------------------------

好母生好子,---Hao3 mu3 sheng hao3 zi3,
好稻出好米.---Hao3 dao4 chu hao3 mi3.

A good mother gives birth to a good child,
Good paddy produces good rice.
-------------------------------------------

好妻無好漢, 天下一大半,
Hao3 qi wu2 hao3 han4, tian xia4 yi da4 ban4,
好漢無好妻, 天下一大堆
Hao3 han4 wu2 hao3 qi, tian xia4 yi da4 dui.

There are half of the good wives in this world are without good husbands,

Lots of good men in this world are without good wives.
-------------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-12-11 16:07


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

巧婦難為無米之炊.
Qiao3 fu4 nan2 wei2 wu2 mi3 chui.

One cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
------------------------------------------------

巧言不如直道,---Qiao3 yan2 bu4 ru2 zhi2 dao4,
明人不必細說.---Ming2 ren2 bu4 bi4 xi4 shuo.

Righteousness is better than cunning words,
A sensible person speaks carefully.
---------------------------------------------------------

切莫得罪三種人,---Qie4 mo4 de2 zui4 san zhong3 ren2,
官吏, 顧客, 寡婦.---Guan li4, gu4 ke4, gua3 fu4.

Avoid offending three classes of people-
Officials, customers, and widows.
----------------------------------------------

切勿非議別人
Qie4 wu4 fei yi4 bie2 ren2

Do not criticize your neighbours unless you are free from blame yourself.
(自己也有過錯 Let not the post call the kettle black)
-------------------------------------------

親戚不共財,---Qin1 qi bu4 gong4 cai2,
共財斷往來.---Gong4 cai2 duan4 lai2 wang3

Relatives will not share wealth,
While sharing wealth they will stop dealings with each other.
------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-12-11 17:00


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

強人自有強人收,---Qiang2 ren2 zi4 you3 qiang2 ren2 shou,
逢着強人不幹強.---Feng2 zhao2 qiang2 ren2 bu4 gan3 qiang2.

There will always be someone who is stronger than the strongest,
In meeting a stronger man one does not dare to be strong.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

強人自有強人收,---Qiang2 ren2 zi4 you3 qiang2 ren2 shou,
還有強人在後頭.---Hai2 you3 qiang2 ren2 zai4 hou4 ou2.

There will always be someone who is stronger than the strongest,
There are more strong men coming from behind.
-------------------------------------------------

牆上畫餅,-------Qiang2 shang4 hua4 bing3,
中看不中吃.--- Zhong kan bu4 zhong chi.

The biscuit drawn on the wall,
Is good for looking but not for eating.
---------------------------------------------------------

強中更有強中手,---Qiang2 zhong geng you3 qiang2 zhong shou3,
莫向人前自滿誇.---Mo4 xiang4 ren2 qian2 zi4 man3 kua.

However strong you are there is always someone stronger,
So do not boast about in front of people.
---------------------------------------------------

強不知以為知
Qiang2 bu4 zhi yi3 wei2 zhi

Pretending to know what one does not know.
-----------------------------

巧者拙之奴
Qiao3 zhe3 zhuo zhi nu2

Clever men are often the servants of fools.
-------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-12-11 17:33


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

話是空,---Hua4 shi4 kong4
筆留蹤.---Bi3 liu2 zong2

Words are empty,
But the writing-brush leaves trace
------------------------------------------

壞人不臭,---Huai4 ren2 bu4 chou4,
好人不香.---Hao3 ren2 bu4 xiang.

Bad people are not looked down on,
And good people are not looked up to.
-----------------------------------------------

壞人當道,---Huai4 ren2 dang dao4,
好人受害.---Hao3 ren2 shou4 hai4.

When evildoers are in power,
Good people suffer.
--------------------------------------------

壞事暗中作,---Huai4 shi4 an4 zhong zuo4,
鬼神明裡看.---Gui3 shen2 ming2 li3 kan.

Evil deeds done in secret,
Are seen by the spirit as a flash of fire.
----------------------------------------------------

壞事勸人莫休作,---Huai4 shi4 quan4 ren2 xiu mo4 zuo4,
舉頭三尺有神明.--Ju3 tou2 san chi3 you3 shen2 ming2.

One should not advice people to do evil deeds,
Beware, there are Gods above one's head.
--------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-12-11 21:53


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

若想不受罪,---Ruo4 xiang3 bu4 shou4 zui4,
最好是怕罰.---Zui4 hao3 shi4 pa4 fa2.

The best way to avoid punishment
Is to fear it.
---------------------------------------------

若要人不知,---Ruo4 yao4 ren2 bu4 zhi,
除非己莫為.---Chu2 fei ji3 mo4 wei2.

If you don't want others to know about it,
Then don't do it.
-----------------------------------------------

一根針沒有兩個杪
Yi1 gen zhen mei2 you3 liang3 ge4 miao3

No needle has two sharp points
------------------------------------------

一根竹子不成排
Yi1 gen zhu2 zi3 bu2 cheng2 pai2.

One bamboo does not make a raft.
-----------------------------------------

一國三公,---Yi1 guo2 san gong,
吾誰適從.---Wu2 shui2 shi4 cong2.

A state with three rulers,
Whom I shall follow the directions.?
(divided leadership in a State)
--------------------------------------------

一回遭蛇咬,---Yi1 hui2 zao she2 yao3,
二回不趲草.---Er2 hui2 bu zan3 cao3.

He who is bitten once by a snake
Will not walk a second time in the grass.
-----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-12-11 22:40


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

人生總有不如意處.
Ren2 sheng zong3 you3 bu4 ru2 yi4 chu3.

There is a crony in the lot of every one.
------------------------------------------------

人生最大的悲哀,-------------Ren2 sheng zui4 da4 di2 bei ai,
是自己對前途沒有希望.---Shi4 zi4 ji3 dui4 qian2 tu2 mei2 you3 xi wang4.

The greatest sorrow of a man,
Is that he has no hope for his future.
--------------------------------------------

人世虛浮,---Ren2 shi4 xu fu,
似夢似幻.---Si4 meng4 si4 huan4.

This world is superficial,
Like dream and illusion.
----------------------------------------

人怕出名豬怕壯
Ren2 pa4 chu ming2 zhu pa4 zhuang4

Fame portends trouble for men as fattening does to pigs
-----------------------------------

人勤地不懶
Ren2 qin2 di4 bu4 lan3

Where the tiller is tireless the land is fertile
---------------------------------------

人人都有弱點
Ren2 ren2 dou you3 ruo4 dian3.

Every person has his/her own weakness.
---------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-12-11 23:29


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

人之住宅即其堡壘
Ren2 zhi zhu4 zhai2 ji2 qi2 bao3 lei3.

Man's house is his castle.
--------------------------------------

忍耐, 才能和氣致祥,---Ren3 nai4, cai2 neng2 he2 qi3 zhi4 xiang2,
悔過, 才能提起勇氣.---Hui guo4, cai2 neng2 ti2 qi3 yong3 qi3.

Patience leads to harmony,
Repentance leads to courage.
--------------------------------------------

忍耐可減輕一切痛苦.
Ren3 nai4 ke3 jian3 qing yi qie tong4 ku3.

Patience is a plaster for all sores.
------------------------------------------

任何規則都有例外
Ren4 he2 gui ze2 du you3 li4 wai4

There's no rule without an exception.
(No rule can be applied always)
--------------------------------------

人之初, 性本善.--- Ren2 zhi chu, xing4 ben3 shan4,
性相近, 習相遠.---Xing4 xiang jin4, xi2 xiang yuan3,

苟不教, 性乃遷.---Gou3 bu4 jiao, xing4 nai3 qianNature will change.
教之道, 貴以專.---Jiao zhi dao4, gui4 yi3 chuan2.

"Human beings are born fundamentally good in nature,
All men are the same in this respect,
When they are in the process of growing up,
They begin to develop their own characteristics,
When they become adults,
Their behaviour tend to be different and distant to each other....."

Without education, their inherent goodness will be lost.
But if they are taught they will continue to hold on to what is good.....
-----------------------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-13-11 00:24


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

螻蟻尚且貧生,---Lou2 yi3 shang4 qie3 tan sheng,
豈有人不惜命.---Qi3 you3 ren2 bu4 xi ming4.

Even an ant is trying to live,
How could anyone who does not precious his life.
----------------------------------------------

驢子搖耳朵,---Lu2 zi3 yao2 er3 duo3,
傻瓜裝聰明.---Sha3 gua zhuang cong ming2.

The donkey wags its ears,
A muddleheaded man is pretending to be smart
---------------------------------------

貓戀食, 狗戀家,-----Mao lian4 shi2, gou3 lian4 jia,
小孩子戀老娘家.---Xiao3 hai2 zi3 lian4 lao3 niang2 jia..

Cats love food, dogs love family,
Little children love their homes.
---------------------------------------------

貓頭鷹報喜,---Mao1 tou2 ying bao4 xi3,
誰會相信牠.---Shui2 hui44 xiang4 xin4 ta.

It is like the owl bringing good news,
Who will believe it.

(In Chinese folklore the owl only brings bad news or misfortune
and never brings good news. That is why no one believes it).
-------------------------------------------------

毛驢拉磨,---Mao2 lu2 la mo,
原地大轉.---Yuan2 di4 da4 zhuan3.

A donkey turning a millstone,
It is going around in circles.
-------------------------------------------

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Date:   09-13-11 01:35


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

明人不做暗事,---Ming2 ren2 bu4 zuo4 an4 shi4,
響鼓不要緊打.---Xiang3 gu3 bu4 yao jin3 da3.

An honest man does not do anything underhand,
To sound a drum do not beat it too fast.
-----------------------------------------

明人不做暗事,---Ming2 ren2 bu4 zuo4 an4 shi4,
是非難逃眾口.---Shi4 fei nan2 tao2 zhong4 kou3.

An honest man doesn't do anything underhand,
Right or wrong cannot escape the public clamour.
----------------------------------------------

明修棧道,---Ming2 xiu zhan4 dao4,
暗渡陳倉.---An4 du4 Chencang.

Pretending to prepare to advance along one path,
While secretly going along another.
(do one thing under cover of another).
--------------------------------------------------------

明者為智,---Ming2 zhe3 wei2 zhi4
暗者為愚.---An4 zhe3 wei2 yu2.

He who knows is wise
He who does not know is foolish.
---------------------------------------

明中施舍暗中受報
Ming2 zhong shi she3 an4 zhong shou4 bao4

Alms given openly will be rewarded in secret.
-------------------------------------

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Date:   09-13-11 02:12


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

東不管, 西不管,----Dong bu4 guan3, xi bu4 guan3.
食飯就選大碗.------Shi2 fan4 xuan3 da4 wan3.

He does not take care of the east, and the west.
But, when he eats he selects the big rice bowl.
--------------------------------------------

東風吹馬耳,---Dong feng chui ma3 er3,
聽不進耳朵.---Ting bu4 jin4 er3 duo3.

Like the east wind blowing at the ear of a horse,
Go in one ear and out the other.
-------------------------------------

東風壓倒西風
Dong1 feng ya dao3 xi feng

The East Wind prevails over the West Wind
-----------------------------------------------

冬瓜有毛,---Dong gua you3 mao2,
茄子有刺,---Qie2 zi3 you3 ci4,
丈夫有錢,---Zhang4 fu you3 qian2,
內人有勢.---Nei4 ren2 you3 shi4.

The east melon has hair,
The eggplant has thorns,
Her husband has the money,
So she has the influence.
------------------------------------------

懂得用錢的人, 金錢是功德,
Dong3 de2 yong4 qian2 di2 ren2, jin qian2 shi4 gong de2,
不會用錢的人, 金錢是罪惡.
Bu4 hui4 yong4 qian2 di2 ren2, jin qian2 shi4 zui4 e4.

Money can gain merits if used for good,
Money can be evil if used for ill.
-----------------------------------------------

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Date:   09-13-11 02:49


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

孔子曰: Confucius said:

敏而好學,---Min3 er2 hao3 xue2,
不恥下問.---Bu4 chi3 xia4 wen4.

In simple Chinese (白話)

他聰敏而又好學,
謙虛下問, 不以為恥

Wanting to study eagerly,
It is not ashamed to ask.
-----------------------------------------------

年過中秋月過半,---Nian2 guo4 Zhongqiu yue4 guo4 ban4,
人老不能轉少年.---Ren2 lao3 bu4 neng2 zhuan4 shao3 nian2.

After the Moon Festival, more than half a year and a half of a month is
over,
An old man cannot be young again.
-------------------------------------------

寧為大廟鬼,---Ning4 wei2 da4 miao4 gui3,
不為小廟神.---Bu4 wei2 xiao3 miao4 shen2

Better be a demon in a large temple,
Than a god in a small one.
-------------------------------------------------------

大樹旁邊草,---Da4 shu4 pang2 bian cao3,
從來不怕霜.---Cong2 lai2 bu4 pa4 shuang

The frost never covers the grass about a great tree.
------------------------------------------------

大樹有朽枝,---Da4 shu4 you3 xiu3 zhi,
大族有乞丐.---Da4 zu2 you3 qi3 gai4.

A big tree has rotten branches,
A big clan has beggars.
---------------------------------------------------

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Date:   09-13-11 05:56


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

父母難保子女好
Fu4 mu3 nan2 bao zi3 nu3 hao3

It is difficult for parents to guarantee virtues of sons and daughters
------------------------------------------------

父母言語,---Fu4 mu3 yan2 yu3,
忍氣吞聲.---Ren3 qi4 tun sheng.

Words by parents,
Should be tolerated and swallowed.
------------------------------------

富人財不足,---Fu4 ren2 cai2 bu4 zu2,
窮人睡不足.---Qiong2 ren2 shui4 bu4 zu2.

Rich people are not satisfied with their wealth,
Poor people are not satisfied with their sleep.
----------------------------------------------------

富人讀書,---Fu4 ren2 du2 shu,
窮人養豬.---Qiong2 ren2 yang3 zhu.

Wealthy people study,
Poor people raise pigs.
--------------------------------------

富人舍錢,---Fu4 ren2 she3 qian2,
窮人舍力.---Qiong2 ren2 she2 li4.

Rich people give money,
Poor people give strength.
------------------------------------

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Date:   09-13-11 06:23


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

百足之蟲,---Bai3 zu2 zhi chong2,
死而不僵.---Si3 er2 bu4 jiang.

A centipede dies,
But never falls down.
(Old institutions die hard).
-------------------------------------------------

拜倒石榴裙下
Bai4 dao3 shi2 liu2 qun2 xia4

Young men bowing at the feet of pretty girls.
-----------------------------------------------

搬倒土山填平溝,---Ban1 dao4 tu3 shan tian2 ping2 gou,
大搞人造小平原.---Da4 gao3 ren2 zao4 xiao3 ping2 yuan2.

The purpose of flatten hills to fill the gullies
Is to create a small man-made plain.
---------------------------------------------------------

班門弄斧,---Ban men2 nong4 fu3,
不知自量.---Bu4 zhi zi4 liang.

Trying to show off in front of those better than himself,
He does not know how to take a proper measure of himself.

*Lu Ban 魯班 was the master carpenter during the Spring and Autumn Period
(春秋時代 770BC to 476BC)
--------------------------------------------------

家內和睦者, 家道必昌,
Jia nei4 he2 mu4 zhe3, jia dao4 bi4 chang,
外事和睦者, 外事必辦.
Wai4 shi4 he2 mu4 zhe3, wai4 shi4 bi4 ban4.

Harmony brings family prosperity,
Harmony brings business success.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-13-11 07:54


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

同船和一命
Tong2 chuan2 he2 yi ming4

Those who are traveling on the same boat share their lives.
---------------------------------------------------

同甘共苦,---Tong2 gan gong4 ku3,
共患難.------Gong4 huan4 nan2.

Sharing weal and woe, comforts and hardship, joys and sorrows.
---------------------------------

同行是冤家
Tong2 hang2 shi4 yuan jia

Two of a trade never agree
-----------------------------------------

銅錢浪用去,---Tong2 qian2 lang4 yong4 qu4,
哭煞不回來.---Ku3 sha4 bu4 hui2 lai2.

If one simply spends off one's money,
It would not come back, even if one cries for it.
------------------------------------------

同聲相應,---Tong2 sheng xiang ying4,
同氣相求.---Tong2 qi4 xiang qiu2.

I respond as we have the same voice,
And I help as we breath the same air.
(like attracts like)
--------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-13-11 16:11


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

人生最壞的習慣,---Ren2 sheng zui4 huai4 di2 xi2 guan4,
是自己對工作沒有計劃.---Shi4 zi4 ji3 dui4 gong zuo4 mei2 you3 ji4 hua4.

The greatest bad habit of a man,
Is that he has no plan for his work.
-------------------------------------------------------

今世且修來世福
Jin1 shi4 qie3 xiu lai2 shi4 fu2

In this world you prepare your fortune in the next.
----------------------------------------------

今天的辛苦是未來的榮耀,
Jin tian di2 xin ku3 shi4 wei4 lai2 di2 rong2 yao,
今天的忍耐是未來的成功。
Jin tian di2 ren3 nai4 shi4 wei4 lai di2 cheng2 gong.

Today's exercise patience is the glory of the future,
Today'a exercis2 patience is the success of the future.
----------------------------------------

今昔對比,---Jin1 xi dui bi3,
今勝于昔.---Jin sheng4 yu2 xi.

Contrasting the present with the past,
The present is superior to the past.
----------------------------------------------

金要足赤,---Jin yao zu2 chi4,
人要完人.---Ren2 yao wan2 ren2

Gold must be pure
And man must be perfect.
---------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-13-11 17:08


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

孔子曰: Confucius said:

人莫知其子之惡,---Ren2 mo4 zhi qi2 zi3 zhi e4,
莫知其苗之碩.------Mo4 zhi qi2 miao zhi shuo4.

People usually do not know how bad are their children,
And they are not satisfied with the way their crops are growing.
(人都是不知道自己兒子底壞處, 不滿足自己稻苗的長而大).
----------------------------------------

人怕老來窮,---Ren2 pa4 lao3 lai2 qiong2,
樹怕鑽心虫.---Shu4 pa4 xuan xin chong2.

A man is afraid of poverty when he is old,
A tree is afraid of the borer.
---------------------------------------------------------

大人不記小人過,---Da4 ren2 bu4 ji4 xiao3 ren2 guo4,
宰相肚裡好撐船.---Zai3 xiang4 du4 li3 hao3 cheng chuan2.

If the Prime Minister does not record the faults of a small man,
Then his heart is big enough to pole a boat in
(a great person should be large-hearted or magnanimous).
--------------------------------------------------

大山生出小鼠
Da4 shan sheng chu xiao3 shu3

The big mountain has brought forth a mouse.
(意指: 費力大收效小).
-----------------------------------------

大事恆自小事起
Da4 shi4 heng2 zi4 xiao3 shi4 shi3

Great things may come from small or modest beginnings.
-------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-13-11 20:09


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

人是實的好, ---Ren2 shi4 shi2 di2 hao3,
姜是老的辣,---Jiang shi4 lao3 di2 la4.

A man who is honest is solid,
An old ginger is hot.
--------------------------------------------------

人死債爛
Ren2 si3 zhai4 lan4

When a man dies his debt is released.
---------------------------------------------

人算不如天算
Ren2 suan4 bu4 ru2 tian suan4

Man proposes and God disposes
---------------------------------------------

人靠衣裝
Ren2 kao4 yi zhuang

The tailor makes the man
-----------------------------------

人靠心好,---Ren2 kao4 xin hao3,
樹靠根牢.---Shu4 kao4 gen lao2

A man is depending on his heart,
A tree on its firm roots.
---------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-13-11 23:01


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

(Four Categories of Friend 友有四品)
From the University of 佛光大學 in Taiwan

如入芝蘭之室,---Ru2 ru4 zhi lan2 zhi shi4,
久而不聞其香.---Jiu3 er2 bu4 wen2 qi2 xiang

如入鮑魚之肆,---Ru2 ru4 bao4 yu2 zhi si4,
久而不聞其臭.---Jiu3 er2 bu4 wen2 qi2 chou4.

In this world, everyone needs a friend. A friend could be good or bad. If
one makes a good friend, it is like being in a room full of fragrant orchids,
where one becomes unconscious to the sweet smell after a period of time.

However, if one makes friends with those who are of bad influence, it is
like being in a fish market, where one becomes unaware of the fish odour
after a period of time.

Therefore, we should be cautious when making new friends.

世間上每個人都需要朋友﹐朋友有益友和損友﹐結交益友﹐ 如入芝蘭之室﹐
久而不聞其香。

結交損友﹐如入鮑魚之肆﹐久而不聞其臭。

因此交友不可不慎。
---------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-14-11 01:31


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

不患人之不重己,---Bu4 huan4 ren2 zhi bu4 zhong4 yi3,
應患己之不重人.---Yinghuan4 ji3 zhi bu4 zhong4 ren2.

Don't be afraid of people not consider you as important,
It should be that you are not considering other people as important.
------------------------------------------------------

不會念經,---Bu4 hui4 nian4 jing,
休當和尚.---Xiu dang He2 Shang4.

If you don't know how to chant scriptures,
You cannot become a monk.
-----------------------------------

有錢不怕深山隔,---You3 qian2 bu4 pa4 shen shan ge2,
無錢且怕隔扇壁.---Wu2 qian2 qie3 pa4 ge2 shan4 bi4.

With plenty of money you are not afraid of living in a remote mountain,
If you don't have money people don't like to live next to you.
-------------------------------------------

有錢一條龍,---You3 qian2 yi tiao2 long2,
無錢一條蟲.---Wu2 qian2 yi tiao2 chong2

With money you are a dragon,
Without it you are a worm.
--------------------------------------------

亡羊補牢,---Wang2 yang2 bu3 lao2,
猶末為晚.---You2 mo4 wei2 wan3.

It is not too late to mend the fold,
Even after some of the sheep have been lost.

(羊兒走失了﹐才修補羊牢。
比喻若事敗後﹐立即慎謀補救﹐
往往還有挽回餘地﹐並不嫌晚)。
-----------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-14-11 02:51


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom


觀棋不語真君子
Guan1 qi2 bu4 yu2 zhen jun zi3

He is truly a superior man who can watch a chess game in silence
--------------------------------------------

他急躁易怒,---Ta1 ji2 zao4 yi4 nu4,
但無惡意.------Dan4 wu2 e4 yi4

His bark is worse than his bite.
---------------------------------------------

他心有餘,---Ta xin you3 yu2,
而力不足.---Er2 li4 bu4 zu2.

His spirit is willing,
But his flesh is weak.
----------------------------

太多水反有害
Tai4 duo shui3 fan3 you3 hai4

Too much water drowned the miller.
-------------------------------------

泰山不讓土壤
Tai4 Shan bu4 rang4 tu3 rang3

Mount Tai does not reject the smallest particle of dust
-----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-14-11 06:17


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

有能力的人, 處處給人方便﹐
You3 neng2 li4 di2 ren2, chu4 chu4 gei3 ren2 fang bian4,
無能力的人, 處處給人為難。
Wu2 neng2 li4 di2 ren2, chu4 chu4 gei3 ren2 wei nan2.

Those who have the capability make things convenient for the people in all
respects,
Those powerless people, in all respect, put people in awkward situations.

-----------------------------------------------------------

有其父, 必有其子,---You3 qi2 fu4, bi4 you3 qi2 zi3,
有其母, 必有其女.---You3 qi2 mu3, bi4 you3 qi2 nu3.

Like father, like son,
Like mother, like daughter.
-------------------------------------

窮窮窮,-----------------Qiong2 qiong2 qiong2,
屋裡還有三擔銅.---Wu li3 hai2 you3 san dan4 tong3.

Poverty, poverty and poverty,
There are still three baskets load of copper in the house.
-----------------------------------------

窮人孩子多,---Qiong2 ren2 hai2 zi3 duo,
窪地蛙子多.---Wa di4 wa zi3 duo.

The poor people have more children,
The low-lying land has more tadpoles.
------------------------------------------------

窮人無災便是福
Qiong2 ren2 wu2 zai bian4 shi4 fu2

It is good fortune to the poor people if they have no calamities.
----------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-14-11 06:58


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom


一手捉不住兩條魚,---Yi1 shou3 zhuo bu4 zhu4 liang3 tiao2 yu2,
一眼看不清兩行書.---Yi yan3 kan4 bu4 qing liang3 hang2 shu.

One hand cannot catch two fish,
It is not possible to read two lines of words at the same time.
----------------------------------------------------------

一樹之果, 有酸有甜;---Yi shu4 zhi guo3, you3 suan you3 tian2.
一母之子, 有愚有賢.---Yi mu3 zhi zi3, you3 yu2 you3 xian2.

The fruit from one tree, some are sour and some sweet,
The children from one mother, a few may be foolish and a few virtuous.
------------------------------------------------

一天一根線,---Yi1 tian yi gen xian4,
十年積成緞.---Shi2 nian2 ji cheng2 duan4.

One day saves one thread,
In ten years time the saved threads will become a satin.
------------------------------------------

一屋燈難照二屋亮
Yi1 wu deng nan2 zhao4 er4 wu liang4

The lamp of one house cannot light two houses
-----------------------------------------------------------

一世在笑人,---Yi shi4 zai4 xiao4 ren2,
不知自笑自.---Bu4 zhi zi4 xiao4 zi4.

For his whole life, he has been laughing at people,
He does not know that actually he is laughing at himself.
---------------------------------------------

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By CHUNG Yoon-Ngan (鄭永元)

CHUNG Yoon Ngan</a> wrote:
>
>
> 中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom
>
> 自恨枝無葉,---Zi4 hen4 zhi wu2
> ye4,
> 莫怨太陽偏.---Mo4 yuan4 tai4
> yang2 pian.
>
> When the branch has no leaves.
> Don't blame the sun is biased.
> (自己要先看看自己有沒有毛病﹐不要總是強調他人的影響)
> -------------------------------------------------
>
> 自古奸雄同一轍,---Zi4 gu3 jian xiong2 tong2 yi che2,
> 莫將邦國易如花.---Mo4 jiang bang guo2 yi4 ru2 hua.
>
> Since time immemorial all the treacherous politicians were
> the same,
> They manipulated the politics of a country like playing with
> flowers.
> -------------------------------------
>
> 自古皆有死,---Zi4 gu3 jie you3
> si3,
> 人無信不立.---Ren2 wu2 xin4 bu4
> li4.
>
> Since time immemorial no one cannot escape death,
> If one is untrustworthy he cannot stand erect.
> ----------------------------------------------
>
> Posted to asiawind.com
> By CHUNG Yoon-Ngan (鄭永元)
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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-14-11 08:51


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

一人作惡,---Yi ren2 zuo4 e4,
萬人遭殃.---Wan4 ren zao yang.

When one person is doing evil,
Thousands of people will suffer.
-----------------------------------------------

一日無糧父子不睦,---Yi1 ri4 wu2 liang2 fu4 zi3 bu4 mu4,
三日無糧夫妻不親.---San ri4 wu2 liang2 fu4 qi bu4 qin.

If there is no food for one day, a father's love grows cold,
If there is no food for three days a wife's love grows cold.
--------------------------------------

一日縱敵,---Yi ri4 zong4 di2,
萬世之患.---Wan4 shi4 zhi huan4.

Once you have released an enemy,
You will be in trouble for a long time.
----------------------------------------------

一山不容二虎
Yi1 shan bu4 rong2 er4 hu3

Two tigers cannot live in one mountain
----------------------------------------------

一時強弱在于力,---Yi shi2 qiang2 ruo4 zai4 yu2 li4,
萬世勝負在于理.---Wan4 shi4 sheng4 fu4 zai4 yu2 li3

Force prevails over weak for a moment,
Right or wrong in all ages lies in the truth.
-----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-14-11 09:26


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

黃河水濁不清.---Huanghe shui3 zhuo2 bu4 qing,
諸水清而不濁.---Zhu shui3 qing er2 bu4 zhuo2

The water in the Yellow River is turbid and not clear,
Whereas the water from other rivers that flow into Huanghe
is clear and not turbid.
-------------------------------------------------

黃金累千,---Huang2 jin lei2 qian,
不如一歲.---Bu4 ru2 yi sui4

Having a thousand pieces of gold,
Is not as good as one year of life.
--------------------------------------

少不讀書,----Shao3 bu4 du2 shu
老復何為﹖---Lao3 fu4 he2 wei?

If you neglect study when you are young,
What of your old age?
------------------------------

燒火棒越燒越短
Shao3 huo3 bang4 yue4 shao3 yue4 duan3

Burning the torch, the longer you burn the shorter it becomes.
--------------------------------------------

少年夫妻甜如蜜
Shao3 nian2 fu2 qi tian2 ru2 mi4

The life of a young married couple is as sweet as honey
------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-14-11 13:13


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

學好千日不足,---Xue2 hao3 qian ri4 bu4 zu2,
學懷一時有餘.---Xue2 huai4 yi shi2 you3 yu2

To learn what is good, a thousand days are not sufficient,
To learn what is evil, an hour is too long.
-----------------------------------------------------

學習不只要求得知識﹐更要開啟智慧﹐
Xue2 xi bu4 zhi3 yao qiu2 de2 zhi shi2, geng4 yao kai qi3 zhi4 hui4,
讀書不只要求得學問﹐更要身體力行。
Du2 shu bu4 zhi3 yao qiu2 de2 xue2 wen4, geng4 yao shen ti3 li4 xing2. 

Learning is not for knowledge only, but for increasing wisdom,
Study is not for erudition only, but for putting to use.
-----------------------------------------------

雪里埋人,---Xue3 li3 mai2 ren2,
久後自明.---Jiu3 hou4 zi4 ming2

A man's body buried in the snow
Will after a time come to light.
----------------------------------

雪上加霜---Xue3 shang4 jia shuang

Snow plus frost
(One disaster after another)
---------------------------------

雪中送炭---Xue3 zhong song4 tan4

To send fuel in cold weather.
(Timely assistant)
-----------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-14-11 18:16


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom


自己不動,---Zi4 ji3 bu4 dong4,
叫天何用.---Jiao4 tian he2 yong4.

If you do not act,
What is the use of calling the heaven.
-------------------------------------

自己不學好﹐別人幫不了﹐
Zi4 ji3 bu4 xue2 hao3, bie2 ren2 bang bu4 le,
自己要學好﹐誰也擋不了。
Zi4 ji3 yao xue2 hao3, Shui2 ye3 dang3 bu4 le.

I do not want to learn to be good and no one can help me,
I want to learn to be good and no one can block me.
------------------------------------------------------------

自己活也讓別人活.
Zi4 ji3 huo2 ye3 rang4 bie2 ren2 huo2.

Live and let live.
--------------------------------------

自己無學問,---Zi4 ji3 wu2 xue2 wen4,
莫把祖宗誇.---Mo4 ba4 zu3 zong2 kua.

Knowing oneself is not a learned man,
One should not boast about one's ancestor's scholastic achievement..
-----------------------------------------------------

自滿的人學一當十,---Zi4 man3 di2 ren2 xue2 yi dang shi2
虛心的人學十當一.---Xu xin di2 ren2 xue2 shi2 dang yi.

A complacency man learns one thing as if he has learned ten,
Open-minded man equals the ten things he learned to one.
----------------------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-14-11 19:07


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

秋蟲春鳥,---Qiu chong2 chun niao3,
共暢天機.---Gong4 chang4 tian ji.

The insects in autumn and the birds in spring,
They all enjoy the nature's mystery.
-----------------------------------------

秋月春風似流水,---Qiu yue4 chun feng si4 liu2 shui3,
等閒白了少年頭.---Deng3 xian2 bai2 le shao4 nian2 tou2.

The autumn wind and spring breeze are like running water,
Your life will be wasted for doing nothing.
(Time and tide wait for no man 歲月不待人)
-----------------------------------------------

求情買求情賣,------Qiu2 qing2 mai3 qiu2 qing2 mai4,
生意不是好活路.---Sheng yi4 bu4 shi4 hao3 huo3 lu4.

When there is much soliciting to buy and to sell,
Trade is not very lively.
--------------------------------------------

求人須求大丈夫,---Qiu2 ren2 xu qiu2 da4 zhang4 fu2,
濟人須濟急時無.---Ji4 ren2 xu ji4 ji2 shi2 wu2.

Seeking for help one should seek for a real man,
To relieve somebody one should relieve the one who is really in need.
----------------------------------------

取法乎上,---Qu3 fa3 hu shang4,
僅得乎中.---Jin3 de2 hu zhong.

Aim high or you'll fall below the average.
--------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-14-11 20:07


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

生活有愛幸福,---Sheng huo2 you3 ai4 xing4 fu2,
為愛生活愚蠢.---Wei4 ai4 sheng huo2 yu2 chun3.

A life with love is happy,
A life for love is foolish.
--------------------------------------------

生姜越老越辣
Sheng1 jiang yue4 lao3 yue4 la4

The old the ginger the hotter it is.
-------------------------------------

生米煮成熟飯
Sheng1 mi3 zhu3 cheng2 shu2 fan4

The rice is cooked
(what's done can't be undone
or - the fat is in the fire)
--------------------------------------

生命不息,---Sheng ming4 bu4 xi,
戰鬥不止.---Zhan4 dou4 bu4 zhi3.

Fight as long as one has a breath in one's body.
[go on fighting till one breathes one's last]
------------------------------------

生前不走天堂路,---Sheng qian2 bu4 zou3 tian tang2 lu4,
死後難免地獄門.---Si3 hou4 nan2 mian3 di4 yu4 men2.

When alive one did not follow Heaven's ( Nature's) Way,
One would not escape from Hell's Gate when one died.
(Meaning those not following Nature's Way when alive cannot
escape leaving a bad name after death).
----------------------------------------

生在蘇州,---Sheng zai4 Suzhou---Born in Suzhou,
住在杭州,---Zhu4 zai4 Hangzhou---Live in Hangzhou,
吃在廣州,---Chi zai4 Guangzhou---Eat in Guangzhou,
死在柳州.---Si3 zai4 Liuzhou---Die in Liuzhou.

Suzhou 蘇州 is a "水之都 city of water" in the south of the city of Shanghai
(上海)
in Jiangsu province (江蘇省). Suzhou produces beautiful girls and boys.

Hangzhou 杭州, in Zhejiang province 浙江省, is known as "人間天堂 Paradise
on earth", particularly the lake of the West (西湖) or the West Lake. It
is very beautiful.

Guangzhou 廣州, in Guangdong province 廣東省, is world renowned for its
Cantonese cuisine. There are Chinese
restaurants throughout the world that cater for Cantonese food.

Liuzhou 柳州, in Guangxi province 廣西省, is famous for its lanmu trees
that produce hard wood for coffins in which, it is believed, the body does
not decompose.
-----------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-14-11 22:20


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom


經風雨,---Jing feng yu3,
見世面.---Jian4 shi4 mian4.

Face the world and brave the storm.
And have seen the world and experienced life.
---------------------------------------

驚弓之鳥,---Jing gong zhi niao3,
望月而飛.---Wang4 yue4 er2 fei.

A bird once frightened by an arrow,
Flew off as soon as it saw the moon coming out.
------------------------------------

精金美玉的人品,---Jing jin mei3 yu4 di2 ren2 pin3,
須從烈火中鍛來.---Xu cong2 lie4 huo3 zhong duan4 lai2.

The moral quality of a man like the fine gold and beautiful jade,
Requires to be forged out from a condition like the raging flames.
-------------------------------------------------

兼聽則明,---Jian ting ze2 ming2,
偏信則暗.---Pian xin4 ze2 an4.

If you listen to both sides and you will be enlightened,
If you heed only one side and you will be benighted.
--------------------------------------

經驗是智慧之父,---Jing1 yan4 shi4 zhi4 hui4 zhi fu4,
記憶是智慧之母.---Ji4 yi4 shi4 zhi4 hui4 zhi mu3.

Experience is the father of intelligence,
Memory is the mother of wisdom.
---------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-15-11 03:58


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

丈母看女婿,---Zhang4 mu3 kan nu3 xu4,
越看越中意.---Yue4 kan yue4 zhong4 yi4.

The more the mother looks at her son-in-law,
The more she likes him.

丈人看女婿,---Zhang4 ren2 kan nu3 xu4,
越看越惹氣.---Yue4 kan yue4 re3 qi4.

The more the father looks at his son-in-law,
The more he gets angry.
--------------------------------------------

往事明如鏡,---Wang3 shi4 ming2 ru2 jing4,
來者黑似漆.---Lai2 zhe3 hei ru2 qi.

The past is as clear as a mirror,
The future as dark as lacquer.
--------------------------------------------

違背倫理必遭禍殃
Wei2 bei4 lun li3 bi4 zao huo4 yang

To violate moral principles bound to meet calamity.
---------------------------------------

為人不做虧心事,---Wei2 ren2 bu4 zuo4 xin shi4,
夜半敲門也不驚.---Ye4 ban4 qiao men2 ye3 bu4 jing.

In life, if you have done nothing wrong and don't have a guilty conscience,
You wouldn't worry about a knock on your door at night.
-------------------------------------

勿同人爭,---Wu4 tong2 ren2 zheng,
要同命爭.---Yao4 tong2 ming4 zheng.

Do not contend with people but your own life.
------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-15-11 05:54


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

英雄造時勢,---Ying xiong2 zao4 shi2 shi4,
時勢造英雄.---Shi2 shi4 zao4 ying xiong2.

The heroes produce their times,
Or the times produce the heroes.
-------------------------------------

贏了官司輸了錢
Ying2 liao3 guan si shu liao3 qian2

Win your lawsuit and lose your money.
-------------------------------------------

讀書如交友,---Du2 shu is like making friends,
應求少而精.---Ying qiu2 shao3 er2 jing.

Studying books is like making friends,
It should not have too many but showing proficiency in them.
----------------------------------------------------------

英雄無用武之地
Ying1 xiong2 wu2 yong4 wu3 zhi di4

A hero with no place to display his prowess
(no scope to exercise one's abilities)
-----------------------------------------


熒熒不滅,---Ying2 ying2 bu4 mie4,
炎炎奈何.---Yan2 yan2 nai4 he2.

A spark if not extinguished could become a blaze.
--------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-15-11 07:05


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

未做賊, 心不驚;---Wei4 zuo4 zei2, xin bu4 jing;
未吃魚, 口不腥.---Wei4 chi yu2, kou3 bu4 xing.

I am not frightened as I have never been a thief;
My mouth does not smell fishy as I have not eaten fish.
-----------------------------------------------

天上老鷹瘦,---Tian shang4 lao3 ying shou4,
地上光棍窮.---Di4 shang4 guang gun4 qiong2.

The eagles in the sky are thin,
The ruffians on earth are poor.
-----------------------------------------------

瞎貓碰死耗子
Xia1 mao2 peng4 si3 hao4 zi3

A blind cat bumps dead a mouse
-----------------------------------------

瞎子幫忙,---Xia zi3 bang mang2,
越幫越忙.---Yue4 bang yue4 mang2.

The blind man is helping,
The more he helps the busier the job has become.
------------------------------------------

下水救人終有失,---Xia4 shui3 jiu4 ren2 zhong you3 shi,
三思行事卻無憂.---San si xing2 shi4 que4 wu2 you.

When a man enters the water to save life he might end up losing his own
life,
A man will have no trouble if he thinks thrice before he acts.
-------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-16-11 01:02


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

熊未到手先賣皮
Xiong2 wei4 dao4 shou3 xian mai4 pi2

Sell the bear's skin before one has caught the bear.
----------------------------------------------

休將我語同他語,---Xiu1 jiang wo3 yu3 tong2 ta yu3,
未必他心似我心.---Wei4 bi4 ta xin si4 wo3 xin.

Do not tell him what I have said,
Because his thinking might be different from mine.
----------------------------------------------------------

休戚相關,---Xiu qi xiang guan,
患難與共.---Huan4 nan2 yu4 gong4.

Be bound by a common cause
And go through thick and thin together.
--------------------------------------------

休與小人為仇,---Xiu yu4 xiao3 ren2 wei2 chou2,
小人自有對頭.---Xiao3 ren2 zi4 you3 dui tou2.

Do not make enemy with a vile character,
Eventually the vile character will have his opponent.
----------------------------------------------

朽木搭橋,---Xiu3 mu4 da qiao2,
存心害人.---Cun2 xin hai4 ren2.

Using rotten wood to make a bridge,
He intends to harm someone.
(With malicious intentions)
--------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-16-11 07:22


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom


只要功夫深,---Zhi3 yao4 gong fu2 shen,
鐵杵磨成針.---Tie3 chu3 mo2 cheng2 zhen.

Constant grinding can turn an iron rod,
into a needle.
(perseverance spells success)
---------------------------------------------

好漢打不過人多
Hao3 han4 da3 bu4 guo4 ren2 duo

A real man cannot fight against more people.
-----------------------------------------

好漢顧地方,---Hao3 han4 gu4 di4 fang,
野雞顧山場.---Ye3 ji gu4 shan chang3.

A true man attends to his locality,
A pheasant looks after its territory.
---------------------------------------

要知山下路,---Yao4 zhi shan xia4 lu4,
須問過來人.---Xu wen4 guo4 lai2 ren2.

Wanting to know the road at the foot of the mountain,
You have to ask those who have been there before.
-----------------------------------------

硬着肚皮稱好漢
Ying4 zhao2 du4 pi2 cheng hao3 han4

He is bracing himself to call himself a man of iron.
-----------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-16-11 07:34


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

只見樹木,---Zhi3 jian4 shu4 mu4,
不見森林.---Bu4 jian4 sen lin2.

When one is in the forest, one only sees the trees,
But not the forest.
------------------------------------------------

指鹿為馬,---Zhi3 lu4 wei4 ma3,
顛倒黑白.---Dian dao4 hei bai2.

To call a deer a horse
Is to confound black and white.
-----------------------------------------

指頭伸出有長短
Zhi3 tou2 shen chu you3 chang2 duan3

Stretching out one's fingers there are long and short
--------------------------------------------------------------

只圖今世有飯食,---Zhi3 tu2 jin shi4 you3 fan4 shi2,
不圖下世沒柴燒..---Bu4 tu2 xia4 shi4 mei2 chai2 shao.

My plan is to make sure that I have food to eat in this life,
I don't care if I have no firewood to burn in my next life.
------------------------------------------------

只要目的正當,---Zhi3 yao4 mu4 di2 zheng4 dang,
可以不擇手段.---Ke3 yi3 bu4 ze2 shou3 duan4.

The end justifies (or sanctifies) the means.
---------------------------------------------

只要用心讀,---Zhi3 yao yong4 xin du2,
何患讀不熟.---He2 huan4 du2 bu4 shu2.

Try your best and study diligently,
You should not be afraid of not understanding.
----------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-16-11 07:55


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

使人人遭殃的風才是惡風
Shi4 ren2 ren2 zao3 yang di2 cai2 shi4 e4 feng

It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good.
---------------------------------------

世上多少少年郎,---Shi4 shang4 duo shao3 shao4 nian2 lang2,
全因賭博做人難.---quan2 yin du3 bo2 zuo4 ren2 nan2.

Please note the tone marks of shao.
It can be shao3 or shao4.

shao3 = 多少 duo shao3 means numerous.
shao4 = 少年 shao4 nian2 means early youth (from ten to sixteen)
-----------------------------------------------------

世上萬般愁苦事,---Shi4 shang4 wan4 ban chou2 ku3 shi4,
無如死別與生離.---Wu2 ru2 si3 bie2 yu4 sheng li2.

No matter how tough a life for the living,
It's still no comparison to saying goodbye to the dead and seperation.
---------------------------------------------------------------

字是隨身寶,---Zi4 shi4 sui2 shen bao3,
財是國家珍.---Cai2 shi4 guo2 jia zhen.

Word is the value of a man,
While wealth is the treasure of a country.
--------------------------------------------

自說自語,---Zi4 shuo zi4 yu3,
一定叫化.---Yi ding4 jiao4 hua4.

He is talking to himself,
He must be begging.
---------------------------------------


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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-16-11 16:33


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom


笑在面上,---Xiao4 zai4 mian4 shang4,
喜在心里.---Xi zai4 xin li3

With a smile on one's face
And joy in one's heart.
------------------------------------------

心急等不得人,---Xin1 ji2 deng3 bu4 de2 ren2,
性緊釣不得魚.---Xing4 jin3 diao4 bu4 de2 yu2.

An impatient person cannot wait for people,
A short-tempered person cannot go fishing.
----------------------------------------

心靜自然涼
Xin1 jing4 zi4 ran2 liang4

So long as one keeps calm,
One does not feel heat too much.
------------------------------

心曠神怡,---Xin1 kuang4 shen2 yi2,
事事順利.---Shi4 shi4 shun4 li4.

With a big heart, relaxed and happy,
In whatever we do, we would be successful.
------------------------------

心裡光明是天堂,---Xin li3 guang ming2 shi4 tian tang2,
心裡黑暗是地獄.---Xin li3 hei an4 shi4 di4 yu4.

With a good heart it is heaven,
With a bad heart it is hell.
---------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-16-11 20:01


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

訓教不嚴師之惰,---Xun4 jiao4 bu4 yan2 shi zhi duo4,
學問不成子之罪.---Xue2 wen4 bu4 cheng2 zi3 zhi zui4.

When the training and teaching is not strict the teacher is lazy,
When the son fails to complete his education it is his own fault.
----------------------------------------------------

秀才餓死不賣書,---Xiu4 cai2 e2 si3 bu4 mai4 shu,
壯士窮死不賣劍.---Zhuang4 shi4 qiong2 si3 bu4 mai4 jian4..

Even if he starves to death a scholar will not sell his books,
Even if he dies of poverty a heroic man will not sell his sword.
------------------------------------------

秀才遇到兵,---Xiu4 cai2 yu4 dao4 bing,
有理說不清.---You3 li3 shuo bu4 qing.

A scholar met the soldiers,
Who could not understand his reasons.
---------------------------------------

袖大好遮風,---Xiu4 da4 hao3 zhe feng,
樹大好遮蔭.---Shu4 da4 hao3 zhe yin4.

A long sleeve dress is good for keeping out wind,
A big tree is good for shading the sun.
--------------------------------------

虛心使人進步,---Xu xin shi3 ren2 jin4 bu4,
驕傲使人落後.---Jao ao4 shi3 ren2 luo4 hou4.

Modesty helps one to go forward,
Conceit makes one lag behind.
---------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-16-11 20:16


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

一錢遮百醜
Yi1 qian2 zhe bai3 chou3

Money hides a thousand deformities.
-------------------------------------

一切困難踩腳下
Yi1 qie kun4 nan2 cai3 jiao3 xia4

Trample all difficulties underfoot
(surmount all difficulties)
-----------------------------------

一人犯罪,---Yi ren2 fan4 zui4,
一人受罰.---Yi ren2 shou4 fa2.

The one who commits a crime,
Should be the one to be punished.
----------------------------------------

一人計短, 二人計長
Yi1 ren2 ji4 duan3, er2 ren2 ji4 chang2 .

Two heads are better than one.
--------------------------------------

一人開井,---Yi ren2 kai jing
千人飲水.---qian ren2 yin shui.

One person digs the well,
And a thousand people drink the water.
-------------------------------------------

一人言之不信,---Yi ren2 yan2 zhi bu4 xin4,
二人言之則疑,---Er4 ren2 yan2 zhi ze2 yi2,
三人言之則信.---San ren2 yan2 zhi ze2 xin4.

People may not believe the words of one person,
They intend to suspect the words of two persons.
They do believe the words of three persons.
--------------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-17-11 01:32


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

一手不能遮天
Yi1 shou3 bu4 neng2 zhe tian

You cannot cut off the sunlight with one hand.
------------------------------------------------------

一手拿香,---Yi1 shou3 na2 xiang,
一手拿槍.---Yi shou3 na2 qiang.

He has incense in one hand,
And a spear in the other.
---------------------------------------------------

人生之大病﹐不在無用﹐而在無明﹔
Ren2 sheng zhi da4 bing4, bu4 zai4 wu2 yong4, er2 zai4 wu2 ming2;
事業之成功﹐不在學歷﹐而在學力。
Shi4 ye4 zhi cheng2 gong, bu4 zai4 xue2 li4, er2 zai xue2 li4.

The great sickness of a man is not that he is useless, but not understanding;
The success of an undertaking is not of his record of formal schooling,
but his knowledge.
------------------------------------------------------

暗處一盞燈,---An4 chu4 yi zhan3 deng,
勝過七層寶塔光.---Sheng4 guo4 qi ceng2 bao3 ta3 guang.

One lamp in a dark place
Is better than lighting a seven-story pagoda.
----------------------------------------------

一蟹不如一蟹,---Yi xie4 bu4 ru2 yi xie4,
人才愈趨愈下.---Ren2 cai2 yu4 qu yu4 xia4.

Each crab is smaller than the one before,
And people are becoming less and less intelligent.
---------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-17-11 11:00


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

愚者千慮,---Yu2 zhe3 qian lu4,
必有一得.---Bi4 you3 yi de2.

Even fools sometimes speak to the purpose,

智者千慮,---Zhi4 zhe3 qian lu4,
必有一失.---Bi4 you3 yi shi.

Even the wise,
Are not always free from error.
-----------------------------------------

雨不會下整年,---Yu3 bu4 hui4 xia4 zheng3 nian2,
人不會窮一生.---Ren2 bu4 hui4 qiong2 yi sheng

The rain would not rain non-stop for the whole year,
Man would not be poor for his whole life.
----------------------------------------

拜神是一時的恭敬,---Bai4 shen2 shi4 yi shi2 di2 gong jing4,
皈依是一生的信仰.---Gui yi shi4 yi sheng di2 xin4 yang3

In praying a god is only to respect that god for a period of time,
To convert to a religion is a life time in believing that religion.
-------------------------------------------------------

懲前毖後,---Cheng2 qian2 bi4 hou4,
治病救人.---Zhi4 bing4 jiu4 ren2.

Learn from past mistakes to avoid future ones,
And cure the sickness to save the patient.
------------------------------------------

城牆上的草,---Cheng2 qiang2 shang4 di2 cao3,
風吹兩邊倒.---Feng chui liang3 bian dao4.

The grass on the top of the city wall,
Turn to both sides when the wind blows.
-------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-17-11 18:02


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

沉默即同意
Chen2 mo4 ji2 tong2 yi4

Silence gives consent
-----------------------------------

沉舟側畔千帆過,---Chen2 zhou ce4 pan4 qian fan guo4,
病樹前頭萬木春.---Bing4 shu4 qian2 tou2 wan4 mu4 chun.

A thousand sails pass by the shipwreck;
Ten thousand saplings shoot up beyond the withered tree.
----------------------------------------

誠不能慎之,---Cheng2 bu4 neng2 shen4 zhi,
禍之根也.------Huo4 zhi gen ye3.

The cause of all troubles,
Is lack of attention to the root of troubles.
----------------------------------------------------

乘船就預備落水
Cheng2 chuan2 jiu4 yu4 bei4 luo4 shui3

When you travel by boat be prepared for a ducking.
---------------------------------------------

乘風破浪,---Cheng2 feng po4 lang4,
奮勇前進.---Fen4 yong3 qian2 jin4.

Ride the wind and cleave the waves,
Let us surmount all difficulties and forge ahead.
-------------------------------------------


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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
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Date:   09-17-11 18:13


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

殘身志不殘
Can2 shen zhi4 bu4 can2

Broken in health but not in spirit
-------------------------------------------

蒼蠅不叮無縫蛋
Cang1 ying2 bu4 ding wu2 feng4 dan4

No flies will infest an egg that has no cracks
---------------------------------

草動知風向
Cao3 dong4 zhi feng xiang4

A straw shows which way the wind blows
------------------------------------------

廚師多燒壞湯.
Chu2 shi duo shao huai4 tang.

Too many cooks spoil the broth.
--------------------------------------------------------

處世讓一步為高,---Chu3 shi4 rang4 yi bu4 wei2 gao,
待人寬一分為福.---Dai4 ren2 kuan yi fen wei2 fu2.

To deal with people and affairs sometimes it is better off to yield an inch,
To get along with people it is a blessing to be generous.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-17-11 18:36


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

豺狼當道,---Chai2 lang2 dang dao4,
安問狐狸.---An wen4 hu2 li2.

The treacherous high officials are in power,
Why ask the petty officials?
-------------------------------

柴米油鹽醬醋茶,---Chai2 mi3 you2 yan2 jiang4 cu2 cha2,
無錢怎得到我家.---Wu2 qian2 zen3 de2 dao4 wo3 jia.

Fuel, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar and tea,
Without money they don't come to my house.
-----------------------------------------

長短是根棍,---Chang2 duan3 shi4 gen gun4,
大小是個人.---Da4 xiao3 shi4 ge2 ren2.

A rod is a rod whether it is a long one or a short one,
A human is a human whether he is a child or an adult.
-----------------------------------------------------

長江水一去不回頭,-------Chang Jiang shui3 yi qu4 bu4 hui2 tou2,
老年如何回到少年時?---Lao3 nian2 ru2 he2 hui2 dao4 shao3 nian2 shi2?

The Yangtze River never turns back but flows forever onward,
When a man has grown old, how can he ever turn backward to the days of his
youth?
---------------------------------------------------------

常用的鐵不銹,---Chang2 yong4 di2 tie3 bu4 xiu4,
常練的人不病.---Chang2 lian4 di2 ren2 bu4 bing4

The iron that has been used regularly does not rust,
A person who often exercises seldom get sick.
-------------------------------------------

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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-18-11 11:31


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

天高皇帝遠,---Tian gao Huangdi yuan3
(政府和人間的隔閡極大)

The government and the ordinary people are separated far away.
-------------------------------------------------------

與人方便,---Yu4 ren2 fang bian4,
自己方便.---Zi4 ji3 fang bian4

Give help to others,
Others will give help back to you.
----------------------------------------------------

出外十日,---Chu wai4 shi2 ri4,
為風雨計.---Wei2 feng yu3 ji4.

Going out for ten days,
Make plan for the wind and rain.

出外百日,---Chu wai4 bai3 ri4,
為寒暑計.---Wei2 han2 shu3 ji4.

Going out for a hundred days,
Make plan for the cold and hot.

出外千日,---Chu wai4 qian ri4,
為生死計.---Wei2 sheng si3 ji4.

Away from home for a thousand days,
It is better to leave a will behind.
---------------------------------------

出則事公卿,---Chu ze2 shi4 gong qing,
入則事父兄.---Ru4 ze2 shi4 fu4 xiong.

While working outside obey the superior officer,
At home obey the father and the elder brother.
-------------------------------------------------------

出陣不當父子兵,---Chu1 zhen4 bu4 dang fu4 zi3 bing,
相打不當親兄弟.---Xiang da3 bu4 dang qin xiong di4.

Father and son should not be the soldiers going together to battle,
Blood brothers should not be fighting each other.
----------------------------------------

廚裡有剩飯,---Chu2 li3 you3 sheng4 fan4,
路上有飢人.---Lu4 shang4 you3 ji ren2.

There are extra foods in the kitchen,
And there are angry people on the roads.
-------------------------------------------------

廚師多燒壞湯.
Chu2 shi duo shao huai4 tang.

Too many cooks spoil the broth.
--------------------------------------------------------

處世讓一步為高,---Chu3 shi4 rang4 yi bu4 wei2 gao,
待人寬一分為福.---Dai4 ren2 kuan yi fen wei2 fu2.

To deal with people and affairs sometimes it is better off to yield an inch,
To get along with people it is a blessing to be generous.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted to asiawind.com
By CHUNG Yoon-Ngan (鄭永元)
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 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-18-11 16:40


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

綿綿不絕,---Mian2 mian2 bu4 jue2,
將成網羅.---Jiang cheng2 wang3 luo2.

A single thread could be spun into a net.
----------------------------------

面孔美麗的人﹐生活末必充滿快樂,
Mian4 kong3 mei3 li4 di2 ren2, sheng huo2 wei4 bi4 chong man3 kuai4 le4,

心靈純潔的人﹐生活才能充滿喜悅.
Xin ling2 chun2 jie2 di2 ren2, sheng huo2 cai2 neng2 chong man3 xi yue4.


A person with a beautiful face may not be happy with life,
A person with a clean and honest heart can be able to live happily.
----------------------------------------------------------

廟木不只樹一棵
Miao4 mu4 bu4 zhi shu4 yi ke

The wood for a temple does not come from one tree.
---------------------------------------------------

苗子不造反,---Miao2 zi3 bu4 zao4 fan3,
將軍不值錢.---Jiang jun bu4 zhi2 qian2.

If there are no uprisings in the country,
The generals are worthless.
---------------------------------------------------

民不畏死,------Min2 bu4 wei4 si3,
奈何以死懼.---Nai4 he2 yi3 si3 ju4 zhi.

If the people are no longer afraid of death,
There is no use of threatening them with death.
----------------------------------------

Posted to asiawind.com
By CHUNG Yoon-Ngan (鄭永元)
Reply To This Message
 
 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-18-11 22:24


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

能得一日閒,---Neng2 de2 yi ri4 xian2,
便是一日仙.---Bian4 shi4 yi ri4 xian.

To be for one day entirely at leisure
Is to be for one day an immortal.
---------------------------------------------

能恨煩惱不恨他人﹐是世界上第一聰明,
Neng2 hen4 fan2 nao3 bu4 hen2 ta ren2, shi4 shi4 jie4 shang4 di4 yi cong
ming2,
能以他人歡喜為喜﹐是世界上最大快樂.
Neng2 yi3 ta ren2 huan xi wei2 xi, shi4 shi4 jie4 shang4 zui4 d4 kuai4 le4.


If one is able to vex on oneself, yet one does not hate anyone, then he
is the cleverest man in the world,
Seeing people feel happy one becomes happy too, he is the happiest man in
the world.
-------------------------------------------------------

能放能收的哭聲,---Neng2 fang4 neng2 shuo di2 ku sheng,
眼淚好比自來水.---Yan3 lei4 hao3 bi3 zi4 lai2 shui3.

If he can start and stop crying,
Then his tears are like the tap water that can be turned on and off.
--------------------------------------------

能狼難敵眾犬,---Neng2 lang2 nan2 di2 zhong4 quan3,
好手難擋雙拳.---Hao3 shou3 nan2 dang3 shuang quan2.

A strong wolf cannot fight against a group of dogs,
A good hand cannot ward off two fists.
-----------------------------------------------

能忍且忍, 得耐且耐,---Neng2 ren3 qie3 ren3, de2 nai4 qie3 nai4,
不忍不耐, 小事做大.---Bu4 ren3 bu4 nai3, xiao3 shi4 zuo4 da4.

If one is able to tolerate, tolerate, require to be patient, be patient,
With no toleration and patience, small matter might become big matter.
----------------------------------------

Posted to asiawind.com
By CHUNG Yoon-Ngan (鄭永元)
Reply To This Message
 
 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-19-11 07:55


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom


寧可認錯,---Ning4 ke3 ren4 cuo4,
不可說謊.---Bu4 ke3 shuo huang.

I would rather acknowledge a mistake,
Than to tell a lie.
----------------------------------------------

寧死不可背禮
Ning4 si3 bu4 ke3 bei4 li2

Better die than turn your back on propriety.
------------------------------------------

寧做雞頭,---Ning4 zuo4 ji tou2,
不當鳳尾.---Bu4 dang feng4 wei3

I would rather be a chicken's head,
Than a phoenix's tail.
-----------------------------------------

寧救百只羊,---Ning4 jiu4 bai3 zhi3 yang2,
不救一條狼.---Bu4 jiu4 yi tiao2 lang22.

I would rather save one hundred lambs,
Than to save one fox.
---------------------------------------------------

牛不飲水,---------Niu2 bu4 yin3 shui3,
不能按牛頭低.---Bu4 neng2 an4 niu2 tou2 di.

If a cow does not want to drink water,
You cannot force it to drink.
--------------------------------------------

Posted to asiawind.com
By CHUNG Yoon-Ngan (鄭永元)
Reply To This Message
 
 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-19-11 11:55


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

只可救苦,---Zhi3 ke3 jiu4 ku3,
不可就賭.---Bu4 ke3 jiu4 du3.

You can save a person in poverty,
But you cannot save him/her in gambling.
-----------------------------------------------

只可智取,---Zhi3 ke3 zhi4 qu3,
不可強攻.---Bu4 ke3 qiang2 gong.

The only way to take the enemy position is by strategy,
But not by forceful attack.
-------------------------------

年輕不如人,---Nian2 qing bu4 ru2 ren2,
到老無大用.---Dao4 lao3 wu2 da4 yong4.

Inferior in youth,
No much use in old age.
------------------------------------------------------

鳥往明處飛,---Niao3 wang3 ming2 chu4 fei,
人往高處去.---Ren2 wang3 gao chu4 qu4.

Birds tend to fly to where there is light,
People tend to go to high places.
---------------------------------

鳥要緊的是翅膀,---Niao3 yao4 jin3 de shi4 chi4 bang3,
人要緊的是理想.---Ren2 yao4 jin3 de shi4 li3 xiang3.

The most important thing for a bird is its wings,
The most important thing for a man is his idea.
-------------------------------------------------------

Posted to asiawind.com
By CHUNG Yoon-Ngan (鄭永元)
Reply To This Message
 
 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-19-11 15:33


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom

好鐵不打釘,---Hao3 tie3 bu4 da4 ding,
好男不當兵.---Hao3 nan2 bu4 dang bing.

Good iron will not be made into a nail,
A good son will not become a soldier.
-------------------------------------------------

好心好人家,---Hao3 xin hao3 ren2 jia,
歪心歪自家.---Wai xin wai zi4 jia.

A good intentions is good for all,
An evil idea is only for yourself.
------------------------------------------------

好言一句三冬暖,---Hao3 yan2 yi ju4 san dong nuan3,
話不投機六月寒.---Hua4 bu4 tou2 ji liu4 yue4 han2.

One good word is like the warm in three winters,
When the conversation is not agreeable it is like the cold in June.
-------------------------------------

好藥難治冤孽病,---Hao3 yao4 nan2 zhi4 yuan nie4 bing4,
好話難勸糊塗虫.---Hao3 hua4 nan2 quan4 hu2 tu chong2.

Good medicine is hard to cure an injustice case,
Good words are hard to advise a stupid fool.
-----------------------------------------------------

多鳴之貓,---Duo ming2 zhi mao2,
捕鼠必少,---Bu3 shu3 bi4 shao3.

A cat that cries too much,
Will sure catches less rats
------------------------------------------------

Posted to asiawind.com
By CHUNG Yoon-Ngan (鄭永元)
Reply To This Message
 
 Re: Chinese Words of Wisdom
Author: CHUNG Yoon Ngan 
Date:   09-19-11 18:16


中國賢文 Chinese Words of Wisdom


人愛富的,---Ren2 ai4 fu4 di2,
狗咬窮的.---Gou3 yao3 qiong2 di2.

People love wealthy men,
Dogs bite those in poverty.
--------------------------------------------------------

對面看人心不透
Dui4 mian4 kan4 ren2 xin bu4 tou4

By looking straight at the face of a man one cannot see through his heart.
---------------------------------------------

多言賈禍,---Duo1 yan2 gu3 huo4,
多食致疾.---Duo shi2 zhi4 ji2.

Talking too much brings in troubles,
Eating too much gives your indigestion.
-----------------------------------

大炮打麻雀
Da4 pao4 da3 ma2 que4

It is not worth using a cannon to shoot a sparrow
-----------------------------------------------


大事做不來,---Da4 shi4 zuo4 bu4 lai2,
小事又不做.---Xiao3 shi4 you4 bu4 zuo4.

Being unable to do major assignments,
While disdain from doing minor ones.
-----------------------------------------------

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By CHUNG Yoon-Ngan (鄭永元)
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